Cavallo Hoof Boot Pads for Added Cushioning and Support

Cavallo Hoof Boots and Pads for Rehab from Laminitis

“What a difficult journey it’s been, trying to keep my horses sound and comfortable. Kermit is my second beautiful Morgan gelding. Like Milo, my first Morgan, Kermit has the breed’s tendency to chronic low-grade laminitis caused by insulin resistance. In addition to a strict low carb diet and correct trimming, exercise is vital to keeping these horses healthy. Movement is crucial to circulation as well as lowering insulin, but a horse with sore feet doesn’t want to move. The only way to help is with a good pair of hoof boots. 

If only you could have seen how depressed Kermit was before we put the Cavallo boots on him. His other boots were so big and heavy that he stepped on them, they lost shape, they wore out too fast (even the therapy boots), and they rubbed.

Whether you’re using hoof boots for riding over difficult terrain or for therapy for a sore-footed horse, you need a boot that stays on, stays in place, and doesn’t rub. For a laminitic horse, you also need a boot you can pad to absorb concussion. Unfortunately, there are few boots out there that meet those specifications. Between my two horses, I think I’ve tried just about every boot you can name. Some came off, some rotated sideways, some rubbed excessively, some you couldn’t put pads into, and most just wore out quickly when used for long-term therapy.

I was afraid to try Cavallos because I thought they would rub like other boots that encased the hoof. Kermit’s other boots were all out of shape, and he needed a new pair. I had run out of brands to try, so I decided to give the Cavallos a shot. I liked their shorter, smaller profile, and they sure looked easier to get on and off.

The Cavallo’s arrived fast after I ordered them, but there was no time to break them in. Kermit needed protection. On they went, with pads and a bit of vet wrap under and around his heels for the first week. Since then, they’ve been through two “atmospheric rivers,” but they look just as good as new after all the wet, mucky weather. Best result of all: Kermit is running and playing again…and the Cavallo’s don’t budge! We’re using a little Coat Defense powder or mud, so his feet don’t get stinky. He gets a couple hours off every day…but is much happier with these boots on. Until he’s completely sound without them, we’re grateful to have found Cavallos!

I’m about to post Kermit’s story to your FB page. I should have done it earlier, but I had to groom my handsome boy a bit first before I took his picture. LOL. I didn’t even brush the Cavallo boots off. They look great all the time, even after he thunders across the field to greet me (what a joy to see). When I let his feet air out every day or two, I just knock the dirt out of the boots and give them a quick spray with a little apple cider vinegar and water. 

Kermit is a little guy (14.3 hands) but he has big feet, even after a fresh trim. (My other Morgan was 14.1 and also had big feet.) Kermit’s wearing size 4 Cavallo’s, which allows just enough room for a pad or two. Thanks for swapping the size for me. You guys have the best customer service in addition to the best product!”

– Karen Morgan, Kermit the Morgan, and April the AQHA