why use travel boots on horses

Let’s Talk Horse Boots: What to Use, When, and Why

#MasterclassMonday is a collaboration between Horse Network and  NOELLEFLOYD.com  to empower equestrians. Every Monday we’ll bring you a new lesson from a leading trainer or professional to help you troubleshoot your training, master your mindset and up your game. This month’s instructor: Olympic groom Max Corcoran.

Maybe you put boots on your horse without really knowing the “when, how, and why” behind that choice. If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place.

In general, leg protection is crucial to your horse’s performance and longevity, especially if you are jumping or galloping frequently. Within a horse’s leg, there are a web of structures including soft tissue and nerves that can be damaged or injured during work, as well as skin and bone that can be bruised easily by the knock of a hoof or jump rail. Without added protection during practice and performance, your horse runs the risk of damaging one of these structures, which can result in sometimes serious and long-term injuries.

So, where do you start? Lucky for you (and your horse) there are tons of boots out there to choose from. Some of the most common types are: 

• Everyday Brushing Boot
• Jumping Boot
• Cross-country Boot 

An everyday brushing boot is exactly what it sounds like: It’s used for your everyday work. These are great because they are versatile, can be used in any type of weather, they are easy to wash, and come in all different sizes. Although they are a softer, more flexible material, they do typically have a more durable protective side that goes over the inside of the leg for extra protection of the tendons and ligaments. 

This is just the teaser! Learn to care for your horse like an Olympic groom with Max’s Equestrian Masterclasses: Horse Care for All Seasons, and Leg Protection 101.

When it comes to cross-country boots , the longevity of the boot is everything. These boots have a hard shell on the back and front, since these horses can frequently hit their cannon bone on the back of the jump. These boots typically fit the same way as other boots and also come in all different sizes to ensure proper fit. 

An important thing to consider when using cross-country boots is the security of the boot. When horses are galloping long distances, we want to ensure the boot stays put. A good rule of thumb for boot application would be to put on the boots, let them sit, then do a ‘snug’ up to make sure the boots stay put without being too tight. 

One of the most commonly seen boots, jumping boots, are known for their great range of motion. These boots usually have an open front on the front boots and allow for more movement while also not prohibiting the horse from feeling if they knocked a rail. These boots do have more protection in the back in case they strike themselves over the jump. Overall, these boots offer amazing mobility, are easy to wash, and provide great support for those jumping frequently.

Next week, we’re talking polo wraps! Stay tuned.

Want to learn more? Check out Olympic groom Max Corcoran’s Equestrian Masterclasses: Horse Care for All Seasons, and Leg Protection 101.

About the Author

Max Corcoran has been on the front lines of three-day eventing for over 20 years, taking care of the sport’s most successful four-legged athletes. She has been a key figure of influence and advocacy for sound horsemanship in American eventing and most recently, Max was appointed President of the United States Eventing Association.

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Horse travel boots: what to look for, six on the market, plus six more we’ve put to the test

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Horses have delicate legs, and one way to protect them is by using horse boots . There are many different types and styles available on the market, including travel boots, which are ideal to keep your horse’s legs safe whilst travelling. The vehicles we transport our horses in are quite confined spaces, particularly if multiple horses are occupying the space, so it’s not unusual for them to get knocked or nicked. Whether you take your horse out regularly to compete or more sporadically for days out, or travel in a trailer or horsebox, investing in a pair of travel boots will reduce the risk of your horse unloading with an injury.

Travel boots differ from other types as they are much longer, covering the entirety of the lower limb. Front boots protect knee to hoof, and hind boots protect hock to hoof, ensuring there is limited exposure for any knocks, cuts or abrasions to be sustained whilst in transit. As they do such an important job, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a pair…

1. Size and fit

It’s key that these boots are fitted correctly, as many are anatomically designed to fit the horse’s limb structure. Too small and the boot will rub or not be the appropriate length, too big and it could come loose whilst the horse is being transported.

When looking for travel boots, check if the manufacturer has made any claims about whether the boot is designed for certain heights or breeds of horse. For example, there are companies which design boots for draft breeds, which typically have more canon bone and feathers, and therefore need a wider boot.

2. Materials and fabrics

Travel boots are typically made from durable materials such as neoprene, polyester or nylon, and may have fleece linings for comfort. For horses that fidget or are prone to overreaching, choose a boot with a higher denier or ripstop fabric – this will reduce the likelihood of the boots ripping or becoming damaged.

3. Level of protection

Keep in mind the thickness of the boots and factor in your average journey time when selecting a pair of travel boots. Thicker boots offer more protection, but could heat up your horse’s legs; excessive prolonged heat can contribute to tendon and ligament degradation.

More companies are designing travel boots with breathable fabrics to combat this, however, so keep this is mind if you plan to travel your horse for long distances.

4. Desensitise your horse to wearing them

As they are highly padded and designed to be worn whilst the horse is stationary in a trailer or horsebox, traditional travel boots are tall and quite rigid and therefore horses can struggle to walk in them the first few times they try them on. Before you try to load and transport your horse in the boots, pop them on a few times and let your horse get used to the feel of them. To begin with, your horse might take big steps with their hindlimbs in particular – just walk them slowly until they become accustomed to them, and take them off.

It can be tempting, if you horse doesn’t enjoy wearing them, to put them on once the horse has been loaded. However, trailers and horseboxes are confined spaces, especially when partitions are put into place, so we do not advise that you attempt to do this.

The Your Horse test: Travel boots

Our testers have been putting six sets of travel boots through their paces and each set of boots is marked out of five for fit, performance and value for money to give an overall rating out of 15.

Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots

1. Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots

These travel boots from Le Mieux offer a host of features for protection. The strong ballistic nylon outer fabric resists abrasions and knocks, whilst the Carbon Nano-Fibre lining effectively controls heat and sweat build up whilst travelling. This means moisture and temperature are regulated far better than in standard travel boots with polar fleece or nylon/ polyester linings. The robust PU leather heel guards offer additional vital protection.

