3D HoofCare Hoof Pad Size Guide 3D HoofCare Hoof Pad Size Guide

What size hoof pad will fit your horse? In this article we offer definitive measurements and vital tips to help you choose the right hoof pad size. Shop with confidence.

Hoof Pad Sizing Tips

SIZING TIP 1: BIGGER IS BETTER

All 3D HoofCare pads are easily trimmable with nippers, grinders, or files. If you’re unsure of the correct size, buy the larger size. Our demonstration videos below show easy trimming techniques.

SIZING TIP 4: USE METRIC MILLIMETERS

Always measure in metric millimeters for best accuracy. Converting from imperial inches often introduces rounding errors to the nearest ¼ inch.

SIZING TIP 2: SIZE NUMBERS ARE NOT UNIVERSAL

Size numbers are not universal; different shoe and pad brands and models use different size numbers. For example, a Kerkhaert flat stock Euro size 1 will be a Concave stock Australia size 6 yet will be a 3D HoofCare Half Mesh Pad size 4.

SIZING TIP 5: 3D HOOFCARE VARIATIONS

The 3D HoofCare Deplano Fusion and Half Mesh Narrow pads are longer than other 3D HoofCare pads of the same size number and width.

SIZING TIP 3: MEASURE OUTER WIDTH

If you don’t know which pad or shoe your horse wears it’s best to initially measure the hoof outer width. The outer width is used by most brands to compare size numbers across horse shoe and pad styles. Our 3D Hoofcare size chart below uses outer width to compare frog support pads with horse shoe sizes.

SIZING TIP 6: HARNESS RACERS, PONIES, AND QUARTER HORSES

Some horses have more narrow feet, especially hind feet, and choosing the right pad can save you or your farrier time and work. Pacers, trotters, some ponies, and quarter horses often have more narrow feet and so are better suited to the 3D HoofCare Half Mesh Narrow hoof pad.

3D Hoofcare Hoof Pad Sizes

To use this size chart simply find your horse’s maximum shoe width on the right of the chart. Your suitable 3D HoofCare Hoof Pad outer width is on the same line on the left of the chart.

How To Measure Your Horse’s Hoof

QUICK TIPS FOR MEASURING

Measuring immdiately after a trim is more accurate.
Do not include the heel bulbs in your measurement.
Use a hard ruler or tape measure which helps keep one hand free. A retractable tape measure is best so you can hook it over the edge of the hoof.

IF YOU KNOW THE HORSE SHOE BRAND/STYLE AND SIZE NUMBER

STEP 1: Consult our handy 3D Hoofcare Hoof Pad Size Chart above

STEP 2: Find your horse’s shoe brand/style and size/width on the right of the chart.

STEP 3: The suitable 3D Hoofcare Pad size will be on the same line on the left of the chart.

IF YOU ARE MEASURING THE HOOF OR SHOE

STEP 1: Measure the outer width of the hoof at the widest point of the solar surface (the flat surface that touches the shoe/ground). Be mindful that halfway up the hoof may be more wide or narrow than at this surface. This surface is important because it will contact with the pad or shoe.

STEP 2: Measure the hoof length. Measure from the toe to the buttress line, excluding the bulbs of the heel.

FAQ: How do I find the buttress line on a horse hoof?

STEP 3: Compare your horse’s hoof/shoe width with the Pad Outer Width listed on the left of our handy 3D Hoofcare Hoof Pad Size Chart. The correct pad size is listed in the left column.

STEP 4: Check the length of the pad. 3D Hoofcare Frog Support Pads of different styles are different lengths. The Half Mesh Narrow and 3D Deplano Fusion pads are both longer than the more standard Ed Eclipse, Half Mesh, and Full Mesh pads, and so are shown in their own columns.

Demonstration videos

Trimming the pad to size using nippers is quick and easy

A thorough demonstration of how to fit the Half Mesh pad using correct Impression Material technique.

How to fit the Half Mesh Pad.