Hoof boots Switzerland: The best choice for happy and healthy horses
4. March 2025
It has become the standard to shoe horses. However, horseshoes are not the best choice for the well-being of the animals. They fare much better when they walk as they naturally do: barefoot. To protect their hooves on rougher terrain, hoof boots were developed. High-quality hoof boots in Switzerland can be found at Swiss Galoppers.
In this post, you will learn how hoof boots work and what benefits they bring. We will also inform you about the different types of hoof boots and how to choose the right model for your horse.
What are Hoof Boots and How Do They Work?
The name already reveals what hoof boots are. They are a protection for a horse’s hooves in the form of shoes. Unlike horseshoes, they are not permanently attached to the hooves but can be removed at any time. This should happen because hoof boots are not a permanent footwear for the horse but rather a temporary protection.
In fact, the animal should only wear the boots when it is traveling on difficult terrain. In the pasture and stable, it should be barefoot. During the transition to barefoot, the use of the boots is generally indispensable. The hooves need time to get used to the absence of horseshoes. During the first 2-3 weeks of transition, no hoof protection should be used whenever possible.
Hoof boots also provide protection for horses with arthritis and other diseases. However, in such cases, they should generally not be worn around the clock. Special therapy and medical boots are the exception.
What Are the Benefits of Hoof Boots for Horses and Their Owners?
Thanks to hoof boots, horse owners can forgo having their animal shod. This saves the horses from pain and the risk of inflammation. Every nail that holds the horseshoe creates a hole in the hoof through which bacteria can enter. If the horseshoe is heated, it dries out the hoof, causing cracks that also allow bacteria to penetrate.
Hoof boots support barefoot horses. They move differently from horses with horseshoes. The reason for this is the hoof mechanism, which is the natural movement of the hoof with each step of the horse. The hoof mechanism ensures that the animal’s weight is optimally distributed. It also promotes the horse’s blood circulation because it supports the heart.
If the horse wears horseshoes, the hoof mechanism is not fully active. Therefore, the animal’s body must compensate for the functions that the hoof mechanism would fulfill. This costs it additional energy.
Hoof boots also bring advantages for horse owners. They too benefit from the fact that there is no risk of inflammation due to the absence of horseshoes. Also, their animal saves energy, which positively affects its health. This potentially reduces veterinary costs.
In practical use, high-quality hoof boots like those from Swiss Galoppers are easy to handle. They can be put on and taken off very simply. This allows horse owners to decide when their horse wears the boots and when it doesn’t, for the benefit of the animal.
How Much Do Hoof Boots Cost in Switzerland?
The hoof boots from Swiss Galoppers currently cost around 250 Euros per pair. Models for horses with narrower, longer hooves, pronounced heels, and high heels are slightly more expensive. Additionally, hoof boots designed for winter use are priced higher due to the spikes.
A set includes two hoof boots, closure and fetlock straps, and ball protection pads. Additionally, with the purchase, you receive a ten-minute hoof boot consultation via video call. You can bring your smartphone to the stable, and we will advise you on which boots are best for your horse.
By the way, hoof boots are cheaper than horseshoes, as we have noted in a calculation. So, switching to hoof boots in Switzerland is also worthwhile financially.
Where Can You Buy Hoof Boots in Switzerland?
You can get the best hoof boots in Switzerland from Swiss Galoppers. You can conveniently buy them in our online shop. Alternatively, you can visit one of our partners near you. There, you can test the boots thoroughly before buying. You will also receive comprehensive advice on-site.
If there are no partners near you, we are happy to assist you with advice.
What Makes Swiss Galoppers Hoof Boots So Special?
For manufacturing, we use only high-quality and durable materials. The boots are made from wear-resistant plastic and last for at least 2000 riding kilometers. Furthermore, the plastic is recyclable, making the boots sustainable. The closure straps are made from durable Velcro. In the design of our hoof boots, we avoid unnecessary components. This eliminates the risk of something breaking and needing replacement.
With Swiss Galoppers models, you can choose from twelve sizes. This means you can choose the fit that allows your horse to walk comfortably. The right size is important to avoid health issues.
What Types of Hoof Boots Are There?
Swiss Galoppers offers the following types of hoof boots:
- SG: This is our standard model. It fits horses with oval to round hooves with low to normal heels.
- SG-L: This model is suitable for horses with higher heels or wide heels.
- SG-X: These are hoof boots designed for use on snow and ice. They are also optimal for deep, muddy terrain because they are equipped with iron spikes.
- SG-LX: This is the winter version of the SG-L.
We also offer hoof boots in a Lemon version. Their bright color enhances visibility in low light. This makes you and your horse safer during twilight and fog. The Lemon version is available for the SG and SG-L models.
How to Choose the Right Size and Fit for Hoof Boots
Hoof boots should have the right size and fit. Otherwise, the horse will have trouble walking, there may be slight chafing, or the boot might come off during a fast gallop. To buy boots in the correct size, you should measure your horse carefully. You will need the following values:
- Width of the hoof, measured at the widest point
- Length of the hoof, measured from the tip of the toe to the heel
- Heel height, measured from the ground to the deepest point of the fetlock
The measurement should take place no later than 14 days after the last hoof care. This ensures accurate values and ensures the hoof boots fit your horse perfectly.
Enter the values in our Size Finder. Based on the information provided, you will receive the information on which size is suitable for the hoof. The Size Finder will also tell you whether you should buy the SG or the SG-L model.
It is important that you measure all four hooves of your horse. The values can differ enough that different hoof boots are required. If you were to outfit your horse with the same models on all hooves, there would be issues with fit.
If you have questions about our hoof boots in Switzerland, feel free to send us a message via our contact form.