How to choose a boot style
People's shoes come in a multitude of varieties for different uses and must fit well to be useful and provide comfort. Hoof boots should be thought of in the same way.The most important factor in boot success is FIT. Choose the boot that fits most closely to your horse's dimensions: a tight fit is crucial.
Application Instructions for the Easyboot Glove
- Pick up the horse's leg and support the cannon bone between your knees so that you can use two hands when applying the boot.
- Fold the gaiter back to get it out of the way.
- Using technique rather than strength, place the boot over the horse's toe and, using a slight back and forth twisting motion, slide the boot on the rest of the way. You can also put the foot down on the ground and allow the horse to put weight into it. Don't use the gaiter to pull the boot on. If you are having trouble please refer to the fitting video found at easycareinc.com.
- Check for proper fit. Make sure all portions of the boot (with the exception of the gaiter) are below the hairline. The boot should be very snug and not twist on the hoof. Do not use the boot if it is loose or if the main part of the boot touches the coronary band.
- Fasten the Easyboot Glove Gaiter.
- Pull the top of the gaiter tight around the pastern.
- Fasten the hook and loop straps. The tighter the fit, the better the boot will perform. Overlap the hook and loop straps as much as needed to insure a tight fit and avoid rubbing issues. This overlapping does not compromise the integrity of the gaiter. When properly tightened, it should be difficult to fit a finger between the pastern and the top of the gaiter. Due to their great deal of elasticity, gaiter straps cannot be overtightened.
Removing the Easyboot Glove
- Unfasten the gaiter straps.
- Slip the boot off the hoof.
How to measure for the Easyboot Glove:
- After a fresh trim, measure the width of the hoof across the bottom at the widest point.
- Measure the length of the hoof from the toe to the buttress line of the heel. The buttress line is the farthest weight bearing point of the heel where the hoof wall ends. Do not include the heel bulbs in the measurement.
- Compare your measurements with the chart below. Ideally, the length and width measurements should fit into the same size on the chart. Because this boot needs to fit very snug, if you are a size apart we recommend that you order a fit kit. Be sure to check the requirements and measurements against an alternative boot in the EasyCare line-another style may accommodate your horse's hoof shape better.
Size Chart
Note: We have found that measurements for the Glove are more accurate and easier to take using the metric system.
| Size |
Width in millimeters |
Length in millimeters |
| 0 |
104mm - 107mm |
114mm - 117mm |
| 0.5 |
108mm - 111mm |
118mm - 121mm |
| 1 |
112mm - 115mm |
122mm - 125mm |
| 1.5 |
116mm - 119mm |
126mm - 129mm |
| 2 |
120mm - 123mm |
130mm - 133mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I measure?
A: See above for measuring information. Ideally, your horse should fit into the same size on the chart for both width and length. The upper end of the size chart is the actual physical dimension of the inside of the boot. So, a #1 boot is 115mm x 125mm.
Q: If my horse wears a size 1 Easyboot, what is the comparable size?
A: The sizing for the Easyboot Glove is completely different than our other boots. You will need to re-measure your horse in millimeters and look at the size chart. The Easyboot Glove comes in both whole and half sizes.
Q: What if my horse has a really short, round foot?
A: This boot is not right for the shape of your horse's foot. You should look at another boot in the EasyCare line.
Q: Do they stay on in mud?
A: If properly fitted the Glove will stay on through most types of muddy terrain. If you are riding through mud that will suck even a nailed-on shoe off, you may lose a boot as well. If you are riding through extreme mud over a period of time, you will want to consider removing the boots and riding your horse barefoot.
Q: Can I wear studs with the boots?
A: Yes. You will need to drill holes in the tread and apply the studs. Most riders wear four studs per boot-two at the toe and two at the heel.
Q: Do the Glove boots stretch?
A: There will be minimal loosening during initial use.
Q: My boots come off when I am going uphill or cantering.
A: Start with wrapping the hoof with athletic tape (like Vet Wrap) wrapped 3 or 4 times below the coronet band. The goal is to create a better connection between the hoof wall and the boot shell all the way to the top of the boot. |