Woof Wear Medical Hoof Boot (Blue)

To get the best out of your Medical Hoof Boot:

1. Overreaching - Do not use the Medical Hoof Boot (MHB) in place of an overreach boot to prevent shoe loss. The MHB is not designed for this application and will not protect against overreaching. We recommend always using a generous sized overreach boot over the top of MHB to protect it should your horse stand on himself or overreach. We recommend this on both front and hind hooves.
2. Measure, Measure, Measure... - The MHB is designed to be a snug fit so it doesn’t fall off. If you do not measure accurately or buy a size too big it can result in damage to the MHB due to the boot being trodden on by the other foot.

Measuring Rules:
i) Measure width carefully before bandaging, with or without shoe
ii) Choose size per guide (don’t go to next size up)
iii) No need to add extra for dressings

Fitting:

The Woof Wear Medical Hoof boot has been designed to fit closely around the hoof and be a stretch fit around the pastern. If this is achieved, the boot will not fall off and is less likely to be trodden on with the other foot.

Use the size guide (click 'Sizing' on the tabs above) to ensure you have the closest fit for your horse or pony.

Note - If your horse has specialist or remedial shoes, or large shoes such as Eggbars or Heartbars, you may need to go up a size to accommodate these. We recommend working with your farrier to ensure you get the most applicable size for your horse.

If it is your intention to use on both front, or hind feet, and your horse is particularly ‘active’ or a bit close in his action, the risk of standing on the boot with the opposite foot is higher due to the decreased distance between the two feet. In this case you can use an overreach boot over the top of the Medical Hoof Boot to protect it.

1. If your horse requires a poultice, put it on the affected area in the normal way and secure it in place with some adhesive bandage. You will not need to use additional materials to keep it in the place as the hoof boot will do this.
2. Undo the zip fully and open the boot up as much as possible.
3. Lift up the horse’s foot and pull the boot up and over the front of the hoof. Use the ‘V’ shaped indent (in the moulded part of the boot at the front) as a guide to where the middle of the boot is.
4. Once you have pulled the boot onto the foot, let the horse put his foot down as this will help push the foot further into the boot.
5. Ensure the boot is fitted centrally on the foot – you may find it easier to pick the foot back up and check that the moulded sole is straight and not crooked. If it appears crooked undo the zip, pick up the foot and gently swivel the boot around the foot until you are satisfied it is straight. The ‘V’ indent will help guide you with this.
6. Check that the edge of the foot reaches the side of the boot and the bulbs of the heels are also encased within the moulded area, and not overhanging it.
7. When happy with the fit, pull the zip up ensuring it is covered by the neoprene zip cover
8. The stretch neoprene upper should fit snugly around the pastern area to ensure no bedding or mud etc can get inside the boot. If the upper is too tight, it is unlikely you will be able to do the zip up fully and this will be an indication that you have the incorrect size.
9. If turning the horse out, ensure he is happy with the feel of the boot first. In the unlikely event the horse is nervous of the boot, walk him gently around his stable so that he can get used to it. They will soon realise it is comfortable and will not impede movement.

Hints and tips for fitting

When fitting the boot you may find it easier to face the front of the horse and rest his leg on your knees – similar to how your farrier holds the foot when shoeing.

This enables you to look down the front of the boot and use the ‘V’ indent as a guide to ensure the boot is not crooked when fitted. Ensure your horse is tied up securely and standing calmly when doing this.
When using the correct size, the boot is a snug fit and should fit sleekly around the foot, bulbs of the heel and up the pastern. If the horse is sore from an abscess or bruised foot, the boot will offer some immediate relief as the soft padding from the sole will reduce pressure.
If turning your horse out to pasture whilst wearing the Hoof Boot, ensure that the area is well drained, and for the benefit of your horse, as level as possible as this will further help to reduce discomfort.
If the Hoof boot is fitted with the zip on the inside, and your horse is sensitive, thin skinned or inclined to brush, you may like to offer some extra protection to the opposite pastern. This can be something as simple as some adhesive bandage around the pastern, or a better option is to use Woof Wear Pastern Wraps. Made from breathable neoprene these will protect the area from the possibility of any rubs and are safe to leave on for long periods.