Fit: “ A great fitting set of boots that are a good shape and stay securely in place thanks to the three wide straps. The sizing is good — they fit both of my horses, who are quite different.” 5 stars

Performance: “ These boots cover the legs really well and the padding adds another layer of protection. The lining is a little different to others I tested — it’s a wicking material that helps to keep your horse at a comfortable temperature. The tough outer material is certainly robust despite a lot of use.” 5 stars

Value for money: “Very good value boots that work really well.” 4.5 stars

Total score: 14.5

Colours: Black, navy

Sizes:  Cob, large

RRP £89.95 ($143.95; 139,95€)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here

Buying in the US? Purchase here

Buying in Europe? Purchase here

Mark Todd Travel Boots

2. Mark Todd Travel Boots

The Mark Todd durable padded travel boots have been designed to offer maximum protection. They have a tough outer fabric and protective scuff plates around the bottom edge. The wide hook and loop straps make them quick and easy to fit. Each set comes in a zipped storage bag.

Fit: “This set of boots fits really nicely. They are long enough to cover the coronet band and the hock and knee. The three big hook and loop straps make using these boots quick and easy — especially useful if your horse gets excited and fidgety when he knows he’s going out. They stay in place without you having to over-tighten them.” 5 stars

Performance: “The cut of these boots means they offer a good level of protection to the vulnerable areas of the legs. The tough outer fabric is standing up well to regular use and the scuff plates at the bottom offer further protection.” 4.5 stars

Value for money: “Very good value and highly recommended.” 4.5 stars

Total score:   14

Colours: Black, burgundy, navy, navy plaid

Sizes: Pony, cob, full

Hy Signature Travel Boots

3. Hy Signature Travel Boots

These stylish and practical travel boots offer excellent protection to the legs thanks to the ergonomic design with tough strike pads at the fetlock and point of hock. Held securely in place with touch tape fastenings, the boots have a comfortable fleece lining and a durable ripstop outer.

Fit: “These fit well — they are not quite as well shaped as some of the other travel boots tested, but they stay securely in place and cover the areas you want protecting.” 4.5 stars

Performance: “The material is tough, and they hold their shape nicely. There’s also a good level of padding that offers good protection to the legs. They are long enough to cover all those vulnerable parts of the leg.” 4.5 stars

Value for money:  “Very good price for a practical set of boots.” 4.5 stars

Total score: 13.5

Colour: Navy

Sizes: Cob, full

RRP £46.99 

Woof Wear Travel Boots

4. Woof Wear Travel Boots

Made with a 600 denier ripstop outer and comfortable wicking fleece liner with high density foam inner, the Wraparound System offers increased protection to the coronet, knee and hock, whilst the hard PP hoof guards protect the foot. The fully adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.

Fit: “The material is quite stiff which initially made fitting these boot fiddly — this has improved the more the boots have been used. The shape is good and the hind boots fit perfectly, but the fronts are generous in size for my horse.” 4 stars

Performance: “These boots offer good coverage and stay in place even on a horse that doesn’t travel that well and is a little fidgety. The material is robust and the scuff plates only have a few marks on them.” 4.5 stars

Value for money:  “A practical set of boots that are proving to be good value for money.” 4.5 stars

Total score: 13

Colour: Black/ silver

Sizes: Pony, cob, full size, heavy hunter

RRP £66  Currently out of stock 

Rambo Travel Boots

5. Rambo Travel Boots

These waterproof travel boots from Rambo incorporate reinforced panelling with their ergonomic shaped designed and strike cuffs to the back of the heel for additional protection. These boots include a smooth inner to minimise friction when in use whilst also being breathable. The travel boots’ triple wide Velcro closure straps offer security and ease of dressing, making them simple and quick to put on and remove.

Fit: “These boots are smart and fit well. They are a little more generous in size than others I’ve used but they are well shaped and cover the lower leg well. The straps are secure and quick to fasten.” 4.5 stars

Performance: “Being more generous in size means that they wrap around the leg more to offer very good protection. They are also long enough to cover the hock and knee. The material is a little stiff but is tough and durable.” 4.5 stars

Value for money: “These boots do a very good job, but they are expensive compared to others tested.” 4 stars

Colours: Navy/ burgundy & teal & navy, burgundy/ burgundy & teal & navy

Sizes: Pony, cob, horse

RRP £118.95 ($174.95; 131,95€)

Weatherbeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

6. WeatherBeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

With a durable and strong 1200 denier outer shell and soft boa fleece lining for comfort, these WeatherBeeta boots offer your horse protection whilst traveling. They have three easy-to-use touch tape closures to ensure a secure fit.

Fit: “A well-shaped set of boots that I didn’t find generous in size. The wide hook and loop straps makes putting them on and off easy. My horse does have quite a bit of bone and the length is good, it’s the width that isn’t so generous.” 4 stars 

Performance: “They have stayed securely in place and the outer fabric feels really tough and is showing no signs of wear. The boots cover all the vulnerable areas you want protecting well, and the soft fleece lining ensures that there is no rubbing.” 4.5 stars

Value for money:  “Good value, but check the sizing before buying.” 4.5 stars

Total score: 13 

Colours: Black/ silver, navy/ silver, navy/ red/ white

RRP £53.99 (70,00€)

Shop for more horse travel boots

We haven’t put these products to the test, but here are more travel boots available on the market…

Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

These anatomical travel boots feature a layering system which incorporates shockproof materials for the ultimate knee protection. The filling draws away moisture and sweat whilst the lining is quick-drying.

They have a microfibre leather guards designed to protect the pastern area from cuts and abrasions. They are machine washable and come in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag. They can be colour-matched with a Premier Equine cooler rug for the ultimate equine fashion statement.

Colours: Black, navy, burgundy, green

Sizes: Small, medium, large

RRP £98 ($111; European prices vary)

Purchase here International delivery available

Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

An ergonomically shaped pair of travel boots designed for a close fit, the main body of the boot is constructed with a perforated shockproof material that allows air to circulate and heat to escape. The integrated high-rise knee design features a layering system, which incorporates shockproof materials for the ultimate knee protection during travel. Microfibre leather guards are designed to protect the pastern area from cuts and abrasions.

These boots are machine washable and come in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag. They can be colour-matched with a Premier Equine cooler rug for the ultimate equine fashion statement.

RRP £128 ($145; European prices vary)

Weatherbeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

WeatherBeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

These travel boots feature a durable and strong 1200 denier outer shell for protection, and a sofa boa fleece lining for your horse’s comfort.

Colours: Dark blue/ grey/ white, squirrel print (UK and Europe only), seahorse print (US only), raccoon print (US only)

RRP £89.99 ($137.99; 120,00€)

PolyPads Travel Boots

These lightweight and protective boots are made from durable polycotton, with the double-layer of fabric providing protection and support. Unlike traditional rigid boots, the soft fabric allows the horse to move freely.

