Submitted by Stacey Maloney, Team Easyboot 2016 Member
It’s past spring now but I’m just getting back into riding after adding a new member to the family. Even though it’s summer I’m just now getting through my spring time check list of to-do’s and I was just recently able to check another item off my list; re-evaluating each of my horses to see how their boots are fitting.
Whether you’re ordering for the first time, trying to solve a fit problem or just checking to check, the process is always the same. Proper sizing is so important in ensuring your horse is comfortable and moving correctly and helps mitigate any potential boot failure due to ill fit.
So! Bring your horse into a clean dry area and clean out their feet in preparation for a trim. Right after their trim you’re going to pick up each foot and take two measurements. The first measurement is to be across the widest part of the foot – from medial quarter to lateral quarter. The second measurement is to be taken from the point of the toe to the heel buttress where the heel contacts the ground (not to the back of the heel bulb – this is where I see most incorrect measurement mistakes). EasyCare has a great set of instructions you can find on their website and I’ve borrowed this picture to illustrate the proper anatomical areas to be measured.
You will need to write it all down so your don’t forget as you will have a total of eight measurements, two per hoof, to now compare to the size chart. Each style of boot has their own size chart and in many instances the sizing does not cross over. Unfortunately, you cannot assume since your horse takes a certain size in, say, the Easyboot Epic that they will take the same size boot in the Easyboot Glove. Use only the size chart of the boot you’re wishing to purchase.
So I did all the above things and put my mare in her red Easyboot Gloves that we used all of last year. Her has a nice snug fit but the boot on the right is a little big for her hoof at this time. We’ve changed farriers and she’s not working nearly as much as she should be so it makes sense that her feet may have changed a bit.
With her measurements these size #1 Easyboot Gloves fit alright, but not 100% ideal. We’re able to get out and condition on our gravel roads in them but the addition of Power Straps will make them perfect for riding this year in some more rugged conditions. Remember, it is up to us to get the proper size of boot to ensure booting success!
EasyCare offers a Fit Kit for certain styles of boot so you can try before you buy! If ever you have questions or concerns about boot sizing you can always contact EasyCare directly to speak with a representative to help direct you which style and size might best suit your needs. Happy booting!
