Frequently Asked Questions

Sizing and measuring with Cavallo Hoof Boots is simple, but it’s the most crucial step to ensure your horse gets a secure and comfortable fit! Measurements should be taken after a fresh trim, as future growth room is already factored into each size range. Whether your horse is barefoot or shod, Cavallo makes it easy to measure correctly and get the boots that support natural movement and total hoof comfort.

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With a wide variety of options to suit every horse, from miniatures to drafts- and even donkeys- Cavallo has something for every equine. Each boot is designed for durability, comfort, and protection, featuring replaceable Velcro closures, shock absorption, and all-terrain traction. Whether you’re trail riding, competing, or need extra hoof support, there’s a Cavallo boot for you. Explore our guide to find the perfect fit for your equine partner!

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When you first introduce your Cavallo Hoof Boots, it’s essential to allow your horse time to break them in gradually. Like any new gear, it’s best to take a gradual approach to ensure your horse’s comfort and avoid any rubbing or soreness. Start by having your horse wear the boots for about 15-20 minutes per day. Further increase the time each session over several days or even weeks, depending on your horse’s sensitivity and the boot’s fit. This slow introduction allows the boots to soften and mould to the natural shape of your horse’s hooves. To speed up the break-in process, you can apply leather conditioner around the padded leather heel bulb area or dampen the boots with water to soften them more quickly.

The Cavallo Hoof Boot break-in period ensures your horse enjoys maximum comfort and protection. With soft, padded leather around the heel bulbs and foam cushioning that moulds to the shape of your horse’s hooves, the boots provide exceptional support and reduce pressure! As you gradually break in the boots, they adapt to your horse’s unique hoof shape, offering a custom fit that prevents rubbing and discomfort.

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Cavallo Pastern Protection Options enhances comfort and protection for your horse’s pasterns and heel bulbs, ideal for full-time hoof boot wear or sensitive skin. They are essential for use with conditions like laminitis, founder, and navicular disease, where your horse will be wearing the boots full-time. Cavallo Pastern Protection reduces friction, ensuring a smooth transition to booted life during break-in and extended wear.

For horses with sensitive skin or those prone to irritation, using a Cavallo pastern protection option is also recommended to ensure comfort. Cavallo Pastern protection is available with Pastern Wraps or Comfort Sleeves.

Cavallo Hoof Boots provide immediate relief for horses recovering from hoof conditions such as laminitis, founder, thin soles, navicular syndrome, abscesses, and arthritis. Engineered to reduce pressure, absorb shock, and enhance circulation, they support the entire hoof structure for faster healing and lasting comfort. With protective cushioning to ease pain and concussion-related issues, Cavallo Hoof Boots offer reliable support for both barefoot and shod horses. Their superior stability on all surfaces – including uneven and rocky terrain – makes them the #1 choice for therapy, rehabilitation, and overall hoof health.

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Cavallo Hoof Boot Pads provide added cushioning and support inside your Cavallo boots, making them ideal for all horses, especially those in rehabilitation. Available in six styles—Comfort, Poly, Support, Protection, Cushion, and Gel—Cavallo Hoof boot pads enhance boot fit, improve comfort, and promote healthy circulation. These pads absorb shock, reduce pressure, and protect hooves during riding, trailering, and recovery from painful conditions like laminitis, founder, and navicular. Protection Pads also prevent boot sole wear, making them perfect for shod horses. To learn more about what Cavallo Hoof Boot Pad your horse needs, click “Read More” below.

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Cavallo Hoofcare savings are substantial for horse owners, as hoof care is one of the most significant ongoing expenses. By switching to a barefoot lifestyle with Cavallo Hoof Boots, you can drastically cut costs while still providing your horse with the comfort and protection they need.

