Last Updated on February 7, 2023
If you are an equestrian, having soaking boots for horses available to use can be very beneficial to have around. But how do you know which boots are the right ones for you and your horse? If you’re not sure what type of soaking boots to buy for your horse, we’ve reviewed the 5 best horse soaking boots for you!
What Are Soaking Boots For Horses?
Horse-soaking boots may look very odd, but they are invaluable when it comes to treating hoof and leg injuries in horses. They function as waterproof boot that fits over the hoof of the horse, enabling water to be held inside. This can be very useful for soaking the hoof and may also be used to medicate or disinfect the hoof tissue. Soaking the hoof in the boot helps to soften the hoof and draw out any infection.
Some soaking boots for horses also double up as a poultice boots for horses, helping to hold dressings in place. Other brands are intended to use with equine soaker hoof wraps, which counteract the problem of water leaking out of the boot as the horse moves.
You will also come across other brands of horse-soaking boots which extend up the leg of the horse, allowing the limb to be soaked in water or treated with ice or medication.
What Are The Best Horse Soaking Boots Used For?
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for horses to get hoof ailments or leg injuries. Having a soaking boot around can prove to be very helpful when treating hoof problems. Soaking boots are efficient for icing legs and medicating hooves.
Horse-soaking boots are used to help treat hoof conditions such as abscesses, thrush, bruising, and puncture wounds. Hot water and Epsom salt or medication are mixed together and added to the boot to soften the hoof and draw out infection. The boot can also be used to disinfect the horse’s hoof by using an appropriate antibacterial solution.
The joy of using a horse-soaking boot is that you don’t have to worry about your horse stepping out of the medicated treatment, as the boot should stay in place as the horse moves. This makes it far easier than the traditional practice of ‘hot tubbing’, where the horse would need to stand with its hoof in a bucket of water for a long period.
How to choose the best horse soaking boots
There are several different types of soaking boots you can purchase for your horse. They can be short or tall, and reusable or disposable. They are made with a range of different materials and can be fastened using velcro or buckles. You will need to consider size, style, height, and price when choosing the best horse-soaking boots.
Short soaking boots are easy to put on and easy to adjust. They are durable and efficient at soaking feet, and can often also double up as a poultice boot for horses. Most horses don’t object to wearing this type of boot.
Tall soaking boots are dual-purpose and can be used to soak hooves as well as ice your horse’s legs. They are normally easy to fit and adjust, but some horses object to wearing them at first.
Disposable soaking boots are simple to use and convenient. They are a good option to have around in case of an emergency, as you don’t have to worry about cleaning them out to reuse. They are designed to fit all sizes of horses but can work out to be prohibitively expensive if your horse needs regular hoof soaking.
If you are considering buying disposable soaking boots, you also need to take into consideration if your horse is wearing shoes. A disposable boot is more likely to tear if your horse is wearing shoes. If your horse does have shoes on, you will want to make sure you get a durable boot, so a reusable soaking boot may be a better option. However, some reusable brands of soaking boots for horses, such as the Cleantrax soaking boot, are also not suitable for horses that wear shoes.
When it comes to reusable boots, it is important to look at the durability, comfort, and fit of the boot. It should be adjustable and have secure fastenings to hold it in place. The material should be thick enough to prevent the hoof from wearing through it, but not so thick that it is cumbersome and difficult to use. Not all soaking boots can be adjusted, which can make it difficult for them to stay on your horse’s hooves.
Key Features Of The Best Horse-Soaking Boots
When looking for a soaking boot, there are some things you want to take into consideration. The best option is to get a reusable soaking boot that is fully adjustable, so it is properly fitting and will not be too loose. You also want to make sure that the boot is durable, as it can be easily worn down from the horse’s hooves if it is not a hardy material.
It is also helpful to have a soaking boot that you can order in different sizes, as you can select the perfect fit for your horse’s hoof. The size of the boot will depend on what you want to use it for – applying a dressing or poultice under the boot means you may need to order a larger size. Most manufacturers have excellent guidance to help you decide what size boot to buy.
