Fit Scoot Boots
Before your customer rides in their Scoots, it is essential to check the fit.
1
Heel Bulb Finger Test
You should be able to push your finger between the bulbs and the heel strap (the part that goes over the top of the bulbs). It is still okay if you have to force
your finger in. Scoot Boots will stretch slightly with use.
Reason: The heel strap should fit snuggly over the highest point of the heel bulbs. Too loose compromises fit, too tight or low causes rubbing.
Note: Learning how to heat stretch the heel strap is a great service to provide your clients.
2
Gap Test
Check the top of the boot is fitting securely all the way around against the wall of the hoof.
Reason: This will help asses the width of the Scoot Boot is the correct size.
Note: Flared hooves will impact the fit around the top of the Scoot Boot. We reccomend flare be corrected through trimming for hoof health and fitting Scoot Boots.
3
Front Strap Test
Check there is firm tension on the front straps when done up. If you can’t close the straps with a hoof pick they may be too small.
Reason: Scoot Boots will relax when broken in. If the front gap is very narrow or touching once the Scoots will be too big once broken in.
Note: For wider corronet bands or when using a poltise for rehab, the Long Front Strap, can be used in place of the Front Strap.
4
Wiggle Test
Pick up the hoof and gently rotate the boot both ways. The boot should not turn or move on the hoof.
Your customer has received their Scoots, but they are unsure if the fit is right. Asking your customer to send you a photograph of the boots on from the front and the side can cut down on unnecessary travelling.
You will likely already have in your mind that this customer may need to go up or down a size, or to change fit from regular to slim. Seeing the customer’s photos of the Scoots being worn can determine if you do need to exchange them to get the right fit. You can also ask your customer to check with the finger in the heel strap.
1
Front
2
Side
3
Back
4
Heel Bulb Finger Test
Incorrect fit
An ill-fitted Scoot Boot can result in rubs or lost Scoots. It is important to be sure each hoof fitted for Scoots has the correct size. Remember Scoot Boots can be bought by the single Scoot. This helps horses with odd-sized hooves
Size too small
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Cannot pull the boot on over the heel bulbs.
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Cannot force your finger between the backstrap and the bulb.
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Cannot get the front straps closed with a hoof pick, or too much tension.
Above example
The above examples demonstrate too much pressure/tension on the wall of the boot. Breaking in these boots will not decrease the pressure/tension enough to make the boots fit comfortably. The pastern strap is also too tight. This horse needs the next size up.
Wrong Scoot Boot Style
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Cannot force your finger between the backstrap and the bulb.
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Cannot get the front straps closed with a hoof pick or too much tension.
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No gap, and fitted comfortably around the hoof wall.
Above example
This hoof is wearing a Regular 3. We exchanged it for a Scoot Slim 4. Increasing the size in length helped the fit in the toe and over the heel bulbs, while keeping the width fit correct.
Heat stretch - heat gun
Creator and Co-Founder Dave Macdonald demonstrates how to heat stretch the back straps of a Scoot Boot for a customised fit. This method is effective for providing comfort for a horse with large or high heel bulbs.