Some competitors start prior to arriving at the show. Before they load their horses in their trailers, they
put Soft-Ride™ Equine Comfort Boots ontheir horses’ hooves. “The boots fit over the entire hoof area,”
says Debbie Ruetenik, co-owner of this eight-year-
old company. “They slip on and are fastened by a
hook and loop closure, which keeps themsecurely
on the horse during transportation.” Inside the
Soft-Ride Boots, there are interchangeable GEL
inserts that support and provide cushion for the
horse to stand on, much like sole inserts that you
can put in your cowboy boots. These inserts can be changed from soft to firm support. Soft-Ride™ Boots also have numerous specialized inserts for horses
that have a specific hoof condition.

Equine Sports Medicine Mobile Hospital veterinarian Alan Donnell recommends this boot for horses that have acute laminitis, soft soles, bruised soles, hoof abscesses, and traumatized hoof walls from pulled shoes. NRHA Professionals Brian Bell and Shawn Flarida both have used this product and have seen a difference in how their horses perform during a show. Lack of soreness was what both of these trainers noticed when they used the boots.

Another good use of Soft-Ride™ Boots is in stalls. Since stalling is frequently on concrete, many issues arise when horses are housed on such a hard surface. It doesn’t take too much imagination to think of how sore your legs and back would be standing on a concrete floor for hours at a time. Additionally, hock sores, scratches, and bruising can occur as the horses lie down and get up in the stalls. Although traditional wood shavings or sawdust are regularly placed in the stall for protection, cushion, and absorption, many have tried stall mats or even the rubber jigsawinserts that indoor playgrounds use to help reduce the stress on their horses’ backs and legs. Thesemethods help, but trailer space is limited and transporting these items can be a problem. This is where the Soft-Ride™ Boots can again come in handy. It’s possible that even less bedding is needed since the GEL inserts provide extra support and cushion for the horse. Additionally, the design of the urethane outsole gives the horse aggressive traction to aid in lying down and rising.