The benefits of hoof boots
Protect your horse's hooves when it suits you and your horse. You strive for natural proportions and don't burden your horse with shoes unless strictly necessary (pasture or otherwise).
Healthy hooves are essential; enormous forces are exerted on them, especially during galloping and jumping. Hoof boots do not hinder the hoof mechanism in any way and optimize the condition of the hooves.
To initiate a transition to riding barefoot in all conditions. Hooves can become so strong that you can ride them on hard and uneven surfaces without any problems. You can gradually accustom your horse's hooves to this with hoof boots; the hooves will harden and thus no longer wear down as quickly. It goes without saying that such a goal is only achievable with very regular riding on hard and uneven surfaces. Normally, however, we need to protect our horse's hooves. After all, we also find it unpleasant to walk barefoot on gravel or pebbles.
Almost every horse benefits from hoof boots, and they're specifically ideal for problem hooves where shoeing is no longer possible. In all cases, they contribute to healing and pain relief. You'll save on shoeing costs annually, while also providing your horse with exceptionally gentle hooves!
Shod hooves limit hoof maintenance, but when using hoof boots, any desired maintenance is possible at any time.
Why should you move away from iron fittings?
- You feel an urge to interact with my horse in the most natural way possible.
- Modern technology has found a way to a good alternative.
- A horse is not born with shoes, the concept of a horseshoe has simply become established as “normal”.
Are hoof boots heavy?
This varies greatly by manufacturer. FRA Cavallo hoof boots are relatively light and no heavier than the average horseshoe.
Do hoof boots always fit properly?
No, the risk of loss is relatively high and varies per model and brand.
FRA Cavallo claims to be unlosable under all circumstances when used in the correct size!
How long do hoof boots generally last?
Many factors play a role here, with the intensity of use being a decisive factor. In general, experience has shown that the cost of purchasing hoof boots far outweighs the cost of shoeing, with the difference in purchase price per brand being a decisive factor. If you use hoof boots on relatively soft ground like grass or loose sand, they will last longer than if you were to ride on asphalt daily. That makes sense...
Just like with horseshoes, wear also depends on the position and rolling of the foot. If your horse places its feet evenly, you'll get even wear. If your horse walks crooked, you'll also see this in your hoof boots.
Are there different sizes?
Yes, you should always strive for a perfect fit. An incorrect fit will always cause problems.
Each brand has its own sizes. FRA Cavallo hoof boots are available in various sizes.
Can you determine the size yourself?
Each brand of hoof boot uses its own measuring techniques. While some brands can't do it yourself, others can. With FRA Cavallo hoof boots, this is very simple; ideally, a measurement is taken after trimming. The FRA Cavallo sizing guide is available for this purpose.
If you're still unsure about this, feel free to come to the shop with a "print" of the hoof. To do this, place your horse's foot(s) on a piece of cardboard and trace around it.
Are hoof boots suitable for every horse?
No, this isn't a given. Hoof boots, regardless of brand, are less or not at all suitable if:
- your horse is dragging its hooves; this obviously causes excessive wear on the sole.
- your horse walks so tightly that the shoes slide against each other with every gait; this causes extreme wear on the inside of the shoes.
For FRA Cavallo hoof boots, the specific rule is that the hoof width may only exceed the length measurement by one size. If the width exceeds this measurement, the FRA Cavallo hoof boot is likely unsuitable for your horse.
Are there optional protection options?
Not all brands offer these options, FRA Cavallo offers you additional options for special circumstances or to give substance to your own feelings:
- Wrap bandages
- Gel insole
- Studs
Are hoof boots easy to put on and take off?
This varies by brand. There are significant differences between models, from pumps to good and less-than-ideal "ski bindings." A key feature of the FRA Cavallo is the convenience of a front closure that opens the boot completely. This makes the boot very easy to put on and take off.
What are the specific disadvantages of hoof boots?
- The shoes of some brands are difficult to put on and take off.
- With many models, one or more shoes are lost relatively often during a ride.
- Hoof boots are stiff, for example sliding stops are not possible.
- The familiar clacking sound of irons is gone.
What are the specific benefits of using hoof boots?
- No hoof wall weakening due to nailing.
- The functioning of the hoof mechanism is not hindered.
- Lower costs.
- No vibrations across the joints.
- Use the hoof boots only when necessary.
- Fewer injuries.
- Most brands use shock-absorbing material in the hoof boots, which, together with the flexibility of the unshod hoof, provides optimal shock absorption.