These boots are machine washable.

Colours: Black, brown, navy, white, red, maroon, smokey grey, forest green, olive green, royal blue, ice blue, turquoise, purple, pink with additional binding colour options giving over 200 colour combinations

Purchase here

ARMA Travel Sure Economy Travelling Boots

The ARMA economy travel boots offer comfortable protection for travelling horses. They have been designed using soft, flexible quilted fabric that cushions against impact without impeding movement, making them ideal for horses new to travelling or who have not worn travel boots before.

RRP £22.99 ($39.99)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here European delivery available

Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots – Broad Fit

These horse boots have been created with heavy breeds in mind featuring a registered patented design. They have 360º shockproof protection to the knee, coronet, hock and feather. The considerately designed flared shape of the boot protects the horse’s feather and legs, whilst the high cut design keeps the legs clean during transit.

They are made from a 1200 denier diamond weave polyester and have an antibacterial and antistatic lining.

These travel boots are ergonomically designed for heavy horses and ponies 13hh – 18hh+ with an abundance of feather, draft sized hooves and legs.

Colour: Wine

Sizes: Draft 1, draft 2, draft 3, draft 4

Buying in the UK? Purchase here International delivery available

‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’

I don’t often transport my horses, as I don’t regularly compete or attend clinics, but I’ve had a few different horses over the years and each of their requirements have differed when it comes to successful travelling. My old mare, Aly, was a thin-skinned thoroughbred and regularly ended up with nicks and grazes that were particularly long-healing on her lower limbs. She wasn’t the biggest fan of wearing travel boots – she always did a silly walk for the first five minutes of wearing them – but I was concerned that she could injure herself in the trailer as she wasn’t the best traveller, so I persevered with her travelling in boots. It took a few attempts with different brands to get it right, however, as she had quite delicate and slim legs, so some makes just wouldn’t fasten up tight enough and eventually slide off – often helped with a stomp or kick from Aly!

There have been occasions where I’ve opted not to use travel boots. I think certain horses travel better without them as they can irritate them. For short journeys, my sport horse Romeo has always loaded and travelled like a saint, so I prefer to pop on his brushing boots and overreach boots instead. He could also be a bit excitable to unload at the other end, especially in a buzzy competition atmosphere, so not having to try to get big boots off was one less thing to worry about! But for longer journeys, where I know he can become a little impatient, I’ll put them on for my peace of mind in case he has a bit of a fidget. They’re also great for keeping his white legs clean!

When it comes to travel boots, I do think it’s better to be safe than sorry, but you have to weigh up each individual. If your horse is prone to fidgeting or moving about a lot during travel, I’d definitely say it’s worth popping them on.

Related content

• Cooler rugs: 18 versatile cooler blankets to keep your horse comfortable after exercise or while travelling
• How to successfully reverse a horse trailer every time
• Heading out in the horsebox? Read this before you travel

Mel is a writer, photographer and content producer who contributes to both the print and digital aspects of Your Horse. She joined the team in 2021 after graduating with a 1st class honours degree in Equine Sports Science. Mel has owned horses from a young age, including thoroughbreds, sport horses and RSPCA rescues. She currently has two horses - Irish sports horse Romeo, who she's owned for 10 years, and ex-racehorse Alfie, who she is currently re-training. Want to get in touch? Email [email protected]

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• Boots for horses - why to use them, how to put them on and fit them?

In this article, we will tell you why you should use horse boots, and what is their purpose.

A horse moving freely in nature does not need any boots...

... however, a horse's tendons experience different loads when carrying a human on his back. Also, in nature, horses do not move in a circle for 30 minutes straight - as during lunging. So, is it necessary to use boots for horses? Yes, it is! When you work with horses, you require their bodies to do unusual everyday work. Regardless of the horse's age - young, adult, or elderly - and regardless of how you work with them, you should provide the horse with protection for his legs. This protection should be sensible and fit to the training type.

Types of horse boots

We can differentiate boots by their function:

Used during training or competitions - depending on the discipline:

• jumping horse boots,
• dressage horse boots,
• eventing horse boots,
• western horse boots,
• race horse boots.

Depending on the discipline, the boots may vary in their structure that serves proper protection - in jumping boots it is supposed to prevent mechanical damage e.g. while the horse strikes an obstacle's rod - but in dressage or western boots, the structure should protect the horse's legs while performing complicated technical figures that cause unusual pressure in the tendons. In both cases, the boots should prevent injuries.

Which boots protect particular parts of the horse's legs:

• bell boots and hoof heel protectors,
• hock joint protectors,
• wrist joint protectors.

If the horse moves in the wrong way - that is usually caused by the horse's built deficiencies - it might cause damage that can be prevented with the use of bell boots or protectors of the heel of the hoof. An example of such an abnormality might be strickling (hooking of neighboring hooves) or when the horse's back legs step over the front ones, which usually happens during intense effort.

The hock and wrist joints protectors should be used if your horse has undergone an injury, to support the area prone to damage.

Used outside of training:

• stable boots,
• travel horse boots,
• horse tail protectors,
• magnetic horse boots.

Boots are used to heat the horse's legs up after or in between training sessions, to improve the action of a warming ointment, to support regeneration, and prevent lymphatic swelling.

Travel boots prevent mechanical damage while transporting a horse - similar to a tail protector (the horse might damage the hair by chafing the croup over a trailer).

Magnetic boots serve easing pain and swelling, but also detoxicating by boosting the horse's blood pressure, at the same time improving regeneration processes, preparing the tendons and muscles for effort.

• Veredus boots Kevlar Gel Vento Save The Sheep , 2. Veredus boots Carbon Gel Vento , 3. Veredus bell boots Tekno Shield , 4. Prestige Italia boots F26 , 5. Eskadron boots with fur Heritage , 6. Prestige Italia boots F46 T.Tec , 7. Veredus bell boots Tekno Shield

Horse boots for lunging

Remember that working with the horse on a lunge is one of the most demanding exercises - as the horse keeps moving in a circle. It is crucial to use boots that would protect his tendons during this effort. For lunging, the best types of protectors are dressage boots or elastic wraps.

Please, take a look at another article in which we advise when to use boots and when it's best to use bandages .

How to fit the boots to your horse?

Boots shouldn't be either too big or too small. What does it mean?

The boots are too small if:

• they don't cover proper parts of the horse's legs - for example, front dressage or jumping boots should cover the whole fetlock and end before the carpus or hock of the horse's legs,
• you have trouble fastening them (then the shell itself is too small or the closure straps are too short) - it means they are too tight.

