Last week, a few friends and I decided to go riding, and since it had rained earlier, we decided our horses needed special horse boots for trail riding for comfort and safety.
It made me think about how hard it is to choose the best options, especially for those of you who are newer to riding.
So, I thought, why not share my expertise and give you a hand!
Below are my top picks for the best horse hoof boots you can buy for trail riding, starting with a quick peek at my absolute favorites!
Check: Equine Boots for Barefoot Horses
Horse Trail Boots Top Picks at a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Cavallo Hoof Boots - Winner!
- Best Budget: Weaver Leather No-Turn Bell Boots
- Best Trail Boots for Casual Riders: EasyCare Trail Hoof Boot
- Best Design: EasyCare Trail Hoof Boot
- Best Trek Boots for Rough Terrain - Cavallo Trek Slim Sole Hoof Boot
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
Horse Boots for Trail Riding - 2022 Top 10 Picks
Now that you know which I like best, let's find out why they're so amazing. Keep reading for in-depth reviews of all of my top 10 picks.
- Cavallo Hoof Boots- Winner!
I chose Cavallo hoof boots based on my farrier’s suggestion and I must say that the decision was great. My mare is unshod and these boots protected her hooves beautifully on the trail.
Cavallo is a reputed brand and their website explains the sizing of boots which can make it very easy to select the right pair for your horse. (We have covered how to measure your horse for hoof boots, later in this guide).
Features
- Provides all-terrain protection
- Made with genuine leather upper and thermoplastic urethane outsoles
- Recessed outsole in the center to prevent pressure
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Multipurpose leather boots - can be used not only for trail riding but also for trailering, breeding, for horses with laminitis, abscess, or simply as a ‘spare tire’ if your horse loses a shoe. |
Tend to make a squeaking noise after prolonged use. |
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No irritation or chafing - very comfortable for horses |
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Beneficial on all kinds of terrain - rocky, rough, slippery, desert |
How they compare
Cavallo hoof leather boots are the best investment you will make - whether you have an unshod horse or if you happen to take your horse frequently on trail rides.
They have an excellent sizing guide and their high-quality materials ensure they last long.
Check out the video below for another perspective:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4G79rJ525k
Important Tips
Please trim your horse first and then measure each hoof. Measure again before ordering. My mare required two different sizes in the front and back.
- Best Budget: Weaver Leather No-Turn Bell Boots
Weaver Leather hoof boots are an affordable way of protecting your horse’s hooves on rough and uneven terrain.
They are made with high-quality ballistic material and are also precisely designed to prevent legs from turning.
Features
- Constructed with 2520 D (denier) nylon ballistic material
- Feature shock-absorbing neoprene
- Have a double hook-loop system for snugly attaching them and easy on/off
- Available in numerous attractive colors
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Strong stitching, sturdy Velcro, soft in the front, added cushioning |
Color may be different than the one you order |
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Attractive design |
Size issues - most boots run large |
How they compare
Some horse owners used these pairs of boots only for flat riding and not trail riding. The fact that they run larger could mean that the hoof slips inside them.
It is best to order a size smaller than usual. Weaver boots are great for people on a budget but they tend to wear out sooner.
Watch this video to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyxmefrwV9k
READ MORE: What Are Bell Boots Used for?
- Best Trail Boots for Casual Riders: EasyCare Easy Boot Trail
We used these for my daughter’s horse - she is a casual rider and rides no more than a few miles each week.
EasyCare hoof boot’s tread helped maintain stability and her horse was very comfortable in these hoof boots. If you don’t want to spend too much on hoof boots, this is a good choice..
Features
- Made of industrial-strength Cordura uppers
- Rear Velcro attachments keep the boots firmly in place
- The boots open completely and have simple closure - for easy on/off
- Have a front shield that helps endure wear and tear.
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Ideal for horses with lost boots and for casual riding |
EasyCare trail hoof boots do not have air vents so they could cause sweating and bruising. |
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Affordable |
How they compare
Price-wise, they are a lot cheaper than our winning entry. Installation of these hoof boots is easy too. However, they do need a break-in period.
Some horses were known to experience some chafing and they may not be great for long-distance trail rides.
Check out this video for more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbeetMmU_EE
- Best Design: EasyCare Trail Hoof Boot
While this one has the same name as the last one (confusing, right?), the design is different, and that's where it really shines.