Traditional Shoeing Costs – Horses that wear metal shoes typically require shoeing every six weeks to maintain proper hoof health and prevent discomfort or lameness. Here’s what that looks like financially:
$200 per shoeing session
8 shoeing sessions per year (every 6 weeks) → $1,600 per year
Total yearly cost: $1,600 USD

Barefoot & Booted Costs – By transitioning to a barefoot lifestyle and using Cavallo Hoof Boots when needed, you can dramatically cut down on your annual hoof care expenses while keeping your horse comfortable and protected. Here’s the cost breakdown:
$50 per barefoot trim
8 trims per year (every 6 weeks) → $400 per year
Cavallo Trek Boots (designed to last approximately two years with regular use) → $209.90 per pair; $104.95 per year
Total yearly cost: $504.95 USD

The Savings Add Up – By choosing to go barefoot and booted, you save $1,095 per horse every year. Over the course of a horse’s lifetime, these savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars!
Not only is this approach more affordable, but it also supports natural hoof function, improved circulation, and long-term soundness.

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Storing your Cavallo Hoof Boots properly helps extend their life and maintain their performance. Whether you use them daily or just occasionally, proper storage prevents wear, damage, and odour.

When storing your Cavallo Hoof Boots use a breathable gear bag or ventilated tack box – never airtight containers. Proper Hoof Boot storage will help prevent moisture buildup and allow for constant airflow, subsequently reducing the risk of hydrolysis. Many Cavallo customers have reported using wire boxes, milk crates, and shoe organizers to store their boots. Boots used in wet conditions should be fully dry before being put away. Always close all Velcro panels before storage to prevent hair, hay, and dirt from entering.

Finally, be cautious when buying used or 2nd hand hoof boots. You may not know how long they have been stored or under what conditions. Proper care ensures your boots last for many years without damage.

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Cleaning Cavallo Hoof Boots is quick and easy, thanks to their low-maintenance, high-performance design. Consequently, you can rinse Cavallo boots with a hose or clean them simply by riding through water – no special tools are required. This makes daily cleaning effortless for busy horse owners. When a more thorough cleaning is required, a mild antibacterial soap can effectively disinfect the boots without damaging the materials. Cavallo Hoof Boots are built to last, but routine cleaning helps maintain their fit, comfort, and appearance over time. Best of all, several Cavallo boot styles, including the Trek, ELB, CLB, and BFB, are machine washable at temperatures of up to 30°C. Simply toss them in your washing machine for a deeper refresh when needed. Whether you’re removing trail dust, scrubbing away mud, or disinfecting after turnout, cleaning Cavallo Hoof Boots is always simple, effective, and stress-free.

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Transitioning to barefoot isn’t just a trend; it’s backed by science and decades of real-world success. Transitioning to barefoot with Cavallo Hoof Boots is one of the best decisions you can make for your horse’s health! Moving away from metal shoes allows your horse’s hooves to function as nature intended – flexible, shock-absorbing, and whole. 

When metal shoes are removed, circulation and sensation return to areas that were previously restricted. During this period, hoof walls may chip, frogs may shed, and your horse might appear uneven on gravel or pavement. This is normal – don’t panic! As your horse’s hooves begin to strengthen and self-regulate, Cavallo boots help bridge the gap between shod and barefoot life.

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Cavallo Hoof Boot Uses go beyond simple hoof protection – they provide comfort, support, and durability for a variety of equine activities! Whether your horse needs rehabilitation, extra traction on the trail, or cushioning during transport, these boots offer reliable protection. Cavallo Hoof Boots are ideal for performance disciplines such as jumping, dressage, and barrel racing, as well as everyday turnout and therapeutic use. Designed for barefoot and shod horses, they absorb shock, reduce hoof pressure, and enhance movement on any terrain. Explore the many ways Cavallo Hoof Boots can keep your horse comfortable and performing at their best.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots outshine other brands with their unbeatable combo of simplicity, comfort, and durability. No tools, no fuss; just easy-on, easy-off boots that work on ALL terrain! While other brands can be bulky or tricky to apply, Cavallo Hoof Boots are simple. No wires, straps or tools needed- Cavallo boots feature a simple and secure front velcro closure. Cavallo Hoof Boots are ready for trail riding, turnout, or rehab, the true multi-purpose hoof boot. Their built-in soles absorb shock and provide great traction, so your horse stays comfy and confident. Plus, with sizes and styles for every horse, Cavallo makes booting easy and fun. Once you try them, you’ll never look back!