The boots are too big if:

• they go over the carpus (of the front legs) and hock (of back legs) or they reach over the fetlocks,
• fastening the boot on the "last loop" does not keep it in its place and it shifts while the horse moves.

It's good to take a look at a fastened boot shown on the product's package. Producers make sure that their products are perfectly fit, fastened, and presented on the horse's legs during a photoshoot.

While choosing boots for your horse, it is important to mind their size, function, and materials of which they are made . On the market, you will find:

• gel boots for horses,
• leather boots for horses,
• neoprene boots for horses,
• boots with sheep (medical) fur,
• ... and others.

When choosing boots for their material, you should pay attention to the ground surface on which you train. If you train on a hall or a manage with a dry and well-tended ground - you have full discretion. If you train outdoors only because you have no access to an indoor hall, you will make the least use of leather boots - they react rather badly to humidity (e.g. muddy terrains) and you should not clean them in a washing machine.

Also, it is good to pay attention to the type of fastening of the boots. Definitely, the best type of fastening is hook and eye as it allows for quick putting on and off the boots. What is more, it guarantees even fastening of the boots due to evenly placed wholes on a rubber tape surrounding the leg (which is hard to feel out with velcro closure). Such a type of fastening also prevents it from undoing itself during a training session or a competition (which, unfortunately, happens with velcros).

It's worth having more than one pair of boots so that you can freely change them depending on the surface or type of training, as well as clean them.

How to put the boots on?  

With most boots, you should remember a couple of things while putting them on your horse's legs:

Boots for front legs usually differ from the back ones - with their structure or length - e.g.:

• boots protecting the horse's legs only on the inner side (e.g. dressage boots) have a shorter front and longer back,
• jumping boots have smaller and differently built back boots than front ones,
• often, you can find the information which boot is a front one and which is a back (hind) one on the boots themselves.
• Left vs. right boots - most producers mark them with letters (R - right, L - left). If you cannot find such a mark, remember to fasten a boot in such a way that the direction of fastening goes from the front to the back . This is to prevent the air direction from undoing the fastening while the horse moves, especially with velcro straps.
• Rightly fit boots should be put on a bit too high so that you can shift them down a bit after you fasten them, which will help you make sure they cover the horse's whole fetlock but do not stick over it. You should slide the boot down with the nap so that the horse coat lies comfortably under the boots, which might prevent possible chafing .
• Remember that wet neoprene shrinks so boots made partially or wholly out of neoprene would fit tighter to the horse's legs after he sweats . You shouldn't put them on too tightly not to hinder blood flow in the limbs.

How to clean horse boots?

An answer to this question is - it depends on how and what they are made of.

• Boots made out of 100% material e.g. neoprene ones with faux fur could be washed at 30 Celsius degrees in a washing machine (unless instructed otherwise by the producer).
• Leather boots should be cleaned with a damp cloth and polished with oil or leather soap after drying. This will help them stay elastic and fitting to the horse's legs and their surface should not break.

Boots should be regularly cleaned, especially on the inside, as the horse's legs sweat during the effort, which means the boots will be covered with salt, hair, and mud. Keeping boots clean will help prevent chafing.

Remember not to put wet boots on your horse - it might result in chafing . Superficial skin damage is an easy way in for bacteria.

Boots are one of the most important elements of equestrian equipment. The legs make the horse, thus you should invest in high-quality boots that would serve you and your horse for years, fulfilling their purpose and providing protection for your horse, especially during intense training.

Check our offer: horse boots

Any questions call us or write an e-mail., equestrian store: +48 784 039 784, saddle department: +48 606 914 300, e-mail: [email protected], latest news from the equestrian store equishop:, related posts.

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The rider’s guide to horse boots.

Do you need horse boots for your horse? If so, what’s the best way to decide which boots meet your horse’s needs, with so many options to consider? This guide will tell you all you need to know about horse boots, including the different types of horse boots available on the market, and will provide guidance to help you determine if you should use them with your horse.

What Are Horse Boots and Why Use Them?

A horse boot is a protective boot or wrap designed to prevent a horse’s lower leg or hoof from experiencing trauma. These injuries could result from activities like walking on rough terrain or damage from a gait irregularity. Horse boots offer protection and also absorb shock when a horse’s hoof hits the ground. Have you ever noticed scabs on the inside of your horse’s fetlocks? This may be due to brushing or rough play in the field, and your horse may need boots. If your horse regularly injures the inside his fetlock or pastern, has sustained a more significant injury, or is regularly walking on rough terrain, boots will help protect from injury.

Sporting riders should use horse boots during riding, lunging, or turnout since their horses are typically moving at a faster speed, providing a greater opportunity for injury. And of course, jumping can cause injury if a horse nicks or doesn’t clear a fence. In general, pleasure riders don’t need leg protection for their horses, unless they travel on rough terrain or unless the horse has a problem with its walk or their gait.

Horse boots are available in a variety of materials including leather, sheepskin, gel, and neoprene, or plastic. They can have buckles, hook and stud closures, or hook and loop closures. Horse boots generally come in pairs with the closures on the outside of the horse’s leg to ensure that they don’t interfere with each other and come undone, potentially causing injury to the horse.

If you decide to use horse boots, it’s important that they fit well and be kept clean from built-up dirt and sweat. You should also check often to ensure the boots aren’t chafing and inadvertently causing injury.

Types of Horse Boots

There are a number of different types of horse boots that protect different parts of your horse’s lower leg and hooves in different ways.

The bell shape of these boots circles the entire hoof and protects the heel as well. Bell boots , also called overreach boots, are used to prevent overreaching, where a horse hits his front heels with the toes of his back feet. They can be worn while riding or in the paddock. Bell boots protect the hooves from tough or muddy terrain, and they protect from hitting a hard surface when jumping or negotiating obstacles. They can be worn on the front and the back.

A pull-on style is considered the most secure, but they can be challenging to get off and on. Pull-ons also offer the best protection since they have no opening. Buckle closures or hook-and-loop fasteners are also used as they are easier to put on and take off. However, they can be more prone to get clogged by dirt, depending on the terrain. They also have a greater risk of falling off, so it’s important to put them on properly and regularly ensure that they are latched.

