What is the difference between a SoftRider and a regular horseshoe?
The SoftRider shoe is a center-loading shoe, which means it takes the weight that usually rests solely on the hoof wall and distributes it across the entire hoof. The base of the shoe rests directly against the sole. This allows for loading and unloading of the sole (just like the Gel Orthotic in a Soft-Ride Comfort Boot), which stimulates circulation throughout the hoof and leg when standing or moving. SoftRiders also allow multi-directional breakover, which minimizes ligament and tendon strain when moving in any direction.
How are SoftRiders applied?
SoftRiders can be cast, glued, or nailed on like a traditional shoe by a vet or farrier. In most cases, they will first wrap the shoe in place to assure proper placement. They will then will mark nail locations that are most beneficial to the horse. They’ll remove the shoe to pre-drill nail holes and then nail the shoe like a traditional shoe. Finally, they will seal the back of the shoe with farrier silicone (or a similar material), leaving an open cavity in front of the frog to allow for loading and unloading of the hoof sole.
Which SoftRider model is best for my horse?
Your vet or farrier can best determine which SoftRider model is best for your horse. The SoftRider Gel Max has a taller profile than the Gel Arena. This allows more breakover,
which enables a horse to find the most comfortable resting position for the foot, and is thus more suited for laminitic and navicular horses. The SoftRider Gel Arena has a lower profile and aggressive tread pattern, which makes it a great choice for competition, trail, pleasure and general riding.
Can I ride/perform in SoftRiders?
Yes. SoftRiders are specifically designed to be worn for work and performance. Several NFR riders use the SoftRider Gel Arena on horses competing in roping, barrel racing, cutting, reining and more. English riders use the Gel Arena for dressage, jumping, and other equestrian events. And everyday owners use the SoftRider for activities like work, ranch and trail riding.
Can I still use my Soft-Ride boots with SoftRider shoes?
Not yet. We are working on developing a special gel orthotic for the Soft-Ride Comfort Boot that would work specifically with the SoftRider shoe.
My boots are fine but I need new orthotics; can I just order orthotics?
Yes, if you just need new orthotics you can insert them into your current boots as long as the inserts and boots are the same size. Orthotics are sold in pairs unless otherwise specified and are $70 for standard turquoise and $90 for specialty orthotics.
Which orthotics come standard with the boots when I order them?
All Soft-Ride Boots sizes 2-7 include a pair of standard turquoise orthotics, and sizes 8-10 include a pair of standard purple orthotics. Specialty pairs of orthotics can be purchased additionally.
Which Gel Orthotic is right for my horse?
We offer six different specialty orthotics that can be used with the Soft-Ride boots to help provide comfort and support to horses suffering from chronic laminitis, sinking or medial rotating laminitis, acute laminitis with dorsal to palmer (planter) rotation, navicular syndrome, sesmoiditis, stone bruises, abscesses, stinging hooves, and a wide variety of other hoof conditions and disorders. Click here for details on each of the different gel orthotic options.
Can I use Soft-Ride’s Gel Orthotic in other boots?
Our gel orthotic is designed specifically for the Soft-Ride boot, and as such should not be used with any other brand of boot.
How do I determine what size Comfort Boot to order for my horse?
You’ll find complete, step-by-step sizing instructions, as well as a sizing video, here.
Do you have a size calculator?
We do! You can input your horse’s measurements in our size calculator and it will generate the size boot your horse needs. When using the size calculator, be sure to input the size of each hoof on which you want to put a boot; this will ensure you get the correct size boots. You can find the size calculator here: Sizing Page .
Do you have draft sizes?
Our largest boot is a size 2, which measures 6 ¾” wide by 6 ½” long. We can fit most warm bloods and some draft breeds, but it’s best to measure your horse to see if his hooves fit into the size restraints.
When should I size my horse’s foot?
You should size your horse’s foot shortly after his hooves have been trimmed. It’s important that the boot is not too big. This will ensure that the Gel Orthotic massages the bottom of the foot and does not get squeezed up around the outer edges of the hoof.
Do I need to keep my horse’s hooves trimmed to ensure a continued proper fit?
Yes! To ensure a continued proper fit, we recommend that your horse’s hooves be trimmed regularly, roughly every six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly they grow.