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Yes! Cavallo Hoof Boots are versatile, designed for both barefoot and shod horses. For horses wearing metal shoes, Cavallo Boots offer added protection, traction, and support. They’re ideal for trailering or shows, providing comfort and stability when horses stand on hard ground for extended periods, as well as for rehabilitation purposes. When using Cavallo Hoof Boots over metal shoes, your horse will benefit from proven pressure reduction and shock absorption!
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The durability and lifespan of your Cavallo Hoof Boots depend on several factors, including terrain, frequency of use, and proper care. Under standard conditions, Cavallo Hoof Boots typically last between 1 and 2 years, with many riders reporting that their boots last even longer. Regular maintenance and correct storage are key to extending their lifespan. Our boots are backed by the best warranty in the business – 180 days from the date of purchase. Learn more about how to maximize the longevity of your Cavallo Hoof Boots and when to consider replacing them.

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Absolutely! With the exception of our Simple and Sport boots, Cavallo Boots are designed to work on either hoof!

You can swap the boots as needed without losing performance, comfort, or protection. Because Cavallo boots are interchangeable, you can rotate them between feet to reduce uneven wear. This helps extend the life of your gear. Still, some riders prefer to assign one boot to the left hoof and one to the right. Why? It helps you track wear patterns over time. You might notice that your horse drags one foot or wears down one side more. Assigning a left and right boot supports a custom fit. It’s optional, but many riders find it offers even more comfort and performance over time!

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Cavallo Hoof Boots’ Secure Fit ensures that your boots stay on through mud, water, and rough terrain. Their patented conical shape mimics the natural hoof structure, while industrial-strength Velcro and a soft foam-lined upper provide a snug, secure hold. The boots fully enclose the hoof and protect the heel bulbs, preventing slipping or loss. A unique drainage system allows water and mud to flow through, stopping suction from pulling boots off. Customizable for added security with Cavallo pads, wraps, or sleeves, Cavallo Hoof Boots stay in place.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots offer comfort, support, and protection for horses with sore and inflamed hooves. Designed to relieve pain and enhance shock absorption, they help distribute weight evenly, thereby reducing pressure on sensitive tissues. Once the underlying cause of your horse’s laminitis has been addressed, rehabilitation should focus on restoring blood flow and circulation to the hooves, as laminitis disrupts this process. Movement is essential for recovery, and Cavallo Hoof Boots provide your horse with the needed comfort and protection to encourage mobility. Pads can be added inside the boots to relieve sole pressure and support natural healing by reducing pressure on sensitive hooves.

Ideal for long-term use and recovery, Cavallo Hoof Boots can be worn full-time with Pastern Wraps or Comfort Sleeves for added cushioning during laminitis.

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Yes! Cavallo Hoof Boots can provide aging and arthritic horses with the comfort and support they need to stay active and pain-free. Cavallo’s innovative hoof boots reduce concussion, improve traction, and distribute pressure more evenly across the hoof. These are key benefits for managing joint stiffness and soreness. Whether your horse is still being ridden or enjoying retirement, Cavallo Hoof Boots help ease movement and promote circulation, aiding long-term joint health. Backed by scientific research and trusted by horse owners worldwide, they’re easy to use on both barefoot and shod horses.

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Thrush is one of the most common hoof conditions in horses, yet it is often misunderstood. Thrush develops when poor hoof function, limited circulation, and environmental factors allow bacteria and fungi to thrive. Effective management focuses on supporting healthy tissue, not destroying it.

