Certified hoof trimmer Samantha McCormack of Top2Toe Equine Services in Victoria, Australia, recommends keeping older boots in case your horse has a hoof injury or needs a rest.

“They’re good for laminitis, abscesses, and hoof injuries where the hoof needs to be bandaged to keep the bandage dry and clean,” says McCormack. “Old boots that don’t have much of a sole left are best because they can be trashed if left on a horse 24/7. You want to save your new boots for riding. They’re also great for lending to customers new to the boots so they can try them on before buying a pair.

Rehab Boots
Keep older Cavallos on hand to help your horse feel cushioned and comfortable if he has laminitis or a hoof injury. Older gaiters are tailored to the shape of your horse’s hoof and will feel more comfortable during any rest needed in the stall.

If horses have an abscess, soaking may help. Cavallo Hoof Boots are easily modified to become therapy boots by simply taping the drainage holes to prevent your solution from escaping. Twenty to thirty minutes of soaking in warm salt water will help. Horses can still move around while being milked, unlike the usual method of standing in a bucket. Additionally, the boots are less bulky than many boots designed for soaking. Here is a video showing the easy steps to turn your Cavallos into dipping boots: https://youtu.be/CgFA5KAmy-o.

Donate to Rescue
Consider donating old boots to horse rescues. They need all the comfort and protection they can get, and many of these associations operate on a shoestring.

Storage space
If the old boots are neatly stored, they will be ready when needed. Keep old boots in a cool place where they won’t be exposed to heat. Cavallo Hoof Boots are best stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Wet boots should dry before storing and should not be stored in the original box or in areas with poor air circulation. Storing boots at high temperatures or high humidity levels should also be avoided. It is recommended that the boots be stored with all Velcro panels and straps closed to keep them free of hay, hair, dirt and other debris.

Cavallo’s website is packed with research, testimonials, and FAQs to guide you through your transition to barefoot and get you ready to ride in any sport. Visit https://www.cavallo-inc.com for more help, or join the discussion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CavalloHoofboots. Sign up here to receive the free Cavallo newsletter and special community discounts: https://www.cavallo-inc.com/CavalloNews

Carole Herder is the author of best-selling books: There Are No Horseshoes in Heaven, and the all-new Hoofprints on The Journey. His company, Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc., manufactures and distributes horse products, including Cavallo boots and saddle pads, in 26 countries around the world. Herder designed and developed the Cavallo Hoof boots and the Total Comfort System saddle pads. She is an honored recipient of the BCBusiness Women Innovator Award, the Royal Bank of Canada Women’s Entrepreneur Award, a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization, and a certified yoga instructor and Ayurvedic teacher from Chopra University.

Visit https://www.cavallo-inc.com to learn more about the full line of Cavallo Horse & Rider products. Call toll free from the US or Canada: (877) 818-0037.