Fetlock Boots

Fetlock boots , also called brushing boots or ankle boots, are worn on a horse’s hind legs. They are designed to protect the inside of a horse’s legs from injuries caused by the opposite hock striking the lower leg and fetlock. They start under the knee and down the inside of the leg and are designed to protect while still enabling a horse to feel a pole while jumping. Fetlock boots are generally used for show jumping with tendon boots to provide protection and can be used for schooling and competition, when allowed.

Fetlock boots generally come in two designs. One is more of an all-purpose boot, where additional padding is provided inside the fetlock. The other wraps around the back of the joint and leaves the front of the boot open.

Tendon Boots

Tendon boots are worn on a horse’s front legs. They are designed to protect the tendon area from strikes from the hind hooves which can occur when landing a jump. Tendon boots also protect the inside of the legs from brushing injuries caused when a hoof catches the leg.

Just like with fetlock boots, open-fronted boots are available that enable a horse to feel a pole during jumping. Closed-tendon boots protect the front of the leg as well as the tendon area and are often recommended when eventing due to the risk of injury from solid fences when they are allowed.

These boots protect the horse’s sole and are sometimes used instead of horseshoes. Hoof boots can be used temporarily, during a transition to going shoeless, for medical reasons if a horse cannot wear shoes, or if a horse loses a shoe. They are used for all riding disciplines and protect the sole of the hoof from rough terrain.

Therapeutic Boots

Therapeutic hoof boots help a horse’s hooves heal faster from injuries and are easier to use than wrapping the feet and hooves. These boots can be used with your horse’s medication and they also  protect the hoof from dirt and oils.

Travel Boots

Travel boots, also called shipping boots , are used to protect a horse’s lower legs, and sometimes hocks, from injury while traveling in a trailer. They are usually faster to put on than bandages and offer a comfortable fit.

The Best Horse Boots

There are many horse boot options to choose from. Here are several that we recommend, based on performance as well as staff and customer feedback.

Nunn Finer Long Neck Bell Boots ($19)

These bell boots are a staff favorite! They are easy to get on and off with their stretchy rubber neck and their thick rubber bottoms keep them in place to offer great protection.

EquiFit Essential Bell Boot ($56.95)

The EquiFit Bell Boot is a great option for those who want an option for a pull-on boot. It features a double hook-and-loop closure to ensure a secure fit and has a rolled-top fleece edge to prevent rubbing. It’s made of a lightweight and waterproof foam with synthetic EverLeather covering.

Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots ($30.95)

Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots are a popular choice for riders. These anatomically formed boots are lined with Air Motion mesh, the ventilation reduces the build-up of heat, transferring moisture away from your horses legs for increased comfort and performance.

Lami-Cell PRO Gel Tendon Boot ($65.95)

The Lami-Cell® PRO Gel Tendon Boots are great because of their lightweight material and shock absorbing ability. They eatures soft neoprene lining with an inner layer of Technical Shock Absorbing Gel for extra protection, and elasticized lock straps for added security.

Acavello Anatomic No Turn Gel Hoof Boots ($49)

This boot offers complete hoof protection in a tough waterproof boot. It’s elastic and easily stretchable making it easy to put on your horse. This Acavello hoof boot has ready-to-cut edges that are adaptable to the hoof’s shape for a safe and comfortable fit.

Intrepid Hoof Sock ($46.95)

This therapeutic hoof sock has a felt insert that can be used with any hoof medicine to treat your horse. It’s flexible and easy to get on and off and includes velcro reinforced tabs to keep the boots secure. They are also machine washable.

Centaur 1200D Solid Shipping Boots ($109.95)

We love the tough outer material and classic style of the Centaur 1200D Solid Shipping Boots. They're made of tough 1200D rip-stop material with 210D nylon lining, PVC heel protectors, with strong hook and loop closures.

Final Thoughts

Using horse boots is a good way to help protect your horse from injury. They are not always needed, but considering that it can take weeks or months for an injury to heal, many equestrians believe it’s a good practice to prevent injuries.

Michelle has been obsessed with horses since childhood. In addition to managing the e-commerce department at Farm House Tack, she is a graduate B with the United States Pony Club and previously worked as an Equine Veterinary Technician. She currently competes in the Amature Owner Hunters with her home-bred warmblood gelding Lego. Her husband David is a DVM with a graduate degree in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia.

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SHIPPING FROM THE USA & AUSTRALIA.

Travelling attire for horses

What your horse should wear when travelling is a widely debated topic with a range of answers. We have put together some tips to help you make an educated decision and ensure that your horse arrives from A to B safely and happily!

Travel Boots

There are a range of travel boots on the market, ranging from shorter boots through to the longer boots referred to as ‘trucking boots’. Ideally, we want to ensure our horses are protected from any knocks or scrapes from the knee/hock to the coronet band.

• Trucking boots are a great option to ensure their legs are fully protected. They can, however, be quite awkward and some horses will dislike wearing them, especially on their hinds.
• Floating boots, that go from under the knee to the coronet band, are the next best option for protection. They may still dislike them being on their hind legs, so be careful when they walk off for the first time.

Trucking boots provide more protection than floating boots.

Boots are a great option for travelling, but they can still slip. It is important they are checked regularly throughout transit.

Bandages are another option for travel, and it is recommended that they are used with large bandage pads underneath. 

• Unlike the travel boots that protect a large portion of the horse's leg, bandages using the bandage pads can only protect the horse from under the knee to just under the fetlock.
• They can be used under floating boots for particularly bad travellers.
• Some horses prefer the feel of bandages compared to boots.
• Be careful when bandaging that pressure is applied evenly, and the bandages are not too firmly tightened. When used incorrectly, bandages can cause serious damage. Ensure you know how to use them properly, or get someone to help you!
• There are some equine ‘socks’ available that can be used under the bandage pads to reduce swelling and increase circulation, great for long travel!

Like boots, bandages can undo and unravel. Make sure you check them regularly through your float camera, or by stopping.

Overreach boots

Overreach boots are most commonly used for horses that have a tendency to move around or scramble.

• Overreach boots provide protection under the forelock and over the hoof, and are often used in conjunction with bandages or short float boots.
• They can prevent overreach cuts, or shoe twisting/pulling if your horse tends to scramble.
• Rope halters are great for loading, but they are not recommended during transit as should your horse slip or fall, the halter needs to be quickly removed.
• A leather halter, or normal halter, are preferable for travel as they can be cut or undone in the case of an accident, they also break under extreme pressure.
• Additional padding, including a pole guard or fleece can be used if your horse has a tendency to move around or rear. If you’re worried they will knock their head, especially if they can be funny to load/unload, a pole guard is recommended.

