7 Clever Cavallo Boot Tricks & Hacks Worth Sharing!
Your Cavallos Understood the Assignment! Do you have a pair of these overachievers kicking around?
7 Reasons Your Cavallo Hoof Boots Deserve a Raise:
🍎 1. How ‘Bout Them Apples? Fresh Boots Ahead!
Keeping your Cavallo Boots clean helps reduce the buildup of dirt, sweat, moisture, and bacteria that can contribute to hoof problems like thrush, fungal infections, and skin irritation.
Apple cider vinegar’s natural acidity makes it a great freshening rinse! Simply clean your boots, then wipe, soak or spray them with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution (50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water), rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely. You can also spray this mixture on hoof soles regularly to help reduce bacterial buildup.
2. Dirty Boots? Take Your Cavallos for “a Spin”!
Did you know some Cavallo Hoof Boots are machine washable? It’s true! Trek, ELB, CLB and BFB styles can go right in your washing machine for an easy, thorough refresh!
Simply remove any large debris from the soles, place the boots in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect your machine, and wash on a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30°C/86°F) with mild detergent or plain water. Let your boots air-dry completely away from direct heat and strong sunlight (and never use a dryer!). Perfect after muddy rides or rehab turnout, it’s a fantastic way to give your Cavallos a deep clean with minimal effort!
For more tips on keeping your Cavallos clean, CLICK HERE!
3. Breaking In Boots in a Hurry?
Just like your favourite pair of shoes, Cavallo Hoof Boots benefit from a gradual break-in period. This allows the soft leather that covers the padded heel bulb area of your Cavallos to mould to your horse’s unique hoof shape for a comfortable, custom fit.
But what if you have a big ride coming up, or your horse needs Cavallos for a hoof issue, and you don’t have time to break them in? Speed up the process by soaking your boots in warm water, then later, working a quality leather conditioner into the inside leather bulb and collar areas to make the leather more supple, on the double!
4. Deep Soaking? Cavallos Have It in the Bag…
Not every hoof boot brand offers the full coverage or simple, adjustable fit needed to accommodate a plastic bag for a deep hoof soak. But your Cavallos can! Simply slip a sturdy plastic bag over the hoof, fasten your Cavallo Boot over it, and add warm water with Epsom salts or a vet-recommended soaking solution. Use a sturdy plastic bag or grab a pack of inexpensive, disposable hoof soaking bags online. The bag holds the liquid against the hoof, allowing a deeper soak that can reach the coronary band, ideal for abscess care and other recommended hoof treatments.
5. Point the Flap… Close the Gap!
Here’s a simple trick that can make a big impact! When securing your Cavallos, point/angle the outer Velcro flaps downward as you pull them snug to fasten in place. This helps to close up any extra gap around the boot collar, creating a closer, more secure fit. A snugger collar means less unwanted boot movement, which can reduce friction and keep your Cavallos comfortably in place without risk of coming off, right where they belong!
6. A Little Too Much Wiggle Room? Here’s the Trick:
Hooves change, and so can the fit of your Cavallo Boots. If your boots have become a little roomy, did you know that you can add up to two Cavallo Hoof Boot Pads in each boot to snug things up? It’s a clever little trick to accommodate subtle hoof changes over time, or to tighten your horse’s boot fit for the first week or two after a fresh trim.
7. Don’t Get Soaked Paying for a Soaking Boot When You Already Have One!
A little duct tape is all it takes! Simply cover the drainage slots from inside your Cavallo Boots (don’t forget the little ones at the back!), add water or your recommended soaking solution, and voilà! You’ve got a soaking boot! Perfect for hydrating dry, hard hooves, softening them before a trim or providing veterinarian-recommended soaks for abscesses, white line disease and other hoof issues. No extra boot to buy, no awkward soaking bucket, and one more clever use for your Cavallos!
Do you have a Cavallo Hoof Boot hack you’d like to share?
Wishing you many happy trails,
Carole Herder
President and Founder of Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc
Founder of Cavallo Hoof Boots, and a lifelong advocate for better, kinder hoof care.
For over two decades, I’ve worked to challenge traditional thinking and create solutions that support both performance and well-being—helping horses move freely and comfortably around the world.
This journey continues to be shaped by the horses themselves.
