Cushioned Overshoes For Horses

In the US, Soft-Ride boots are often used to make a horse more comfortable on a hard floor, such as in a stable or a horsebox. South African owners should consider using them too

- Dr Mac

Veterinarians have long used supportive boots on horses’ legs to promote healing after injury or surgery. Ice boots are fitted to treat inflammation, while shorter support boots are employed to reduce the pain caused by navicular disease and laminitis.

In the US, many owners use Soft-Ride boots to improve the comfort of horses transported for hours on the road.

They also use them on horses kept in stables with hard, rubber floors rather than deep bedding. The shoes help to cushion the ligaments and increase circulation in the hooves.

These shoes certainly have a place in South Africa, both for competition horses and in the racing industry, where animals are typically transported great distances.

At the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in the US, I saw a competition horse wearing these boots in its stable.