Choosing a durable soaking boot will also ensure that the boot will last longer. A durable boot allows the hoof to get better treatment from the medicine and will hold up from the wear of being on a hoof. It is important to bear in mind that some boots are only intended to be used for short periods while the horse is stationary – turning your horse out in a paddock whilst wearing a soaking boot could result in it being damaged, and the warranty will be invalid.
Long or short – which do you choose? Long boots are great if you are also needing a product to ice horses’ legs. They are normally easily adjustable and come in different sizes.
Short boots are ideal for a hoof soak or to hold a poultice in place. They fit securely and are a perfect option if your horse doesn’t stand still for hot tubbing. They are also a good choice if your horse must wear a boot for a more extended period.
Disposable boots are quick and easy to use. They are simple to fill and put on, making them a good choice for a fidgety horse that often needs hoof treatment.
What’s The Best Way to Use This Product?
Soaking boots are used to treat common hoof ailments such as thrush, abscesses, and puncture wounds. They can also be used for ice injuries. They are designed to be an easy way to apply the treatment.
The best way to use soaking boots is to thoroughly pick out your horse’s hoof, then gently put the boot on the hoof. Next, place the hoof on the ground and carefully fill the boot with warm water, Epsom salts, or any medication prescribed by your veterinarian. You can add the liquid to the boot before putting it onto the hoof, but this can result in spillage. If the boot has straps or velcro to secure it in place, fasten these now.
Then all you need to do is allow the hoof to soak for the recommended period. Mostly this is just for ten to twenty minutes, however, depending on the condition it may need to be longer. Your horse does not need to stand completely still during this time, but it is helpful if you can limit movement as much as possible. Most horses will happily stand eating their hay while the hoof is being soaked.
Once the soaking time has elapsed, undo the fastenings on the boot and remove it from the hoof. Take care not to splash water on your horse’s legs as this may startle him. If you need to bandage the hoof after soaking, make sure it is completely dry first.
Generally, you will only use the soaking boot only a few days in a row to help draw out any infection. Your veterinarian will guide you as to how long and how often you should use the soaking boot.
It can be a good idea to get your horse accustomed to wearing the boot beforehand, so that if an abscess or injury occurs your horse will not object to the boot. Some horses do not like wearing things on their hooves at first, so this is a good training exercise for you and your horse.
5 Best Horse Soaking Boots
There are several different soaking boots available, each designed to help heal infected hooves. They come in different varieties and styles to meet the needs of your horse.
Tough 1 Hoof Saver Boot
The Tough 1 Hoof Saver Boot is a short boot that is fully adjustable and comes in several different sizes. It is designed to hold up against tough wear. It is easy to put on and can be snuggly fastened, to keep water and medicine from spilling out.
Pros
- This boot is durable.
- Triple-layered with comfortable padding, providing protection.
- Easy to adjust and stays securely on your horse’s hoof.
- Comes in several sizes.
- A great choice for horses with shoes.
Cons
- The boot does tend to run big.
Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot Horse Soaker Hooves Treatment Bag with EVA Pad 1 Pair
The Yeezo Hoof Soaking Boot is a tall boot that has three fastening points that allow for a secure fit. Its tall design also allows it to be used as an ice boot.
Pros
- The tall design with the three fastening points allows the boot to stay on.
- Durable PVC tarpaulin with a reinforced sole.
- Can be used as a hoof soaker or to ice the leg.
- It is collapsible, making it easy to store.
Cons
- They are too small for most draft horses.
- Some horses resent the feel of the bag around their legs.
StepnSoak-911 Hoof Soaking/Rx Boot
The StepnSoak-911 Hoof Soaking/Rx Boot is a tall boot that is sturdy and easy to put on. It comes with adjustable straps and can be used to treat hoof ailments and ice-injured legs.
Pros
- Easy to put on and has Velcro bands for fitting.
- Made from durable polyvinyl.
- Dual purpose – can be used for hoof ailments as well as icing legs.
- Rolls up for easy storage.
Cons
- These boots are one size fits all, but they tend to be too large for smaller ponies and miniature horses.
- Can rip if you have a horse that doesn’t stay still or kicks.
Less Side Horse Hoof Soaking Bag
The Less Side Horse Hoof Soaking Bag is a tall boot that has a padded bottom and three adjustable bands. It is made of durable material and can be used for icing legs as well as soaking hooves.
