Question: Why does my horse need boots?
Your horse will be free of the potentially damaging effects of horseshoes, and can go barefoot at
any time to promote healthier, stronger, more naturally shaped hooves. The boots will protect his
feet during the transition from horseshoes, and also whenever the hooves are faced with an
environment more challenging than what they are used to.
Question: Will the Swiss Horse Boot fit my horse's hooves?
The boot comes in standard sizes, but can be modified easily to conform to many variations of the
all-important naturally shaped hoof. These modifications also adapt readily to a horse with different
sized hooves. The Swiss Horse Boot is probably the most versatile boot available on the market
because of its many fitting options. It also allows the boot to adapt to hooves that are misshapen
because of lameness or other issues.
Question: Can the boot be modified to fit hooves that are changing following de-shoeing?
Yes, its unique design allows the boot to adapt to changing hooves as they transition from shod to
barefoot. The fit can be modified numerous times through the adding or removal of inserts and heat
fitting. This is an unique feature of the Swiss Horse Boot.
Question: Will the Swiss Horse Boot protect my horse's feet from gravel and other harsh
surfaces?
Yes! And much better than shoes, since gravel cannot get in to irritate the underside of the hoof, as
it can with shoes. The padded sole of the boot protects sensitive feet from sharp rocks, hot
pavement, and snowballing. The boot is an invaluable "failsafe" during the transition period from
shoeing to barefootedness when hooves may be tender, recovering from shoeing, and need time to
condition.
Question: Does the Swiss Boot provide traction and shock absorbancy?
The boot's unique construction and materials provide 10 times greater shock absorption and
surface grip than horseshoes (1999 European study). Think what this means to the health of your
horse's legs!
Question: How difficult is it to put on Swiss Boots and take them off?
As long as they are fit properly, Swiss Boots are easy to put on and easy to take off. Using proper
technique it only takes a few seconds per boot.
Question: How well will the boots stay on? I used another brand and I had to duct tape
them on in order to get them to stay on.
Put away your duct tape! Properly fitted Swiss Boots stay on -- through mud and water and
challenging trail conditions. These boots are not intended as just "emergency" boots, but are
designed as serious all-terrain riding boots.
Question: Will the boots harm my horse's hooves? I used another brand that gouged the
hoof wall.
Swiss Boots will not harm your horse's hooves. It is the design and fit which keeps them in place.
Question: My horse has laminitis--will the Swiss Boots hurt his feet?
These boots are engineered to stay on without harming the hoof; this is perfect for use in healing
laminitis and other lameness issues with natural trimming methods.
Question: Have there been any comparative studies done on the various boots on the
market?
Yes, in 1999, an independent European research organization declared the Swiss Horse Boot "the
best riding boot on the market." The Swiss Boot was also officially approved by the Swiss
government veterinarians for use by the Swiss Cavalry after extensive testing.
Question: Does the Swiss Horse Boot have good traction?
The boots have excellent traction under slippery conditions. They were designed for use in the
Swiss Alps, which, in addition to snow and ice, have plenty of rain and lots of hills.
Question: Will the Swiss Horse Boot work on gaited horses?
Yes, they work well on gaited horses. However, it is recommended that you always use the
optional keeper strap so that a particularly energetic gait does not fling the boot off..
Question: Can the Swiss Horse Boot cause rubbing?
Any poorly fitted horse boot can cause rubbing. This is usually because the boots are too big,
similar to a person's shoe which causes a blister from moving up an down on your heel. Properly fit
boots do not rub.