Author : Satu Vainikka
Satu Vainikka is a Finnish barefoot hoof care specialist with over 20 years of professional experience in trimming and rehabilitation. Together with her husband Jiri, she has worked with thousands of horses since 2004, focusing on healthy, functional movement. As one of the creators of Flex Boots, Satu brings practical, evidence-based knowledge to every detail of the design.
Flex rivets are part of the Flex Boots fastening system, securing the shell of the Flex Boots to the TPU gaiter. Together with industrial-strength adhesive, the rivets complete the attachment and ensure that the hoof boots stay correctly aligned and comfortable for the horse.
How the Flex Rivet System Works
When a TPU gaiter is bonded to the boot shell, adhesive is the primary fastening element. The rivets act as a secondary, mechanical fixation whose main role is to:
- ensure correct positioning of the TPU gaiter
- finish the fastening process securely and neatly
The rivets used by Flex Boots are carefully designed so that they do not interfere with the horse’s movement or comfort.
What If a Rivet Bends or Comes Off?
In some situations, a horse may accidentally step on its own legs – for example, overreaching with a hind hoof onto the heel area of a front boot. In such cases, a Flex rivet may bend or detach completely.
The good news:
This does not compromise the attachment of the TPU gaiter to the shell. The adhesive bond remains strong, and the hoof boot can be safely used even without a rivet.
When Should a Rivet Be Replaced?
Occasionally, the inner head of a rivet may bend due to overstepping and create a sharp edge. If this happens:
- the rivet should be removed
- it can be replaced with a new one if desired
Replacement Flex rivets are available as spare parts in packs of 8.
Comfort First – Always
With correctly fitted Flex Boots, the rivet heads are always positioned under the neoprene gaiter, meaning they never come into direct contact with the horse’s skin. This ensures:
- no rubbing
- no pressure points
- maximum comfort during movement