Rugging is a long-debated topic when it comes to travelling. It is important you monitor the outside temperature during travel, and check often that your horse is not over-heating. There is a lot of technology available now in the form of body temperature sensors that connect to your phone, which is a great option if you don’t know what temperature your horse is sitting at!

• Rugs not only provide an added protection to your horse when travelling, but also ensure they don’t get too cold. Depending on weather, you can travel your horse in a fleece rug, doona or a travel cooler. If it is incredibly hot, it is not recommended you travel in anything at all.

It is important rugs fit securely and are monitored during travel.

• Tail guards or bandaging is important to have on to prevent rubbing and protect the dock.
• Bandages can be awkward and can slip, so it is important you know how to use them prior to travel.
• Tail guards are quick and easy to use, which is ideal when you're under time constraints or have a pony who just won’t stand still!

Happy travelling!

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A Guide To Horse Boots: What Type & Style Should I Choose?

Buying your four-legged friend a pair of boots is not as simple as it sounds, especially with the vast amount of boots available on the market. Manufacturers tend to design boots for specific parts of the leg, so it is important you know what each boot will protect, and which disciplines they are intended for. 

To make the decision a little easier for you, we have compiled a list of horse boots with a detailed description of their features and benefits. Take a look below and discover which boots you need in your tack room. 

Brushing Boots 

Brushing boots are used to protect your horse’s lower legs from potential knocks or injuries caused by the opposite leg or hoof. In brief, they protect the legs from ‘brushing’ injuries during fast pace activities such as galloping or jumping. 

Brushing injuries can also occur in the field which is why some horse owners choose to add brushing boots to their horse’s legs before turnout. 

Take a look at our brushing boots here:  Brushing Boots

Tendon Boots

As the name would suggest, tendon boots protect the tendon bone. Tendon boots are placed on the horse’s front legs to protect the tendon bone from the back hooves – without protection the rear hoof could cause damage if a strike occurs, for example, when a horse lands after a jump they bring their back hooves forward to land – this is why these boots are popular with show jumpers.

Shop our tendon boots here:  Tendon Boots  

Fetlock Boots 

Fetlock boots are used on the hind legs to prevent brushing injuries and knocks on the horse’s fetlock. They are usually hard shelled to protect against strikes from the opposite leg, however they can come in various other materials too. 

Shop fetlock boots here:  Fetlock Boots

Travel Boots 

Travel boots are practically named as they are essentially boots that your horse wears to travel in. They are usually heavily padded and they often cover a large proportion of the horse’s leg. Travel boots can be placed on all four legs (although the shape varies between front & back) and they are a great way of protecting your horse from knocks or injuries when on the move. 

Take a look at our large selection of travel boots here:  Travel Boots

Stable Boots 

Stable boots are a great way to protect and support your horse’s legs when they are stalled in their stable. Stable boots are also a great way of providing your horse with extra support after strenuous exercise. You can often get stable boots that have the additional benefit of cooling agents integrated into the design.

Stable boots can also be used to prevent your horse getting dirty before a big event, or simply to add protection if they are notoriously clumsy. 

Shop our stable boots today:  Stable Boots

Turnout Boots 

Turnout boots are great if you have a horse that can get a little silly in the paddock. Turnout boots are there to provide your horse with added protection against strikes and knocks from their own legs, or other horses if they are turned out in a herd. These boots are usually crafted with breathable materials that keep your horse’s legs cool, whatever the weather. Many boots also repel mud which is ideal for horses that suffer with mud fever. 

Take a look at our turnout boots here:  Turnout Boots

Cross Country Boots 

Cross country boots are essentially a brushing boot with increased protection due to the intensity of the discipline they are designed for. Cross country boots offer superior protection against lower leg knocks – in the event of a direct impact, i.e. with a solid fence, the cross county boot will absorb some of the shock.

Cross country boots often come with additional features such as water resistant material (ideal for water complexes), and air vents to keep the air flowing during a cross country run. 

Browse our cross country boots here:  Cross Country Boots 

Dressage Boots 

Concentrating on flat work? The dressage boot is simply there to protect your horse’s tendons and ligaments. These boots are also ideal if your horse has a tendency to overreach.

Shop our dressage boots here:  Dressage Boots 

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Horse Boots: Everything You Need To Know

What do horse boots do for horses.

Morven is a groom at Strathorn. She has ridden her whole life and has competed for Scotland in dressage. She has 4 of her own horses which she competes in working hunter, eventing and dressage.

Why should you use horse boots?

Before we step into the large array of different horse boots, why do we use them?

Overall, horse boots are used to prevent a horse’s lower leg or hoof from experiencing trauma. Horses as we know are very athletic, strong animals and are capable of injuring themselves like humans are too, therefore we use protection such as boots to prevent this as best we can.

Horse boots offer protection to the horse

Horse boots offer protection and also absorb shock when a horse’s hoof hits the ground, as well as protecting their legs from abrasions and splints.

Should you put boots on a Horse?

Some people turn horses out in turnout boots to protect the cannon bone, splint bone and soft tissue from the knee below, but this is more common in top class performance horses, as they can’t afford an injury!

What are the different horse boots for?

The horse boot market is a huge market with countless different technologies and innovations, I have simplified this into what boots I have personally found the best (for money and quality!).

Brushing boots

To begin with, the most popular boot on the market are brushing boots. These boots are arguably the most versatile boots, they can be used for training, flatwork, lunging, hacking, or turnout. They protect the lower part of the horse’s leg from the opposite hoof knocking into it, which is referred to as brushing. These boots are very affordable, ranging from £10-£20 for a decent pair.

It is important when fastening brushing boots that the Velcro is pointing backwards, just to make sure the boot is secure!

Le Mieux have a large range of brushing boots and colours. , although, my personal favourite boots are Woof Wear brushing boots as they’re well-made, comfortable and are a fit for purpose.

The Woof Wear brushing boots are breathable too which prevents the horses legs from heating up! I have 3 pairs now for my horses, with one pair I got 7 years ago and they’re still in very good condition.

Woof wear horse boots. 7 years old and still going strong

The stitching is all still intact and the velco still holds well on my Woof Wear boots

Tendon Boots

Showjumpers are the main consumers of tendon boots. These boots are composed of a harder material because they are intended to be worn for jumping and cross-country running, protecting them from more damaging impacts and blows. Tendon boots shield the horse’s front legs from any blows from the back hooves as a jump is landed.

