A horse boot (10) includes ashell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole(14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18).The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heelof the upper and is wrapped around the pastern(P) above the hoof s hairline (C) and below thefetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern andfunction as a barrier against debris. The gaiterincludes a portion of two-way stretch material(60) that makes it possible to fold it out of theway for ease of installation. The process isfurther facilitated by the slit (18) that allowsspreading of the shell. By shaping the upper(16) so that it presses against the hoof (H), theboot is advantageously held in place using onlythe gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot andstrapped to the pastern of the horse.