Correct trimming, consistent movement, balanced nutrition, and thoughtful environmental care all play critical roles. Treating thrush with Cavallo Hoof Boots adds practical support by protecting the hoof, keeping treatments in place, allowing soaking, and improving comfort on challenging footing. When combined with a whole-horse approach, Cavallo Hoof Boots help create healthier, more resilient hooves that resist infection.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots offer superior protection, comfort, and durability for turnout. They shield hooves from rough terrain, rocks, mud, and snow, thereby effectively minimizing the risk of diseases such as thrush, white line disease, stone bruises, and accessses. Cavallo boots provide excellent traction on slippery concrete and deep mud, reducing the risk of injury. Designed for both barefoot and shod horses, Cavallo Hoof Boots for Turnout help prevent pulled shoes and overreach injuries due to their full-coverage design. They support hoof health by allowing natural hoof expansion and blood flow, without compromising on comfort or protection.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots provide effective, long-term relief for horses experiencing Navicular Syndrome or related conditions. Designed to promote natural hoof movement and reduce pain, Cavallo Hoof Boots feature scientifically proven shock absorption technology. Perfect for daily turnout, trail riding, or rehabilitation, they help restore mobility and protect sensitive hooves without sacrificing hoof health or protection. Explore how Cavallo Hoof Boots can support your horse’s Navicular recovery journey today!

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Cavallo Hoof Boots are perfect for jumping, offering a secure, close-fitting design that ensures comfort and stability during takeoff and landing. Their added grip enhances traction, while the scientifically proven pressure-reducing soles protect your horse’s hooves and joints from impact. Easy to apply and built for reliable performance, Cavallo Hoof Boots provide the extra protection and comfort needed for a confident jumping experience.

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Treating and managing hoof cracks with Cavallo Hoof Boots is an easy, effective approach. Learn what causes vertical, toe, and quarter cracks. Explore how hoof imbalance and environmental stress contribute to wall separation, and what signs indicate deeper structural involvement.

This guide outlines proper assessment, trimming considerations, nutritional support, and management strategies to promote strong, healthy horn growth. Discover how Cavallo Hoof Boots help compromised hoof walls, reduce concussion on hard ground, and support comfortable movement during rehabilitation.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots for Horses with Feathers, such as Gypsy Vanners, Friesians, and Shires, provide unmatched comfort and protection. Designed to fit well on heavier-boned horses, Cavallo Hoof Boots provide a protective fit that keeps them secure while riding. With a bit of practice, managing your horse’s feathers during the booting process is simple, allowing every horse to benefit from the protection and comfort that Cavallo Hoof Boots provide. If your horse has feathers, Cavallo boots are a smart and stylish solution for ensuring protection, traction, and everyday hoof comfort.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots provide grip, comfort, and protection on ALL surfaces! The durable TPU soles absorb shock while preventing slipping on rocks, mud, sand, and pavement. Their flexible design ensures a secure fit for barefoot or shod horses. Made with padded leather heel protection, built-in sole relief, and scientifically proven pressure reduction, Cavallo Hoof Boots keep your horse happy and comfortable on any trail or terrain.

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Yes! Cavallo Hoof Boots perform exceptionally well in water, thanks to their patented, performance-driven design. Cavallo boots feature side drainage holes and a cone-shaped upper that mirrors a horse’s hoof, preventing suction in muddy or submerged conditions. They allow water to flow out freely while keeping debris outside of the boot.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots protect your horse’s hooves during travel. They cushion against impact, reduce bruising, and prevent injury. Scientifically proven to reduce pressure, Cavallo boots keep your horse happy and comfortable on the road. The breathable, durable material and full-coverage design ensure comfort on long trips, preventing overreaching and injuries from kicking or pawing. Cavallo Hoof Boots fit securely, preventing shifting or slipping. Easy to use and clean, they offer lasting support for Transport.

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Absolutely! Cavallo is the official Hoof Boots of the American Miniature Horse Association, providing comfort, protection, and support for all activities. Just like Cavallo’s larger sizes, Cavallo CLB “Cute Little Boots” provide a secure fit, absorb shock, and offer excellent traction. The soft foam collar prevents rubbing, while the durable materials ensure long-lasting performance. Whether for therapy work, driving, turnout, or hoof rehabilitation, Cavallo CLB boots help keep your miniature horses sound and comfortable.

