Important: Easy Boots should fit tight around the hoof and should require effort to put on. After you fit the Easy Boot and the horse has had a chance to move around, make sure the Easy Boots are still fitted squarely and securely on the hoof. Make sure the Easy Boot has not twisted to the side. If the Easy Boot has twisted to the site it is either to large or needs to be tightened. Discontinue use if the boot continues to twist. Boots that twist can cause damage to the hoof wall.

Measuring for correct size: Measure the hoof across the bottom at the widest point and match that measurement to the appropriate Easy Boot size guide. If you are between sizes, always fit to the smaller size. It is extremely important that the Easy Boot fit the horse’s hoof snugly and securely.

Note: Easy Boot sizes may not correspond to steel shoe sizes.

Putting on the boot: Loop the ¾” nylon webbing pull-strap around the inside back strap. Pick up the horse’s leg and support it between you knees (as if you were picking the hoof) so that you can use two hands when applying the boot. Place the boot over the horse’s toe and using a slight back and forth twisting motion, slide the boot on the rest of the way.

Using the pull-strap: After the boot is on as far as it will go, use the pull strap (one included with each boot) for leverage to pull the boot the rest of the way on, as well as to pull the inside back strap up around the back of the hoof. Make sure the back strap is not pulled above the soft area of the heel bulbs. If you are applying the boot over steel shoes make sure that the back strap is above the back of the shoe. You can also put the foot down on the ground and allow the horse to put weight into it. From this position you may have better leverage with the pull-strap. Remove the pull-strap after the boot has been successfully applied.

A properly applied boot: The inside back strap is designed to fit snugly, low around the quarters, below the hairline, and below the heel bulbs. If the horse has a very low heel, make sure the strap is not pulled out of its position, or in any way allowed to abrade a low heel. Horses with low heels may require the inside strap to be cut down a notch or two to avoid chafing near the heel bulbs.

a)    Standard cable:

This is the normal position of the cable at the top of the buckle.

b)    Loose cable wrap:

If more slack is needed, adjust the cable into this position.

c)     Tight cable wrap:

If the cable needs to be tightened, position the cable in this loop formation, around the top of the buckle.

Removing the Easy Boot: The best way to remove a properly fitted Easy Boot is to use a flat-head screwdriver. Place the screwdriver between the boot and the hoof on either side. Wedge the screwdriver under the hoof to pry the boot off. You may have to work both sides of the boot for easier removal. If the boot is fitted over steel shoes, you will have to work the inside back strap over the back of the shoe for removal.

Adjusting the inside back strap and side plates: The width of the hoof determines the correct size Easy Boot, but the length of the inside strap can be adjusted by unscrewing the screws on either or both sides of the boot and refastening them into the next set of holes in the strap. The points on the side plates provide a positive grip to the hoof wall. More or less aggressive grip can be obtained by bending the points toward or away from the hoof with pliers. The points will mark the hoof wall but will not hurt the hoof.