Horse Trail Chicks

Product: Hoof boots

Brand: Cavallo

There are many benefits to having a barefoot horse. These can include a healthier hoof, better shock absorption, better traction on slick surfaces, and saving money on farrier bills, not to mention the trouble a shod horse can get into when s/he paws a hay net or kicks another horse.

So why do we even shoe horses?  Many horses spend the vast majority of their time in a soft, grassy pasture and then are ridden on sandy or rocky terrain. So, we shoe them to prevent the hoof from wearing faster than it grows – which can happen if you ride a lot on rough terrain, and to increase traction. Hoof boots, worn while riding, are a great option for preventing the hoof from excessive wear and increasing traction while allowing the horse to be barefoot the rest of the time.

A few winters ago I had the opportunity to try a pair of Cavallo Trek Hoof Boots.  Prior to this, I had pretty much written off hoof boots, having had a few experiences with them flying off at the gallop and causing bucking episodes and other unpleasantness. So when I saw the Cavallos at Equine Affaire, I was pretty excited – they looked like they would stay put on the hoof. They can also be fitted with studs, which means that my horse – who is always barefoot in winter – can safely walk out on icy roads. I love them because now I can ride out much more in winter, and last year I got a second pair for my horse’s hind hooves, the Cavallo Entry Level Hoof Boots.

In this short video, Tupelo and I are walking on glare ice; you can see his back feet slip but the fronts – with studded boots, are not.

Cavallo boots fit closely around the hoof and are secured with velcro on the front flaps as well as velcro straps.  There are slits in the bottom to allow water to escape. The materials are topnotch and the stitching is very strong. They are easy to put on (no mallet required) and the fit is snug so they don’t flop around. I have galloped with them, ridden in snow and mud and water and they have never come off  or come loose. In fact, in snow they protect my horse – who has very sensitive heels – if the snow gets crusty. I also like that there are no wires or anything that could get caught on something. The studs work very well on ice, though I did find them challenging to install. Here is a video on how to install them. I find you have to put a lot of downward pressure on the drill and advance the stud very slowly to get it to catch in the drilled hole in the boot.

The Entry Level model and the Trek model are similar except the Trek is heavier duty. If you don’t ride in really rugged terrain or only need hoof boots from time to time, the Entry Levels should be totally adequate. I especially like them because they are lightweight and flexible. Both models are excellent they have others as well – for every type of riding.

One thing to know about Cavallo boots is that, because they are so snug fitting, they require a break-in period. Because they come up over the heel bulb they can rub the skin above the hoof, so you must start by having your horse wear them for a short time and gradually increase the length of time each day. This allows the boots soften and your horse’s skin to toughen up. Eventually you can go on long rides without a problem. They also fit differently than some other boot brands. You should not have to force them on. Before you order your boots, watch the video and read the information on Cavallo’s webpage about measuring and fitting (you can also print out a fitting guide), and read the FAQs where they talk about the break-in period. They also have pastern wraps which you can use to protect the skin if needed.

I really love my Cavallo boots. The only reason I gave them 4.5 carrots rather than 5 is the break-in period. You can’t just throw them on out of the box and go out for a 3-hour ride. This is not a defect in the manufacture or the design – just the nature of a snug boot.

For me the bottom line for the Cavallo Trek Boots is:

• They allow me to keep my horse barefoot all day long yet protect his hooves when riding;
• With the studs they have greatly increased my ability to trail ride in winter;
• They protect not only his hooves but his heels.

Where to buy: Cavallo website

Price: Entry Level $69.95 per boot; Trek $99.95 per boot. Cavallo also offers several other models including mini and draft horse boots.

Monica