When do horses feet stop getting bigger? (not growing, just the shoe size)

[dressagehorses]

I know that horses feet grow through their lifetime and are constantly changing. My question is this, at what age have a horses hooves spread out as much as they are going to and will remain a (mostly) constant size? Size such as shoe size.

Let me explain, I have a 3 year old Dutch Warmblood who has recently been backed, I dont plan on riding him much between now and when he turns 4 but I do want to take him on the trails once a month or so just to get him out and get some experience for him.

I dont like keeping horses shod and especially if they arent being riden any more often that that. I was wanting to buy some Renegade Hoof Boots for him to ride in only when I was riding in rocky terrain. But I am afraid that with him only being 3 years old his feet might still get quite a bit larger in the next year and he would outgrow his boots.

Does anyone have a good idea of when a horses hoof stops getting bigger?? Thanks!

[chism]

I'm not sure when they stop growing, but I can tell you that my horse's feet were not done growing at the age of 3. He's a draft cross..at 3 he was a size 3 and at 6 he's a size 5.

[matryoshka]

Yep, he might outgrow his renegades. Probably will. However, you can resell the ones he outgrows and buy a new pair, or trade them. There's a boot-trading web site. I don't have the link, sorry. If you think he's going to grow, it might be a good idea to buy used boots first anyway.

If there is a boot dealer local to you, they can help you figure out the best (cheapest) way to handle this, as long as they are honest. ;)

[caballus]

The equine hoof continues to 'develop' for the first 5 years of a horse's life. After that its size is directly related to its use and care. A contracted hoof is going to wear a smaller sized boot or shoes than a hoof that is healthy and well-formed. I always warn my clients in the first appointment to expect the hooves to 'grow' at least 1, maybe even 2 or 3 sizes, during the 'regrowth' time of the first year.