This image is of Scott Brash, who is an international showjumper from Peebles, Scottish borders. He won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in 2015 after his consecutive grand prix victories in Geneva (2014), Aachen (2015) and Spruce Meadows (2015).

As you can see he uses tendon boots on his horses. He uses Veredus boots which are the highest end of tendon boots, which are hard and protective when there is an impact on the boots (a pole or a strike from another leg) yet extremely flexible and breathable.

Best horse boots on the market

These are the best boots on the market but at £215 they are not cheap, and this is just for the front legs, once you’ve purchased fetlock boots for the hind legs too it is definitely an investment! But those who are jumping the bigger heights, the horses safety is very important .

Best value horse boots

On a more affordable price point, I also have Woof Wear tendon boots which I use on front for show jumping on all horses. I don’t use fetlock boots for show jumping as I am more concerned about my horses striking a tendon (which can lead to 1-2 years off work!) so I invested in front boots.

Best horse boots for Cross Country

I use brushing boots for cross country as those jumps are solid and sturdy so I don’t want my horse to cut themselves or bang their leg by accident.

I have heard very good reviews on Shire Arma tendon boots. These are under £20 and feature flexible impact-resistant hard outer shell, Breathable cooling system, Lightweight and ergonomically shaped and have elasticated straps so they can still move in the boot.

Shire Arma tendon boots. Under £20 and great for cross country

Overreach boots

Personally, I would say overreach boots are an essential to riding, especially when jumping or galloping. Every horse is capable of overreaching, I use them on my thoroughbred as he is very athletic and catches his front heel with his back hoof easily, and even my highland as he’s also capable of this when galloping up hills!

What are Bell Boots?

Overreach boots are also known as bell boots because of their shape. Overreach boots surround the entire hoof offering protection from overreaching and other strikes.

What is overreaching?

Overreaching is referred to as when a hind hoof strikes the soft heel of the front hoof. Over reach boots can also prevent your horse from pulling of their front shoes! A small investment to save calling out your farrier again!

You can buy rubber overreach boots or neoprene overreach boots.

Rubber overreach boots

These are rubber over reach boots, they cost £5-£10 and work well. Although in sensitive skinned horses such as warmbloods and thoroughbreds, sometimes the rubber can rub their heals when they’re muddy or hot, so in that case I use neoprene overreach boots.

These are Arma neoprene over reach boots , as you can see they are a softer material and are more snug around the heal. Still lightweight and more ideal for your sensitive horses! These range from £10-£15.

HY impact is a good budget brand for these boots, but Arma, Le Mieux, and Woof Wear also do great over reach boots. You can’t really go wrong!

Cross Country Boots (XC)

Many people (especially at the lower levels) use brushing boots for Cross country (XC). XC boots are more expensive but very protective if you’re regularly training over xc fences or out eventing, especially if you’re on a thoroughbred.

XC boots act as shock absorbers

The most important feature of a cross country boot is that they help to absorb any impact or shock should your Horse or Pony’s legs come in to contact with a cross country jump and also provide protection to the Tendon from over reaching.

XC Boot features

XC boots have a strike guard, protection for the tendon, quick dry material so tendons don’t heat up if it’s a hot day and it doesn’t hold the water in if you’re doing water jumps. XC boots offer a higher level of protection, and are often teamed with overreach boots where necessary. Although there are many boots on the market, my personal favourites are Premier Equine.

I have the front boots and the back boots from Premier Equine. I have had these 6 years now and there are quite a lot of scratches and scrapes in the strike guard, making me glad I bought them!

Horse Travel Boots

Moving away from riding boots, these are protective and lightweight boots for travelling horses in trailers or lorries. Travel boots are designed to be used when travelling a horse. Travel boots are much taller by design as they offer full protection from the hock all the way down to the fetlock. More expensive styles may include PVC strike pads to also protect the hooves from impact.

Should you use travel boots on your horse?

Many people (including myself) don’t use travel boots as my horses are ‘perfect’ travellers and my highland especially does not need any more layers in his hairy legs! Many horses also don’t like the hind boots which stretch over the hock and you find they walk a bit fun the first few steps! Travel boots can cause the horse to overheat in hot weather, and certain horses are not happy to wear them.

Although if your horse isn’t a great traveller, or they are thin skinned- travel boots are a great idea. These Horze travel boots are good value and well made

Why should you use Bandages for horses legs

Bandages can aid in shielding a horse’s legs from harm, inflammation, the cold, and other issues. The fundamental distinction between the two is that boots may be fastened by slipping them over the legs, whereas bandages must be twisted around the legs and frequently need padding underneath.

Although boots offer greater protection Horse bandages reduce the possibility of injuries and protect against cuts. A lot of people also agree that horses who are wrapped up look very classy, especially if the fly veil and nummnah match.

Use bandages to keep your horse’s legs clean while warming up

Bandages are very popular with dressage riders! When I used to do a lot of dressage I would put bandages on my horses legs in the warmup as he was chestnut with white socks, so I didn’t want his legs to get dirty in the warmup arena. The bandages made sure he went into the arena gleaming white! You cannot compete with bandages on.

The most popular bandages are Le Mieux as they come in so many different colours and you can match this with your numnah too!.

Charlotte Dujardin and world champion Grand Prix dressage horse Valegro training in Le Mieux bandages and over reach boots.

International Grand Prix rider Ellie McCarthy also wearing bandages and over reach boots from Le Mieux

I hope you have learnt something or been swayed by horse boots! As I said, the market is huge, these are only a few of the most popular types of boots. They all come with their own purpose and can be very helpful when used correctly.

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6 of the Best Travel Boots for Horses

Product Feature: 6 of the Best Travel Boots for Horses

Updated: 12/04/2021.

Here we’ve picked out six of the best travel boots for horses. We’ve based our choices on cost, quality, and popularity; as a boot well-liked, is a boot that has proved it’s worth.

When travelling our horses, safety is at the forefront of our minds. Choosing how to prepare them for travel can mean the difference between a happy, safe journey to sustaining a fatal injury should they not be adequately protected.

Young horses are especially at risk as they take to the road for their first few outings. Nerves, an unfamiliar environment, restraint and confinement may prove too much causing the horse to fidget and become distressed. It is for these reasons we need to carefully consider the correct items to use for adequately protecting our horse during travel.