Many trail riding hoof boots for horses tend to have too many buckles and straps that make them difficult to install. EasyCare has removed this issue in this trail boot thanks to a wider opening and Velcro attachments.
Features
- In addition to a wide opening, these well-designed trail boots for horses have a tough polyurethane sole that offers excellent grip on trails.
- They also have a front shield to protect the front portion of the hooves that takes the most abuse on trails.
- EasyCare hoof boots also have a rear strap that is reversible and replaceable.
- Their aggressive tread pattern provides excellent grip on slippery areas.
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Well-designed hoof boot with easy slip-on facility and secure Velcro |
Some horse owners found these slightly bulky. |
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Good traction and grip |
How they compare
Most users loved the easy on/off design as well as the superior grip of EasyCare Trail boots compared to the pair above.
However, these boots tend to wear down a lot faster and that is an issue if you plan to go long-distance riding.
ALSO CHECK: BEST FLY BOOTS FOR HORSES
- Best Trek Boots for Rough Terrain - Cavallo Trek Slim Sole Hoof Boot
Cavallo Trek boots are designed for very rough terrain as they come with shock-absorbers and can prevent abrasion, concussion, and injuries.
Features
- Made with pro-mesh moulded TPU
- Patented RES Velcro
- ProMesh honeycomb design reduces weight and bulkiness
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Simple to put on and remove |
The price is per hoof boot - that makes them fairly expensive |
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Stay on securely |
How they compare
Cavallo is a reliable name in hoof boots in the equine community. This Trek boot is lighter in weight than other hoof boots and also easier to install and remove.
However, the price could be a deterrent for many buyers especially if you want to buy multiple hoof boots. Also, the boots are more suitable for horses with oval-shaped hooves so sizing could be an issue.
Learn more in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHid1el_f1M
- Best Sports Brushing Boots: WOOF WEAR Sport Brushing Boots
Woof Wear boots are designed to prevent fetlock joint injuries for horses that ride across different terrains or simply need more support when riding cross country.
Feature
- Made with neoprene foam
- Feature breathable vents
- Protect against impacts
- Available in various bright colors
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Ideal boots that provide adequate air circulation; protection without warming |
Size issues. |
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Easy to install |
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Affordable |
How they compare
These are not regular hoof boots - more of brushing boots for preventing fetlock injuries. They are ideal for horses with thick or large legs.
The price is affordable and their fun colors are attractive. Compared to other hoof boot entries here, Woof Wear boots are budget-friendly because they come in pairs and not in a single piece.
Check out this video for more details:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9bAOHhURzE
- Best Set of Trail Boots for Horses - Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots Set
Tough-1 set of hoof boots is easy to clean and fit well. The brand recently changed the design of these sport boots so buyers can expect them to be a lot better than the previous offering.
Features
- Easy-to-clean, perforated and breathable neoprene
- Quick-grip closures
- Available in 8 attractive colors
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Lightweight, less bulky |
Several issues with Velcro straps reported |
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Fit well due to contoured design |
Difficult to clean. |
How they compare
These are well-made boots and Tough-1 is a reliable brand. However, the boots have several sizing issues.
For most users, the Velcro did not hold up and the boots kept slipping. Also, weeds, hair, dirt, and stickers stick to the fabric so they could be difficult to clean.
Check this video for another perspective:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPsct-OK0cI
- Best Splint Boot: PetTx Lightweight Neoprene Vented Sport Exercise Boots
PetTx splint boots are made with lightweight, breathable, and easy-to-clean neoprene.
These are not your regular hoof boots but they are splints that are ideal for sports, exercise, and trail. Protect your horse from cuts, bruises, and dirt with these exercise boots for horses.
Features
- Perforated with air vents for breathability and sweat-free comfort
- Available in 2 sizes - small and medium. Ideal for horses between 13 to 15 hh.
- Rubber grips and conforms to the fetlock joint and protects tendons and ligaments.
- Velcro closures provided
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Sturdy |
Need more size options for larger/draft horses |
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Comfortable |
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Easy to wash |
How they compare
These high-quality splint sports boots come well-packaged in a case with a zipper. They fit most small horse breeds and can protect them on pleasure rides, trails, or at work. The price is also attractive.
- Best Fetlock Protective Splint Boots- Classic Equine Flexion Splint Boots
Fetlock injuries can be debilitating to horses and as a horse owner, you must ensure protecting your horses from these.
