Home / Guides / Front versus hind hoof boots

Front versus hind hoof boots

Front hooves are usually rounder and wider while hinds are more oval, so many horses need a different boot size front and back.

Fronts and hinds are shaped differently

On most horses the front hooves are rounder and wider because they carry more of the body's weight, while the hind hooves tend to be more oval and often a little narrower. That difference in shape, not just size, affects which boot fits.

It means the width to length ratio changes between front and hind, so a shell that suits the round front may be the wrong shape for the oval hind.

Different sizes front and back

Because of those shape and size differences, plenty of horses take one size in front and a different size behind. Sizing all four to the fronts, or buying two pairs of the same size, often leaves the hinds fitting poorly.

Measure the fronts and hinds separately after a fresh trim, and size each pair to its own numbers rather than assuming they match.

Boots are often sold per hoof

Many brands sell boots singly rather than only in pairs, precisely because hooves differ. That lets you order, for example, one size for the fronts and another for the hinds, or even different sizes left and right if a horse is uneven.

Check whether the boot you want is sold per hoof or per pair before ordering so you end up with the right size on every foot.

Some boots are shaped front or hind

Certain models are cut specifically for front or hind hooves to follow those shapes, while others are a more universal shape that works on both. Read the product's guidance on whether it is front-specific, hind-specific or universal.

The fit tool accounts for this by taking your front and hind measurements and showing the correct size, and where relevant the correct front or hind version, for each.

Related

Sources: EasyCare (Easyboot) · Cavallo · Renegade