HOW TO MEASURE FOR HOOF BOOTS

Correct measurement of your horse's hooves is one of the most important steps to take to get a good fit and optimum performance. Surely none of us would jog in a pair of trainers that were too big or too small, so do not expect our horses to do it !!

We explain below how to take the required measurements step by step:

Remember that to take a correct action you must do it with the hoof unshod and after its last natural cut. The hoof should have, at least, balanced heels and a good Mustang roll.

For a correct measurement you will need only a rigid retractable measuring tape that measures in mm and a clean hoof.

• Width: blue line (maximum hoof width)
  
  
• Length: red line (distance between heel buttress and toe) 

• To take the correct measurement, measure the hoof at its widest point
  
  
• Remember that the maximum width will not always be at the same point in all hooves, as this depends on the particular shape of the hoof.
  
  
• Be sure to place the tape measure as straight as possible from one side to the other, as a diagonal position of the tape will give incorrect measurements.

• This is the measurement from the toe to the heel butresses. To take this measurement correctly you must locate both heel buttresses, which is where the wall of the hoof ends, draw an imaginary straight line between them and take the measurement from this line to the toe of the hoof passing through the centre of the frog.
  
  
• Remember that the length of the hoof does not include the heel bulbs as they will be contained in the heel of the boot and not in the sole. 
  
  
• Using a straight ruler or a rasp to mark the line that joins both heel buttresses can help when taking the hoof length measurement.

It is possible that in drawing the line between the two heel buttresses you find that this line is not straight but diagonal, this means that the heels are unbalanced.

In this case also take the measurement from the toe to the heel butress that is furthest away, but it is advisable to consult with your podiatrist so they can be correctly balanced.