The Classic Equine Flexion Splint boots use special technology that protects against abrasion and impacts. The best part is that they do so without affecting its natural movement.
Features
- Splint boots with advanced technology
- Three color options
- Comes in small, medium and large
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Comfortable function splint boots |
Need more sizing options. |
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Great for trail riding, races, and show horses |
How they compare
These are great splint boots slightly over 100 bucks. They do the job well and have protected many horses from flexion cradle joint injuries.
Check out this video for more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFzgQLXxR6U
- Best Barrier Trail Hoof Boot: Davis Barrier Horse Hoof Boot
Davis brand is well-known among equestrians and it has been around for a while now. You can use it as a replacement for a lost shoe or for protection when your horse walks on snow, rocks, slippery gravel, etc.
Features
- Tough durable PVC
- Comes with secure pull-on application
- Adjustable nylon strap
- Available in one size only - 5 ¼ x 5 ½ (W x L)
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Useful for trail riding, mountain climbing, parades, etc. |
Needs more sizes. |
How they compare
Davis is a brand you can trust. However, the lack of size availability is restrictive.
Learn more in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcIMXmbSxbA
How to Pick Trail Boots for Horses
As promised, let's go over everything you need to know to pick just the right boots for your horse's needs.
- Measure Your Horse’s Hooves
- Make sure you measure after a relatively fresh trim.
- Use a standard ruler or a tape.
- Measure the longest part of the hoof from tip to the end of the buttress line. Do not include the bulbs in the measurement. Just include the length of the weight bearing wall.
- Measure across the width too.
- Most brands also provide the steps for sizing- so follow those.
- Once you note your measurements, compare them with the size chart provided and choose the correct size.
- Many horses need smaller sized boots on the front hooves and one size larger on the hind limbs. So measure each hoof that you wish to buy the hoof boot for.
- Select the Material
Hoof boots for trail riding come in different materials like vented neoprene, PVC, leather, rubber, etc.
Select the material based on the use. For heavy trail riding with several miles, opt for higher-end boots made of leather or sturdy PVC.
Since most trails have rough terrain, always select high-quality boots that can withstand dirt, moisture, and muddy conditions. Avoid boots made of sheepskin or fabric if you ride in wet terrain.
- Choose the Style
Some hoof boots for trail rides are short and bell-shaped.
However, you can also go in for splint boots that protect the upper legs, fetlock, all the way to the knees. It all depends on the kind of protection you are seeking.
Check out this quick video of the best ice boots for horses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRPcfF_ODv8
FAQs
Do all horses need hoof boots?
If a horse has lost its shoe, then it definitely needs a hoof boot. This can act as a spare tire until you get your barefoot horse shod. The hoof boot can help maintain balance.
Also, on trails with rough terrain, rocks, sharp stones, etc. Hoof boots protect against puncture wounds and cuts and also prevent your horse from slipping under slippery conditions by providing more traction.
How long can horses wear hoof boots?
High-quality hoof boots can last for up to 1-2 years, even longer. Just make sure you check the hoof from time to time.
Final Recommendations
Horse boots for trail riding can prevent injuries and bruises to hooves. They keep your horse comfortable on rough terrain and provide it with greater traction as well.
We recommend Cavallo leather hoof boots as they are made with high-quality materials and are multi-purpose as well. Cavallo is also a well-known brand for equestrian products.
Do check out our other recommendations too.
References
- 1. Cavallo Hoof Boots - The World’s Most Trusted Hoof Boots! Horse Boots, Hoof Boots, Saddle Pads & Equipment. Published November 17, 2021. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://www.cavallo-inc.com/
- 2. CORDURA® | Leisurewear, Activewear and Workwear. Cordura.com. Published 2020. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://www.cordura.com/
- 3. Brokken MT. Disorders of the Fetlock and Pastern in Horses. Merck Veterinary Manual. Published April 11, 2019. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/horse-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-in-horses/disorders-of-the-fetlock-and-pastern-in-horses
- 4. How to Select Hoof Boots for Riding | Dover Saddlery. Doversaddlery.com. Published 2021. Accessed December 3, 2021. https://www.doversaddlery.com/how-to-select-hoof-boots-for-riding/a/525/
What are your favorite horse boots for trail riding? Let us know in the comments below!