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The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe — Health (The SoftRider has a unique base that supports the ENTIRE hoof and a rubber…)

The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe

The SoftRider has a unique base that supports the ENTIRE hoof and a rubber tread that provides

Want a horseshoe that distributes weight across the whole hoof like an athletic shoe?

The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe - Image 2 on InfoHorse.com
The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe - Image 2 on InfoHorse.com
The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe

The SoftRider has a unique base that supports the Entire hoof and a rubber tread that provides traction like an athletic shoe for humans, SoftRider shoes can help keep your horse healthy and performing well.

Not Your Regular Horse Shoe!
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.

Is It True That SoftRider Shoe Helps Increase Circulation?

YES! The SoftRider feature a two-layer construction and is a center-loading shoe. This means that the SoftRider places the load on the center of the shoe rather than on the outside wall of the hoof. This helps increase blood flow to the hoof, reduces strain on the coffin bone and pressure on the navicular region, and isolates the concussive force of impact with the ground on the horse’s skeletal system, all while offering improved multi-directional traction.

Was It Specially Designed For Horses With Laminitis, Ringbone, Navicular or Performance Horses?
YES- But ALL horses can benefit from the protection and benefits of the amazing SoftRider Shoe! SoftRiders are great for aging horses with issues like laminitis, navicular syndrome and ringbone, and they’re also perfect for long-term use on all performance horses. SoftRider shoes have been tested for three years at top veterinary hospitals across the country and are now available for anyone to purchase.

What 2 SoftRider Shoes Are Available To Choose From?

Yes, we have 2 great models to select from:

SoftRider Gel Max: The slightly curved sole on the Gel Max enables a horse to find the most comfortable resting position for the foot, making it a good choice for use on laminitic horses. It is available in sizes 000 through 5.

Special Introductory Shipping Offer!
Order 2, 3, or 4 pairs of SoftRiders in any combination of sizes and receive special pricing for FedEx 2-Day shipping anywhere in the United States. (This offer is not available if you add other Soft Ride products to your SoftRiders order.) Price: $65.00

SoftRider Gel Arena: Like all SoftRiders, the Gel Arena distributes the load throughout the entire hoof—not just the edges—creating less stress on legs, ligaments and tendons. The Gel Arena’s low profile, aggressive tread pattern and center-loading support make it a great choice for competition, trail, pleasure and general riding. It is available in sizes 000 through 5.

Special Introductory Shipping Offer! Order 2, 3, or 4 pairs of SoftRiders in any combination of sizes and receive special pricing for FedEx 2-Day shipping anywhere in the United States. (This offer is not available if you add other Soft Ride products to your SoftRiders order.Price: $65.00

How Do You Put On The SoftRider?

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 in SoftRider Boots?

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.

What Sizes Are Available and How Do I Size?

Our Sizing page has full instructions...We recommend these guidelines when measuring your horse and using Soft Ride boots:
  1. Measure your horse’s hooves shortly after they have been trimmed. This will help ensure that the boot is not too big.
  2. It’s important to keep your horse's hooves trimmed. This will help ensure continued proper fitment and help prevent damage to the boot.
  3. Measure each hoof to check for discrepancies in hoof size. You may find it necessary to order a different size boot for each foot.
  4. When you receive your Soft Ride boots, remove the Gel Orthotic and hold it up to the bottom of the hoof. The Gel Orthotic should overlap the hoof by up to an eighth inch on all sides to allow for some growth before the hoof is trimmed again. If the foot overlaps the Gel Orthotic in length or width, then the boot is too small.

What If I Have A Horse With Laminitis That I Can't Ride?

The Soft Ride Boots are the answer and have helped so many horses-- including Ann Pruitt, Director of InfoHorse, whose elderly mare couldn't stand without them! Designed originally to keep horses comfortable in the stall and on the road, equine practitioners quickly realized our boot & gel orthotic provide comfort to injured horses and protection to a healthy hoof.

The SoftRider has a unique base that supports the Entire hoof and a rubber tread that provides


Order Your Soft Rider Shoes Today!

The best $65 you'll ever spend!
Increases circulation, features a two-layer construction and is a center-loading shoe. This means that the SoftRider places the load on the center of the shoe rather than on the outside wall of the hoof. This helps increase blood flow to the hoof, reduces strain on the coffin bone and pressure on the navicular region, and isolates the concussive force of impact with the ground on the horse’s skeletal system, all while offering improved multi-directional traction. Better hoof, better performance, happier horse! Order Today!

Get in touch

Call · Visit www.softrideboots.com

The Solution Section
What is The SoftRider — and how is it different from a regular horseshoe?

Per Soft-Ride, Inc.: The SoftRider has a unique base that supports the entire hoof and a rubber tread that provides traction like an athletic shoe for humans.

The SoftRider is a center-loading shoe — 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, allowing for loading and unloading of the sole (similar to the Gel Orthotic in a Soft-Ride Comfort Boot).

How does center-loading help circulation and skeletal stress?

Per Soft-Ride: the SoftRider features two-layer construction and is center-loading. By placing load on the center of the shoe rather than the outside hoof wall:

  • Increases blood flow to the hoof
  • Reduces strain on the coffin bone
  • Reduces pressure on the navicular region
  • Isolates concussive force of impact from the horse's skeletal system
  • Provides improved multi-directional traction

SoftRiders also allow multi-directional breakover, minimizing ligament and tendon strain when moving in any direction.

Is The SoftRider designed for laminitic horses?

Per Soft-Ride: yes — and ALL horses can benefit.

SoftRiders are great for aging horses with conditions like laminitis, navicular syndrome, and ringbone, and they're also suitable for long-term use on all performance horses. Per the company: SoftRider shoes have been tested for three years at top veterinary hospitals across the country and are now available for purchase.

What are the two SoftRider models — and the price?

Per Soft-Ride, two models:

  • SoftRider Gel Max: slightly curved sole enables horse to find most comfortable resting position. Good choice for laminitic horses. Available sizes 000 through 5. Price: $65.00.
  • SoftRider Gel Arena — additional model in the line.

Special introductory shipping offer: order 2, 3, or 4 pairs of SoftRiders in any size combination and receive special pricing for FedEx 2-Day shipping anywhere in the U.S. (Not available with other Soft-Ride product additions to the order.)

How is The SoftRider different from Soft-Ride Comfort Boots?

Per Soft-Ride, Inc.: distinct products. The SoftRider is a horseshoe (designed for hoof shoeing); Soft-Ride Comfort Boots are removable boots for boot-on/boot-off use cases. Same company, same gel-orthotic principle, different product categories — choose based on whether shoeing or booting fits your horse-management approach.

How do I order The SoftRider?

Per Soft-Ride, Inc.:

Pricing: SoftRider Gel Max $65.00 per pair; pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors — confirm current pricing with Soft-Ride directly when ordering.

Contact The SoftRider Next Generation Horse Shoe

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Ann Pruitt
Contact Ann Pruitt
InfoHorse.com