Hoof boot

A hoof boot is a device made primarily of polyurethane and is designed to cover the hooves of a horse as an alternative to, and occasionally in addition to, horseshoes.

[2] In areas with persistently slippery conditions in winter, hoof boots are often used in combination with studs screwed into the soles.

If a horse has a puncture wound in the hoof or a bruise to the sole, the boot provides protection to the wound or injury, increases the cleanliness of the area, and may at times be used to keep a poultice or other medication in contact with the hoof.

In many cases, horses with laminitis also respond well to the protection of hoof boots while their hooves recover.

As a general rule, hoof boots are not kept on horses full-time, rather they are put on and taken off as needed.