We spoke with an expert Barefoot Trimmer about helping a horse transition to barefoot hooves, and what he's learned about how hoof boots can help a barefoot transition go more easily.
Transition to barefoot period
When transitioning a horse from metal shoes to barefoot hooves, an adjustment period is usually necessary. Removing metal shoes enables the horse's hooves to restore their natural function and growth, expanding over time closer to their inherent size and shape.
Free to flex, a barefoot hoof will expand and contract with each step which increases blood flow and reactivation of previously constrained areas. Nerves that were compromised start to recover, causing increased sensitivity and likely, temporary discomfort or pain.
This period of adjustment, known as the “transition to barefoot”, typically lasts a couple weeks to a couple of months. During this time, the hooves heal and strengthen, allowing the horse to eventually return to work. However the hooves may continue to change, expanding, healing, and strengthening over many months to a year or more.
Hoof form & health
The health and form of a hoof when transitioning away from metal shoes can vary significantly and will influence the duration and complexity of the transition to barefoot period.
As Renegade® Hoof Boots are designed for hooves in healthy, natural form, achieving a semblance of this state is necessary before sizing and fitting the hoof boots can successfully occur. In cases where a hoof is substantially deformed, it may require several cycles of skilled barefoot trimming to restore it to a condition suitable for boot fitting.
Good hoof form transition
Many hooves can come out of metal shoes with good enough form that we can size for boots right after removing the metal shoes and receiving a quality “Natural Style Trim”.
In these cases we simply add some amount to the measurements in order to accommodate expected hoof expansion experienced after removing the constricting metal shoes. There is no way to exactly predict how much hoof expansion there will be, so in rare cases, a new size may be required after 6 months to a year.
Horses hooves are dynamic
Hooves are dynamic structures, particularly during the transition to barefoot. Changes in diet, climate, season, environment, and even different “Hoof-care Providers” (Farriers/Trimmers) can affect the hoof form; and thus the optimal hoof boot size.
Monitor your horse's hoof boot sizing
Renegade® Hoof Boots are designed to be highly adaptable; however, it is important to continuously monitor their fit, particularly during the first one to two years after transitioning away from metal shoes as the barefoot hooves adjust to their more natural condition.
While significant changes in hoof size that necessitate a different size of Renegade® Hoof Boots are uncommon, they can occur in extreme cases. It is important to stay vigilant and adjust as needed to ensure optimal comfort, function, and performance.
Hoof boots sized too big is better than too small
When selecting your horses new hoof boots, opting for a size that is slightly larger is preferable to choosing one that is too small. A hoof boot that is too large can still function effectively, albeit with marginally reduced performance. Conversely, a boot that is too small will not function properly; and can impede the horse’s mobility and comfort.
A hoof boot that is hard to put on and take off is the first indication that it is too small. Symptoms of degraded boot performance when boots are too small may include significant twisting of the boots and failure of hoof boot retention. Hoof boots that are too small will simply not stay on the horse's hoof.
Sensitive hooves benefit from immediate hoof boots
When a horse’s hoof is in extremely poor condition, causing significant pain and difficulty walking, using hoof boots can be a crucial aid during the transition to better hoof health.
Compromised mobility in horses can hinder adequate blood circulation, which is essential for swift healing. By fitting the horse with hoof boots, you help protect the hoof and enable the horse to move more comfortably. This movement is vital as it enhances the natural blood-pumping action of the barefoot hoof, significantly improving the healing process and expediting recovery.
However, sizing and fitting of such a hoof will yield a size which may only be suitable for the interim transition period to healthier, natural form hooves. Upon which time, a new larger size of hoof boot may be appropriate.