Should the boots fit snug or loose?
Ideally, we would like the boots to fit snugly with 1/8” or less showing around the outside of the gel orthotic. The closer the fit is, the better it will work for your horse. Much like a person’s shoes, the boot should be the smallest size that isn’t too small. Issues can arise if the boots are too large or too small. Boots that are too small will tear out because your horse’s hoof will rest on the hard plastic and material seam of the boot instead of sinking into the gel orthotic. Boots that are too large will be sloppy on the hoof and can spin around, and there is also potential for the extra material to fold under the hoof as the horse walks, which will lead to a rub-through in the material.
My horse is laminitic and we’ve been advised not to trim his hoof for a while. How should we size his foot?
You can size your horse now and purchase a boot that will fit your horse’s untrimmed hoof. However, when you finally do trim his hoof you will likely need to purchase a smaller boot to ensure a proper fit.
When I sized my horse’s hooves, they were between two sizes. Should I order the smaller or the larger size?
Double check your measurement to ensure that it is precise. If your horse’s hoof is between two sizes, we recommend ordering the bigger size.
Why did I receive a regular boot when I ordered a narrow?
Our narrow option applies specifically to the orthotic inside the boot. The boot size will reflect the normal sizing (i.e. 6L) but the orthotic inside is shaped differently to provide a narrower opening. This is achieved by incorporating a sidewall of orthotic material around the front and sides of the gel orthotic. Narrow sizes must be ordered over the phone.
What is the difference between a SoftRider and a regular horseshoe?
The SoftRider shoe is a center-loading shoe, which means it takes the weight that usually rests solely on the hoof wall and distributes it across the entire hoof. The base of the shoe rests directly against the sole. This allows for loading and unloading of the sole (just like the Gel Orthotic in a Soft-Ride Comfort Boot), which stimulates circulation throughout the hoof and leg when standing or moving. SoftRiders also allow multi-directional breakover, which minimizes ligament and tendon strain when moving in any direction.
How are SoftRiders applied?
SoftRiders can be cast, glued, or nailed on like a traditional shoe by a vet or farrier. In most cases, they will first wrap the shoe in place to assure proper placement. They will then will mark nail locations that are most beneficial to the horse. They’ll remove the shoe to pre-drill nail holes and then nail the shoe like a traditional shoe. Finally, they will seal the back of the shoe with farrier silicone (or a similar material), leaving an open cavity in front of the frog to allow for loading and unloading of the hoof sole.
Which SoftRider model is best for my horse?
Your vet or farrier can best determine which SoftRider model is best for your horse. The SoftRider Gel Max has a taller profile than the Gel Arena. This allows more breakover,
which enables a horse to find the most comfortable resting position for the foot, and is thus more suited for laminitic and navicular horses. The SoftRider Gel Arena has a lower profile and aggressive tread pattern, which makes it a great choice for competition, trail, pleasure and general riding.
Can I ride/perform in SoftRiders?
Yes. SoftRiders are specifically designed to be worn for work and performance. Several NFR riders use the SoftRider Gel Arena on horses competing in roping, barrel racing, cutting, reining and more. English riders use the Gel Arena for dressage, jumping, and other equestrian events. And everyday owners use the SoftRider for activities like work, ranch and trail riding.
Can I still use my Soft-Ride boots with SoftRider shoes?
Not yet. We are working on developing a special gel orthotic for the Soft-Ride Comfort Boot that would work specifically with the SoftRider shoe.
What is the difference between a SoftRider and a regular horseshoe?
The SoftRider shoe is a center-loading shoe, which means it takes the weight that usually rests solely on the hoof wall and distributes it across the entire hoof. The base of the shoe rests directly against the sole. This allows for loading and unloading of the sole (just like the Gel Orthotic in a Soft-Ride Comfort Boot), which stimulates circulation throughout the hoof and leg when standing or moving. SoftRiders also allow multi-directional breakover, which minimizes ligament and tendon strain when moving in any direction.
How do I size a SoftRider?
SoftRiders are sized like traditional horseshoes. If your horse wears a size 1 keg shoe, he will also wear a size 1 SoftRider. If you are uncertain, check out our sizing guide.
Do I have to be a farrier or vet to order the SoftRiders?
