A hoof boot has a base, a heel captivator, and a pivoting mechanism thatdisposes the heel captivator to pivot relative to the base, preferably in amanner that allows the heel captivator at least three degrees of freedom ofmovement relative to the base. The heel captivator is preferably low in therearmost portion, which provides clearance for the pastern bones of the equinelower leg to descend upon weight bearing during movement at various gaits. Toreduce the possibility for bruising and chaffing of soft tissue around thepastern bones, and to help eliminate accumulation of debris, preferred heelcaptivators have an open mesh architecture. Heel captivators can alternativelyor additionally be designed with fabric covered neoprene or other liners.Boots are preferably tightened using mechanically advantages laces.
