We all need protection from the elements. That goes for your horse’s hooves as well. Millennia ago, when humans first vaulted aboard equine backs and guided them over terrain they probably would not otherwise have traversed, the value of providing protection for hooves became clear–as the leather “hipposandals” and early iron shoes unearthed by archaeologists attest.

These days, of course, farriery has become both a science and an art, up to most of the challenges modern-day equines face. But metal shoes aren’t the only option for hoof protection, and hoof boots have become a viable alternative for many horse owners. This is especially true for the groundswell of holistically minded horse owners who’ve embraced the idea that barefoot is better.

Although there are many advantages health-wise to not putting nail holes in hooves, it’s equally true that many horses’ unshod feet don’t stand up well to pavement, gravel, and other unforgiving types of footing. Hoof boots provide an only-as-needed solution for those situations.

The boots come in a staggering array of shapes, sizes, materials, designs, and colors. Fortunately, they can be grouped into three categories: Reusable therapeutic boots designed only for soaking or medicating the feet of a horse in cross-ties or on stall rest, light-duty “spare tire” boots intended for emergency replacement of a lost shoe, and full-service boots designed to take on any task a steel shoe can, including turn-out, riding, or driving, even at high speeds