No, anyone can order SoftRiders. However, we highly recommend that they be applied by a vet or farrier.
What type of material should the back of the SoftRider be sealed with?
Most professionals working with SoftRiders use farrier silicone, putty, or high quality farrier caulk.
Should nail holes be pre-drilled before nailing the SoftRider in place?
You can nail through the shoe without pre-drilling holes. The upper material of the SoftRider is the same density as a standard hoof wall, so it is completely possible to nail straight through. The benefit of pre- drilling the holes is that you can establish the most beneficial nail placement in the hoof wall.
What drill bit and nail do I use to apply a SoftRider shoe?
Whichever one your vet or farrier is comfortable using and is compatible with the horseʼs hoof.
What if my horse is barefoot and has never had shoes before. How do I know what size to order?
Your vet or farrier can help you determine the correct size SoftRider for your horse.
What if my horse is between sizes. Can you customize the SoftRider?
Talk to your vet or farrier to determine the correct size. SoftRiders can be ground down, so it is possible for your vet/farrier to customize the size a bit. He or she can also adjust angles and breakover by grinding the material. Since the SoftRider’s polymer density is similar to a live hoof wall, any of the tools normally used on the hoof should also work on the SoftRider shoes.
Do I need Soft-Ride Comfort boots for trailering/ stalling at shows if my horse is wearing SoftRider shoes?
Soft-Ride Comfort Boots provide additional protection in trailers, stalls and paddocks that are not supplied by SoftRiders. However, our Comfort Boots cannot currently be used on horses shod with SoftRiders. We are working on developing a special orthotic for the Soft-Ride Comfort Boot that would work specifically with the SoftRider shoe.
Are there any peer-reviewed research papers about the SoftRider?
This product just launched, so there are not currently any peer-reviewed papers about SoftRiders. However, we have had the product in research and development with some of the country’s top vet clinics for over five years and have taken their research findings and opinions into consideration in the final design of the shoes.
Is there a warranty period for SoftRiders?
We are not issuing warranties for SoftRiders. They are designed to be replaced often, just like a traditional keg shoe. We are not responsible for application methods and/or if the user damages the shoe beyond use during application. If a shoe has been altered (i.e. cut, ground, nail holes drilled, etc.), it cannot be returned.
Can I return an unused SoftRider?
Yes. Like all Soft-Ride products, SoftRiders can be returned within 30 days if they are new/unused/unaltered.
Can these shoes be reset?
This depends on several things, such as:
- How much is the horse “working” in them?
- Are there any hoof growth issues?
- How is the tread pattern holding up?
- What type of surface are they typically being worn on?
Essentially, the answer is “it depends,” but as long as the wear allows it they can be reset once.
How do SoftRider shoes hold up in snow, ice, and mud?
We have been very successful with wear in snowy, icy and muddy conditions. The shoes provide traction similar to a traditional snow shoe, but with the added benefit of keeping snow/ice/mud balls from packing into the sole of the hoof.
How do I determine what size Ice Spa to order?
Here is some general sizing information about the Ice Spa, which can be used on fore or hind legs:
- The 28-inch Ice Spa will go above the knee and hock on a 16.2 hand horse.
- The 20-inch Ice Spa will go to the knee and upper cannon bone on a 16.2 hand horse.
How many Soft-Ride Ice Spas come with my order?
The Soft-Ride Ice Spa comes as a single boot for use on any leg (fore or hind). They are available in two sizes: 20-inch and 28-inch. When using the Ice Spa on your horse, we highly recommend putting a Comfort Boot on the opposite foot to offset the height difference created by the Ice Spa.
How is the Ice Spa orthotic different from the one inside a regular, Soft-Ride boot?
The Ice Spa orthotic uses the same material as the gel orthotic that’s found in our Soft-Ride boots. However, the Ice Spa orthotic features grooves that allow cold water to flow to the bottom of the hoof and cool the frog without allowing potentially damaging ice chunks to get under the hoof.
How do I put the Ice Spa on my horse?
You’ll find a video on how to use the Ice Spa here.
Can I attach my own air compressor to the Ice Spa drain?
Yes. We sell an adaptor that can attach your air compressor to the Ice Spa drain line and control the pressure of the air being used in the Spa. For more details, click here.