Pros
- Durable material.
- Adjustable fastening bands allow for a snug fit.
- The padded bottom is comfortable for horses.
- Easy to put on.
Cons
- Can come off easily if a horse begins to kick.
- Tends to run large, so consider ordering a smaller size.
Davis Medicine Poultice Soaking Boot Hoof Protection
The Davis Medicine Boot is a short boot designed to be durable and comfortable for the horse. Its short design and adjustable straps hold water and medicine well without spilling. It is available in seven different sizes.
Pros
- Easy to put on and durable.
- Can be used as both a soaking boot and a poultice boot.
- The triple-layer construction provides comfortable padding.
- Designed to relieve pressure and ease pain from bruises and cankers, in addition to soaking hooves.
Cons
- The sizing is very precise, and there is little flexibility to use a size smaller or larger.
Summary – The Best Horse-Soaking Boots
Though these are all great choices for soaking boots, the Tough 1 Hoof Saver Boot is the top pick amongst many horse owners. This soaking boot is durable, well-padded, adjustable, easy to put on, stays on, and does not spill easily. It comes in several sizes and can be used with horses with shoes without the worry of tearing.
Unlike tall soaking boots, this boot is made of a durable material that can withstand walking, kicking, and pawing. Like the Davis Medicine Boot, it has an adjustable band at the top, however, the Tough 1 Hoof Saver is made with stronger straps.
This soaking boot has all the features needed in a soaking boot to help with thrush, abscesses, bruises, and puncture wounds. It is easy to use and it is designed to last a long time. It is a great choice for a soaking boot for your horse.
FAQs
What is a soaking boot?
The primary purpose of a soaking boot is to promote healing for the injured hoof and help prevent or fight an infection. They're typically made from rubber and are designed to fit over the injured hoof and to fill with a mixture of water and medicine to soak into the hoof. They come in several different shapes and sizes.
Hoof conditions that can be treated with a soaking boot include abscesses, thrush, puncture wounds, and bruised hooves. A soaking boot is filled with warm water and Epsom Salts or medicine to soften the horse's hoof and to aid the healing process of the hoof.
How do you use soaking boots for horses?
A soaking boot should be gently slid onto the problematic hoof. After that a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt should be added to the boot. If needed, you can also add medicine to the boot. You can also add the mixture before putting the boot on the hoof. Make sure the horseshoe is seated properly and let the hoof soak for 10-30 minutes.
After the soaking period, rinse the hoof with clean warm water. Apply a thin layer of vet wrap to the affected area. Let the vet wrap dry completely before putting on a new boot. The boots should be cleaned and dried before every use.
What do Epsom salts do for horses?
Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is an ingredient in horse feeds, which provides a supplemental source of magnesium where required, to maintain normal muscle, nerve, and gut motility functions. It is commonly used to help soothe a horse's muscles after a hard workout.
Epsom Salts have been used as a general tonic for horses for many years. It increases the fluid content of the body, relieves muscular tension, relaxes the bowel, stimulates the appetite, and promotes healthy hoof growth. Epsom Salt is a soluble salt that readily dissolves in water. When mixed with water, it produces a solution with a pH of 7.0 which makes it safe for horses to ingest. Epsom Salts are generally safe for all horses, even those that are pregnant or lactating.
However, Epsom Salts are known for their laxative properties so you should be careful to not give your horse too much of it as it can quickly develop diarrhea.
How do you soak a horse's hoof with Epsom salt?
The most important thing to remember when treating a horse's hoof is to have a good look at the condition of the hoof and make sure it is clean and dry before applying any treatment.
To prepare a Epsom Salts solution, use a mixing bowl. Fill the mixing bowl with very warm water. Add a few teaspoons of Epsom Salts to the warm water and mix thoroughly. Calculate exact amount of Epsom Salts according to the manufacturer instructions. Normal ratio for the mixture is 2 cups of Epsom salts and a squirt of betadine solution per gallon of water.
You should soak your horse's hoof for up to 3 times par day for 10 to 30 minutes. The treatment should last for 3 more days after the pain in hoof has gone to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