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Cavallo Hoof Boots enhance traction, comfort, and protection for horses to perform safely on patrol. Great for busy streets and rugged trails, Cavallo boots reduce concussion, improve grip, and support long-term hoof health. Many mounted police and patrol teams rely on Cavallos to keep their horses sound, focused, and ready for action. With less fatigue, fewer injuries, and lower vet bills, more units are making the switch. Plus? Cavallo Hoof Boots can be used over a bare or shod foot, increasing their versatility and offering protection for every horse. Plus, Cavallo offers special discounts to mounted units, making protection more affordable than ever!

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Put your saddle on with no padding underneath, and do not cinch up. Try to run your hand in between your horse and the saddle from the front of the saddle all the way along the muscular structure under the bars of the saddle. Your hand should be in a palm-up position with the back of your hand against your horse and your palm feeling along the bottom of your saddle. In this way, your palm will feel what your horse feels. Notice if your hand slides in easily and whether there are any discrepancies in the feel. Does the saddle fit tightly in some areas and looser in others? Is it tighter on one side than the other? Notice how it feels. Can you feel the bottom of screws, rivets or conches? Is it uniform and consistent or rough and uneven? Your job is to determine what the underside of the saddle feels like on your horse’s back and then be better informed to select the appropriate Cavallo Total Comfort System Saddle Pad to correct the discrepancies and irregularities.

All TCS pads are excellent with treeless saddles because they create structure and ensure that weight is minimized on the skeletal structure. Most riders can take an inadvertent bounce from time to time, and with a treeless saddle, this can be a little uncomfortable for both horse and rider. Horses are most comfortable when weight is evenly distributed on the muscular structure on either side of the spine. TCS pads provide the “bars” or panels that the treeless saddle lack, but in a much softer and more flexible form.

There is a special vulcanization process that takes place in the production of Neoprene, which requires the use of certain chemicals. We believe this process is the cause of some skin sensitivity. Our Nitrex does not contain the sulphur, which may be the culprit. Also, the production process is quite different. Nitrex is widely used as a protector and placed directly on various body parts. Our factory has been producing helmets for many years and has not received any complaints regarding skin sensitivity.

While white patches on the withers are more common than on the loins, they both represent a disparity in saddle fit; usually it is because the saddle is too tight in these areas. When you get both problems occurring together, it usually represents a “bridging saddle”, meaning that the saddle is too tight at both the withers and the loins. It may be that your horse has been dropping or lowering his back away from the saddle in order to get away from the discomfort at one end or the other, thus creating a gap in the midsection. The saddle will then only makes contact on the front and back. It may also mean that your horse is getting older or out of shape and has lost muscle tone. The reasons may vary, but the fact remains: saddles should have even load distribution all along the length of contact. The Cavallo Bridge Pad #3001 is thin at the withers and the loins, while gradually thickening towards the middle. This distributes weight more evenly along the muscular structure, while still providing a gullet which allows the spine to lift again in rehabilitation. This will provide relief while you decide whether to continue with your current saddle.

We have seen many problems created by the well-meaning horse owner who uses gel pads. The spine at rest has a curvature called the thoracolumbar bow. Synchronization of the muscles around it allows the spine to straighten with propulsion. Consider the function of the saddle gullet, meant to allow your horse freedom of movement at his optimum performance level. His muscles engage, becoming taut and lifting his skeletal carriage (the thoracolumbar bow) to straighten into the gullet of the saddle.

Gel is a heavy dense substance which responds to weight and pressure. The weight of the saddle bars and the rider, coupled with the oblique and vertical forces of movement, cause the gel to disperse and progress downward. This is counterproductive to the horse’s natural process of movement. Gel becomes a ‘dead’ weight on the skeletal and muscular structure, inhibiting your horse’s impulsion and numbing the natural function of his finely-tuned apparatus. Cavallo Total Comfort System Saddle pads are a unique combination of four layers of technically advanced materials that do not resist movement but rather respond and allow room for your horse to function in accordance with his structure.

