Elkhorn Mountain Ranch

In order to determine the proper boots size, we need two hoof measurements, hoof width and hoof length.

"Hoof Width" is defined as: The distance measured at the widest point of the hoof.

"Hoof Length" is defined as: The distance measured from the toe to a line drawn between both heel buttresses at their rearmost point of weight bearing (Green Dots shown above).

"Hoof Width" is quite easy to determine but you might be asking "Where exactly is the rearmost point of weight bearing?"

Imagine for a moment that you applied wet paint to the bottom of your horses hoof and then walked him across a smooth hard surface while the paint was still wet.  Looking at the hoof prints he left behind, the rearmost point of weight bearing would correspond with the rearmost point of the hoof print, not counting any print left by the frog.   I'm not recommending that you measure the hooves with wet paint, but this example may help you visualize the location of the "rear most point of weight bearing".

Once we have determined "Hoof Length" then we can determine "Boot Length" by adding from 1/8" to 1/4" (3mm-7mm) to the Hoof Length measurement.

Therefore, "Boot Length" is defined as: The "Hoof Length" plus a little extra, about 1/8" to 1/4" (3mm-7mm).  The reason why we want the boot length longer than the hoof length is because the hoof normally lands heel first and needs some support behind the rearmost point of weight bearing at the heels.

Boot width then, will simply be the closest match to the "Hoof Width" without getting the fit too tight.  Experience has shown that the boot can become unstable if the hoof is too tight and pushes the sidewalls of the boot outward.

To reiterate:

Boot Width= the closest match to hoof width whithout being too tight.

Boot Length= hoof length plus some extra, about 1/8" to 1/4" (3mm-7mm).    If the requred boot length is shorter than what is shown in the boot chart, we can trim the back of the boot base at no extra charge. This is especially important for horses known to overreach with their hind hooves. Pro-Comp Glue-Ons are not available factory trimmed. It is preferrable to trim Glue-Ons after installation with hoof nippers.

In most all cases, boot width will be the dominate measurement for determining boot size. Obviously, If the hoof in question is wider than what is shown for a given boot size, you will need the next size up boot.

In the case of a hoof fitting the width of the boot but the length of the boot is more than needed, we can trim down the back of the boot by up to 3/8"(10mm) at no charge.

Trimming down the back of the boot is most important for horses which are known to interfere or overreach with a hind hoof. This interference can be dangerous to the horse and rider and for this reason we make no attempt to design a boot that is indestructible as doing so is not in the best interest of the horse or rider. Therefore, if your horse destroys a hoof boot, most likely you are encountering interference problems. Tracing the back of the hoof with a felt maker on the insole and then trimming to within 1/8" (3mm) of the traced line will usually resolve the issue.   Mysterious boot retention problems on front hooves are often caused by this sometimes hard to detect interference problem which can also result in the destruction of the boot.

Also consider the height of the heels for the horse in question. The boot was designed primarily for low heels and short toes but will also work for medium height heels. Horses with high heels my have problems using the boot and in most cases will also need over length cables. For these horses it is suggested that the high heels be addressed through natural hoof care methods as a precursor to fitting the boots. Please see the Hoof Conformation page

Horses with "high heels" or "run-under" heels, may exhibit a shorter length measurement from the toe to the rearmost point of weight bearing than if the same hoof had heels in a lower configuration.  So, if your goal is to lower the heels in the coming months while using the boot, you will need to consider this when determining boot length.

If the hoof in question is just a "little bit bigger" than a given boot size, especially when talking about width, in most all cases it is best to go up to the next boot size versus squeezing the hoof into an "almost fit" size boot. If you encounter boot twisting problems, the back of the boot can be fitted with Vettec Equithane or similar material. Go to this page for more information about Boot Fitting Modifications