Cavallo Trek Hoof Boot
The Cavallo Trek Hoof Boot is the most flexible, durable, breathable and user-friendly addition to the Cavallo hoof boot collection. Trek Hoof Boots, with their honeycomb design, maximize strength and minimize weight for the comfortable performance your horse deserves. Our toughest trail riding boot is also perfect for the relief of chronic pain or hoof sensitivity; rehabilitation from injuries, abscesses, navicular disease, laminitis/founder, punctures, sole bruising and contracted heels. Additionally, the Trek Hoof Boot can easily be adjusted for close contact and snug fit to individual horses’ hooves. Can be used for protection during trailering and breeding or taken on the trail as a “spare tire” for lost shoes.
Available in Regular or Slim Sole
The Trek Regular Sole is perfect for horses whose hoof length and width measurements are fairly equal. The Trek Slim Sole is perfect for horses whose hoof length measurements are longer than they are wide (by 1/4 inch or more).
Step 1 — Prepare the Hoofs:
- FOR ACCURATE SIZING, BE SURE TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS RIGHT AFTER A FRESH TRIM. (Future growth is already factored into each size range)
- Brush and clean the hoof carefully so that the entire foot is clearly visible, and the buttress lines are obvious.
- Make sure to use a measuring device with highly visible, contrasting numbers that will be easy to read and will show up well in photos.
- DO: Use a ruler or tape measure with increments as small as 1/16 of an inch (or down to the millimeter for metric rulers). Measure precisely to 1/16 of an inch or millimeter, if possible.
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 3 — Measure the Width
Using the same measuring device, place the “0” at the edge of your horse’s hoof and run it straight and level across the widest point of the hoof. Make sure the measuring device is snug against the side of the hoof. Record the width measurement or submit a photo.
* If your horse’s hoof width measurement is greater than the hoof length measurement, choose your horse’s Cavallo boot size in the Regular sole shape, based on width (not length) measurement.
DON’T: Do not hold your measuring device at an angle.
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.
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!
The Cavallo Measuring Chart Shows the Full Range of Sizes Offered, From Minis to Drafts:
Fitting Finer-Boned Horses
The Trek and ELB (Entry Level Boots) are the best choices for finer-boned horses.
Both styles have a unique front-closure system that allows for an extra-snug fit on the upper portion of the boot – creating a very secure fit. Wrap the Velcro closures from back to front. Drawing to the front on a downward angle to create a “V” shape in the centre to tighten the fit.
How to Measure When Using Cavallo Boots Over Metal Shoes
Great results are obtained with Cavallos over metal, as the TPU (thermoplastic urethane) sole absorbs the shock, which causes vibration up the horse’s structure. Cavallos also prevent sole tenderness, heel bruising, pulling shoes off and injuries to the coronet band and other areas. Boots are also used for shod horses for hoof rehabilitation and to provide increased comfort and protection during riding, training, transport, and turnout.
To measure a shod horse, follow our regular measuring instructions (as above) but instead, measure the length and width of the horseshoe itself (rather than the bare hoof). If you are unsure of your measurements or would like a second opinion, please send us photos of the length and width of your horseshoes.
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. 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.
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