It sounds as though the saddle is not level, but rather is sloping down into the mid-section of your horse’s back. She could be dropping her back to avoid discomfort, or the saddle could be propped up and too tight at the wither. To determine the problem, put your saddle on with no padding underneath and do not cinch up. Try to run your hand in between your horse and the saddle from the front. Your hand should be in a palm-up position with the back of your hand against your horse; your palm feeling along the bottom of your saddle. If your hand slides in easily, then you have enough room at the wither and the Cavallo Total Comfort System Wedge Pad with all its benefits and features would be a very good solution to your balance problem. Whilst all Cavallo pads create more room at the wither, they cannot make your saddle wider. If your hand really has difficulty sliding in, your saddle is too tight at the wither, and you should consider a new saddle.

Saddles are restrictive and very often “a bit tight”. When your horse is in motion, the whole structure of the leg moves and the back of the shoulder blade pushes into the bars of the saddle. We have identified this area, just down from the withers, as the most common place of discomfort through saddle usage. In the past when this area was acknowledged as sore, more padding was put under the saddle to cushion the area. Putting thicker padding under a too-tight saddle is like putting extra socks on and trying to squeeze into a pair of too-small shoes … ouch!

Cavallo Total Comfort Saddle Pads are made through a lamination process of three different types of materials: New Zealand merino wool, open-cell memory foam, and patented closed-cell nitrex foam. In addition to alleviating saddle fit discrepancies, Cavallo’s goal is to reduce concussion and absorb the shock transmitted from horse to rider and from rider through to horse. Cavallo’s materials, both individually and as laminated together, have been tested at Satra, an internationally recognized testing authority based in the United Kingdom, which determines the impact based on pounds per square inch. Satra has vigorously tested our three individual materials to conclude a high level of durability and shock absorption. Cavallo has tested the completed saddle pad to assess heat sources through various external temperatures and assorted riding conditions. Our infrared thermometer gauges have detected no additional increase in temperature as compared to pure wool pads, and in some cases where the wool pad was extremely thick, even less increase in temperature. When compared to an assortment of purely or combined synthetic construction pads, Cavallo pads have tested less temperature increase as a result of the aeration throughout. In addition, through a variety of tests, it is determined that the use of Cavallo Total Comfort System Saddle Pads more evenly distributes saddle pressure when used with a saddle.

We have done some comparison testing with regular felt pads, wool pads, and Cavallo Total Comfort System Saddle Pads to determine the ability a pad has to absorb shock, reduce concussion-related injuries and soreness, and re-distribute the weight of the rider off the horse’s spine and onto the muscular structure of the horse. Our pads are lightweight, have gullets, and memory foam; it is primarily these components that assist in contracting where there is more pressure and remaining full where there is less. Our gullet allows the rider’s weight to be balanced on the trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles rather than on the spine; in addition, it helps to compensate for the weight of the saddle and rider by allowing a free area for the horse to place his backbone and use himself more efficiently.

Saddle fit is such a unique and often complicated process. The materials and design of Cavallo Total Comfort System Saddle pads will make your horse more comfortable and provide a more willing partner for your riding fun.

Caring for your Cavallo Pad is simple. It is very durable. You can even pressure wash it! Our favorite method is to rinse the high-density foam side with water, and brush the wool side with a stiff horse brush. Allow it to air dry. Keep it away from excess heat (like campfires) and sharp objects ( like your dog’s teeth).

When placing the foam side directly on your horse’s back, there is no additional heat buildup. However, the sweat becomes more visible because foam doesn’t absorb it. Interestingly, this unabsorbed sweat can act as a natural lubricant for your horse’s back. Conversely, when using the wool side down, the heat level directed to your horse remains the same. The key difference lies in absorption: the wool material readily absorbs any sweating.

Cavallo Saddle Pads are designed to be reversible, giving you the flexibility to choose between using the wool side or the foam side against your horse. The wool side is great for moisture-wicking and provides excellent comfort, while the foam side is easier to clean and transfer between multiple horses. Additionally, many prefer the unabsorbed moisture of the foam side down, as it can act as a natural lubricant for the horse’s back. This versatility allows you to select the side that best suits your horse’s needs and preferences for each ride.