How To Measure for Cavallo Hoof Boots
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Need help? Send us your measuring photos here! We’ll send you a size recommendation:
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.
*** We’re Here to help make the best size recommendation for you. Contact Us here if You Need help
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 center 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.
Need help? Send us your measuring photos here! We’ll send you a size recommendation:
You can also send photos to us by PM on Facebook at Cavallo Hoof Boots.
(If it is not possible for you to take or send us hoof measurement photos, please send us your careful measurements for both length and width of each hoof).
(If it is not possible for you to take or send us hoof measurement photos, please send us your careful measurements for both length and width of each hoof)
Each Hoof is a Unique Structure
Each equine’s foot is unique in conformation, shape, heel placement, hoof angles, etc. Our sizing recommendations are based on photographs. While they are generally correct, many variables can affect the fit of a Cavallo boot, which cannot be determined from a photo. Sizing cannot be confirmed until a boot is carefully fitted on the actual horse and tested for proper fit.
How to Test the Fit of your Cavallo Hoof Boots Before Using:
Only new UNUSED boots can be exchanged. To keep the boot clean, we suggest covering the hoof with thin plastic and checking fit on a non-scuff (not gravel), clean, dry surface.
Cavallo Hoof Boots are Easy to Fit!
Simply insert hoof into boot. Secure Velcro® closures, and then secure outside closure(s) on the boot.
Important Tips on Fitting
- You should not have to force the boot on the horse’s hoof in any way. If you are having to force the boot on it is too small.
- If the boot is rotating independently from the horse’s hoof it is too big. A wiggle is okay, because the hoof expands in weight bearing and even further in movement.
Here you can see how the sole fits into the length of the boot and the heel bulbs fit into the padded heel area at the back of the boot:
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. (Wraps and Sleeves can also help to snug-up the fit of a 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 leather softener or riding through water.
Please see this video to find out more about how to break in your boots, and how they will shape to custom-fit YOUR horse:
Simple Fitting Tips
- TOO SMALL: If you have difficulty putting the boot on, it may be too small. Ideally the boot “pops” nicely onto the hoof for a good fit. Please check your measurements against the chart above.
- SOLE: The sole of the hoof should fit securely inside the boot sole. Ensure that the entire weight-bearing wall from front of toe to heel buttress sits within the boot outsole. It may be helpful to compare the outside raised tread area at the bottom of the boot to the weight-bearing length of the hoof sole (toe to buttress as per the diagram on the above measuring chart.
- HOOF ON THE GROUND: Place your horse’s hoof firmly on the ground to fasten boot.
- OUTER COVER: Ensure that the boot tongue is pushed firmly against the hoof. Draw the outer flaps firmly around the hoof, pressing the Velcro on the flaps against the Velcro on the tongue; keep taut and level.
- TOO BIG: Pick the hoof up. If the boot twists or rotates excessively, it may be too big, or the outer cover may be loosely fastened. If the sole fits well but the upper portion of the boot is too large, consider the ELB or Trek styles as the outer flaps can be angled downward when fastening to adjust for an extra-snug fit on the upper. Some twisting is fine because the hoof is lifted, in its smallest position. When bearing the horse’s load it expands and may easily fill the boot.
- CAVALLO PASTERN WRAPS and COMFORT SLEEVES may be used to assist in the breaking-in process or during injury to prevent chafing.
- SIMPLE BOOTS ONLY: Once the boot is fitted, if the strap extends beyond the nylon keeper, then you can cut the strap to the preferred length, leaving a line of stitching to prevent unravelling. PLEASE NOTE: Boots cannot be exchanged if straps have been cut. Be sure boots are the correct size BEFORE cutting.
Which Cavallo Boot Style Will You Choose?
Which Cavallo Boot is just right for Your Horse? The beauty of it is – there’s no wrong answer! Cavallo Hoof Boot CEO, Greg Giles. explains the evolution of Cavallo’s hoof boot styles and sole widths, to meet the varied needs of the horses they’re designed for – all the way from miniature horses to big draft-sized horses.
Cavallo Hoof Boots
Cavallo Hoof Boots. Simple on. Stay on over any terrain at any speed.
