Question: Why does my horse need boots?

Your horse will be free of the potentially damaging effects of horseshoes, and can go barefooted any time for 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 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 absorbance?

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 quick and easy to put on, and quick and easy to take off, just 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--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. Always use the optional keeper strap, though, 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.  Usually because the boots are too big--like a shoe which causes a blister from moving up an down on your heel.  Properly fit boots do not rub.