FOR ACCURATE SIZING, BE SURE TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS RIGHT AFTER A FRESH TRIM. (Future growth is already factored into each size range)
rush and clean the hoof carefully so that the entire foot is clearly visible, and the buttress lines are obvious.
Step 2 — Measure the Length It is important to place the “0” of your measuring device securely against the tip of the toe. Run the measuring device straight down the center of the hoof toward the heel.
Locate your equine’s hard points of the heel (the buttresses) and measure to where these two emerge. Do not include the heal bulbs. Record the length measurement or submit a photo.
* The weight-bearing LENGTH most often indicates the size necessary. Take hoof WIDTH measurements as well, to confirm that you have chosen the correct sole shape for your horse, either Regular or Slim.
DON’T: Do not hold your measuring device at an angle. Do not leave any part of the measuring device extended over the edge of the toe.
Step 2 — Measure the Length From the tip of the toe. Run the measuring device straight down the center of the hoof toward the heel.
Locate the heel (the buttresses) and measure to where these two emerge. Do not include the heel bulbs. * The weight-bearing LENGTH most often indicates the size necessary. Take hoof WIDTH measurements as well, to confirm that you have chosen the correct sole shape for your horse, either Regular or Slim.
DON’T: Do not hold your measuring device at an angle. Do not leave any part of the measuring device extended over the edge of the toe.
Step 4 — Taking Measurement Photos
Please make sure you are in a well-lit area and that the entire cleaned hoof is visible in your photos. Position the camera squarely towards the hoof – not on an upwards or downwards angle. Make sure the measuring device is placed flat on the hoof. Always begin at the zero mark. Keep the device in a straight line both across and down. Please see the image below for example.
TIP: Proper photos are easier achieved with the help of another to hold the hoof.
*** We’re Here to help make the best size recommendation for you. Contact Us here if You Need help
Step 5 — Size Each Individual Hoof
Repeat the measuring process described above for all hooves you wish to size for Cavallo Hoof Boots.
TIP: Even on the same equine, not all hooves measure the same. It is always best to measure each individual hoof to obtain the most accurately sized boot for each foot.
Choosing your Sole Width
REGULAR SOLE: Length and width measurements are the same or fairly equal.
SLIM SOLE: For sizes 0-6, this sole is chosen when the sole width measurement is 6mm (1/4″) less than the length measurement (indicating a narrower hoof). If the width is more than two sizes narrower than the length, this sole may not be suitable.
Cavallo Boots are SIMPLE to MEASURE. Learn How to Measure and Fit your Cavallos with this Easy Video!
Fitting Finer-Boned Horses
The Trek and ELB (Entry Level Boots) are the best choices for finer-boned horses.
How to Test the Fit of your Cavallo Hoof Boots Before Using:
Only new UNUSED boots can be exchanged. To keep the boot clean, we suggest covering the hoof with thin plastic and checking fit on a non-scuff (not gravel), clean, dry surface.
Cavallo Hoof Boots are Easy to Fit!
For initial fit: simply insert the covered hoof into boot. Secure Velcro® closures, and then secure outside closure(s) on the boot.
Cavallo Hoof Boots are Easy to Fit!
For initial fit: simply insert the covered hoof into boot. Secure Velcro® closures, and then secure outside closure(s) on the boot.
Important Tips on Fitting
You should not have to force the boot on the horse’s hoof in any way. If you are having to force the boot on it is too small.
If the boot is rotating independently from the horse’s hoof it is too big. A wiggle is okay, because the hoof expands in weight-bearing and even further in movement.
Here you can see how the sole fits into the length of the boot and the heel bulbs fit into the padded heel area at the back of the boot:
Before Your First Ride
Like your own riding boots, it’s recommended that time is taken to gradually break in your Cavallo Boots. If your horse has sensitive skin, or if you are going on a long ride and are concerned about potential rubbing, Cavallo Pastern Wraps and/or Cavallo Comfort Sleeves are available. If your horse is fine-boned and there is excess space between the pastern and the boot collar, wraps can also prevent major debris from entering the boot.
Breaking In your New Boots
Remember that there is a break-in period like your own new boots would have when you first get them. On the first day, the boots shouldn’t be worn for more than 20 minutes. You wouldn’t put on brand-new boots and go walking for hours; treat your horse’s new boots (and feet!) as you would your own. You can speed up the break-in process by using a leather softener or riding through water.
Please see this video to find out more about how to break in your boots, and how they will shape to custom-fit YOUR horse:
Simple Fitting Tips
TOO SMALL: If you have difficulty putting the boot on, it may be too small. Ideally the boot “pops” nicely onto the hoof for a good fit. Please check your measurements against the chart above.
SOLE: The sole of the hoof should fit securely inside the boot sole. Ensure that the entire weight-bearing wall from front of toe to heel buttress sits within the boot outsole. It may be helpful to compare the outside raised tread area at the bottom of the boot to the weight-bearing length of the hoof sole (toe to buttress as per the diagram on the above measuring chart.
HOOF ON THE GROUND: Place your horse’s hoof firmly on the ground to fasten boot.
OUTER COVER: Ensure that the boot tongue is pushed firmly against the hoof. Draw the outer flaps firmly around the hoof, pressing the Velcro on the flaps against the Velcro on the tongue; keep taut and level.
TOO BIG: Pick the hoof up. If the boot twists or rotates excessively, it may be too big, or the outer cover may be loosely fastened. If the sole fits well but the upper portion of the boot is too large, consider the ELB or Trek styles as the outer flaps can be angled downward when fastening to adjust for an extra-snug fit on the upper. Some twisting is fine because the hoof is lifted, in its smallest position. When bearing the horse’s load it expands and may easily fill the boot.
CAVALLO PASTERN WRAPS and COMFORT SLEEVES may be used to assist in the breaking-in process or during injury to prevent chafing.
SIMPLE BOOTS ONLY: Once the boot is fitted, if the strap extends beyond the nylon keeper, then you can cut the strap to the preferred length, leaving a line of stitching to prevent unravelling. PLEASE NOTE: Boots cannot be exchanged if straps have been cut. Be sure boots are the correct size BEFORE cutting.
Need help? Send us your measuring photos HERE and we’ll send you a size recommendation.