- Hoof boots provide more grip than irons.
Some more information about FRA Cavallo hoof boots
The Cavallo hoof boots are constructed from durable materials: top quality leather, waterproof stitching, stainless steel hook and loop fasteners, and the sole itself is made from the very high-quality thermoplastic urethane (TPU) material.
Built-in drainage grooves prevent suction in muddy areas, and the hoof boot is lightweight and shock-absorbing. The unimpeded functioning of the hoof mechanism results in optimal blood circulation, which optimizes hoof growth.
The shoe is patented worldwide under number US 553,806S.
Simply take the measurement!
It's best to determine the size after trimming, without including the hoof balls. The measurement from the imaginary connecting line that vertically connects the points of the lateral frog grooves to the toe is the determining factor.
Be sure to watch this video with practical information:
You can easily find the required size in the size chart.
It's also wise to include the width measurement (see the red dotted line); this measurement may exceed the length measurement by one size. If this exceeds one size, FRA Cavallo hoof boots are not suitable for your horse.
The sizing of FRA Cavallo hoof boots is designed to allow for hoof growth between trimmings.
Please note that if you order the wrong size hoof boots, we can only exchange them if they are undamaged, unused, and perfectly clean!
Therefore, always fit a plastic bag around the hoof and place your horse on a clean, flat surface.
Just like new shoes, hoof boots will need some time to break in. It's recommended to wear the boots for no more than 20 minutes at a time for the first few days. The leather will become more supple with use and leather care.
Various models of Cavallo Hoofboots
Cavallo Simple hoof boots sold per pair.
Cavallo Sport hoof boots, sold per pair.
Cavallo Trek hoof boots, sold per pair.
In addition, Cavallo also has hoof boots specifically for miniature horses, namely the Cute Little Boot .
In 2019, special hoof boots also came onto the market that you can use for horses WITH horseshoes! These are the so-called. transport hoof boots that you can use for shod horses that kick off their shoes during transport or in the pasture.
Cavallo wrap bandage
The Cavallo wrap bandage is a bandage made of super-elastic, reinforced high-density foam for extra protection of the coronary band and the balls of the hoof. This additional protection is specially designed to meet your desire for extra protection. After all, we humans often wear socks with our shoes for extra protection of our skin. Available in three sizes:
S: for hoof boot sizes 0-1
M: for hoof boot sizes 2-3
L: for hoof boot sizes 4-6
Open the wrap bandage and place it around the hoof, reaching just below the balls of the hoof, keeping the Cavallo logo visible on the outside. The Velcro fastens the front seam.
Put on the hoof boot as described above and hook the two flaps of the wrap bandage onto the hook-and-loop flaps at the toe of the boot. If you feel it, you can pull the wrap bandage up slightly at the back.
Follow the hoof shoe instructions to fasten the shoe. See also:
Please note: wrap bandages are made of relatively lightweight material and should be put on carefully, given the strength of a horse's foot, to prevent damage. Also, clean the bandages regularly to ensure the proper functioning of the Velcro.
Cavallo gel pads 
Removable insoles for extra comfort. Easily cut to size for your hoof boots.
The FRA gel insoles offer your horse a little extra comfort. They also allow you to ensure the hoof boots fit as well as possible between trims.
This video provides an overview of the various FRA Cavallo hoof boots for unshod horses:
Cute Little Boots: the hoof boots for minis, Shetland ponies and donkeys
The CLB hoof boots are specially designed for your small pony or mini. They are available in standard execution or in Bling version .
Easily determine which size you need by measuring the length and width of the hooves shortly after your horse or pony has been trimmed.
After trimming, measure vertically from the imaginary line connecting the outer points of the lateral frog grooves to the toe.
The width is measured at the widest part of the hoof.
Below you will find the size chart for the CLB hoof boots for small ponies:
| Mate | Width | Length |
| M1 | 51 - 61 mm | 62 - 71 mm |
| M2 | 62 - 72 mm | 72 - 78 mm |
| M3 | 73 - 82 mm | 83 - 92 mm |
| M4 | 83 - 92 mm | 93 - 102 mm |
FRA Cavallo: the simplest hoof boot in the world!
That gets to the heart of the matter. Grab your horse's FRA Cavallo hoof boots and head out, simple and easy, without fear of losing them. Give your horse the benefit of a shoe that will give you peace of mind even under extreme conditions; they make you and your horse one.
Cavallo gives horse lovers food for thought .