These are the top items for wear during travel. You have to ensure that you prepare at least the basics as you go on in your journey:

• Travel boots, if your horse doesn’t like travel boots, use bandages
• Padded headcollar

Here we’ve picked out six of the best travel boots for horses. We’ve based our choices on cost, quality, and popularity. A boot well liked is a boot that has proved its worth. Travel boots, along with quality horse riding boots , are available for smaller breeds. These are lightweight and are easy to put on or take off. The main features that make them popular with horse riders are comfort, safety, and versatility.  

Here’s the list:

Best Value – Saxon

Saxon Travel Boots

Colours: Navy or Black

Sizes: Pony, cob, full

Hardwearing travel boots from Saxon, with boa fleece lining and 420d nylon outer. Great value for money horse travel boots!

We voted these boots best value due to all over coverage at a budget friendly cost!

Mark Todd Collection

Mark todd travel boots.

Colours: Black, navy, burgundy, navy plaid, red

Sizes: Small pony, pony, cob, full

Made with a strong nylon outer, the Mark Todd Travel Boots are easy to clean, offer maximum protection ( including the hoof area), and secure with hook and loop closure system.

Weatherbeeta

Weatherbeeta Deluxe Travel Boots

Colours: Black

Sizes: Pony, cob, full, Warmblood

Hard wearing travel boots with reinforced PVC strike pad from Weatherbeeta. Velcro fastening to keep boots secure, with nylon lining.

Bucas Freedom Travel Boots

Made with padded foam, the Bucas Freedom Travel Boots come with inner polycotton lining and large hook and loop system for securing in place.

Amigo Travel Boots

Colours: Red

Sizes: Pony or Horse

Comfortable, high protection for the horse or pony when travelling. Tough outer shell, Velcro fastening and fleece lining. Hock protection.

Lemieux Carbon Travel Boots

Colours: Black or Navy

Sizes: Medium or Large

Made with a robust PU leather heal and a robust ballistic outer. Velcro fastenings with cooling carbon nano-fibre lining to regulate moisture and temperature.

Other great buys for horse travel

Shires Arma Neoprene Tail Guard

No need to spend time bandaging your horse’s tail for travel, no worries about uneven pressure or damage to the top of the tail or dock. Velcro to close applies even pressure.

Shires Bungee Trailer Tie

Colours: Pink, red, black, blue

Sizes: One size

Essential for tying up when traveling and on the yard with a panic release clip.

Woof Wear Poll Guard for Horses

Sizes: One-size

Thermoformed EVA padding for protecting the poll should the horse bang their head.

Reasons to Purchase Travel Boots for Horses

Now that you have a list of some of the best travel boots for horses, it pays also to tackle the various reasons why you ought to these. Some of these reasons include the following:

• It keeps your horse comfortable , especially when they may not be used to covering long distances.
• It increases the safety of your horse during a long journey.
• It’s durable and resistant to even the harshest of all conditions. Travel boots for horses are thick enough to protect your horse’s legs.  

How to Choose the Best Travel Boots for Horses

To narrow down your options, here’s a list of guidelines to apply when choosing the best travel boots for horses:

• A good travelling boot should extend from the knee to the horse’s coronet.  
• One of the most comfortable materials that you can purchase is quilted.
• Make sure the boot size is exactly that one which is most comfortable for your horse.
• Whenever you’re unsure, always ask assistance from experts or sales representatives, so you won’t make a regrettable purchase.

Final Word  

Now that you have a list of the best travel boots for your horses, there’s no reason for you not to start buying one. While it may come with a price, this will always be worth it when it’s the safety and comfort of your horses that’s at stake. Before you head out on a journey, take the time to go through this list, and start shopping for the best option for your horse.  

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The risks and benefits of using boots or bandages on horses’ legs

• Protective boots for horses
• Top stories

Are boots or bandages better for leg protection? Professor Roger Smith FRCVS and Professor Michael Schramme weigh up the pros and cons in this week’s Vet Clinic

Most horses are routinely booted up or bandaged for exercise. While some kind of protection is largely seen as essential, there are benefits and risks in covering or inadvertently constricting the lower limbs.

A common misapprehension is that bandages act to “support” the limb by preventing over-extension of the fetlock. A well-applied layered clinical bandage can provide some such support in foals or very small ponies, but studies have found that this is not the case with an adult horse.

Achieving this requires the application of more rigid materials, such as a splint or fibreglass cast, or orthotic boots ( EqueStride or FastTrack, for example). These newer boots can be used while the horse is at pasture or even being ridden, but they are not insubstantial and are intended for injury convalescence rather than routine use.

A simple cloth bandage applied to the cannon region – a so-called “exercise bandage” – obviously provides no support to the fetlock joint, as it does not cover it. It is sometimes claimed that exercise bandages support the flexor tendons, but it is difficult to imagine how. The superficial digital flexor tendon undergoes a peak load in excess of one tonne during exercise, so surrounding it with a bandage will have no influence.

That said, an exercise bandage or boot can guard against external trauma, which typically occurs due to an over-reach – when a hind foot strikes the back of a forelimb. This blunt trauma can be massive, causing substantial tendon damage. A cloth bandage is unlikely to offer much protection other than against the lightest of blows, but rigid boots can be life-saving.

Limb coverings may also help with a horse’s proprioception. This is the part of the nervous system that tracks where the limbs are at any given point during movement, to coordinate locomotion effectively. It is thought that bandages might offer sensory “cues” to improve coordination, which can be helpful – especially when the horse is tired.

Swelling of the legs is common, especially in the hindlimbs, because of the physics related to the length of the leg, the effect of gravity and the slow movement of blood back up the limb. Bandaging legs for work will not help, since limbs tend to swell when the horse is not moving, but applying bandages in the stable can be effective in reducing or preventing puffiness.

Pressure and temperature

While a degree of pressure is needed to keep an exercise bandage in place, it is essential that this pressure is not excessive. The bandage must be applied evenly, with correct tension, overlapping each turn of the bandage by between a third and a half of its width. The addition of sufficient padding underneath can lessen the risk of over-tightening.

Otherwise, bandage sores (affecting the skin) or bandage bows (affecting the underlying tendon) can occur very quickly. This is a real risk for an exercising horse, due to the extra movement in the limb.

A bandage or boot can increase the temperature inside the flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament. The superficial digital flexor tendon in particular generates heat during exercise, because of repeated cycles of stretch and relaxation during normal locomotion. You can appreciate this effect if you rapidly stretch and release a thick elastic band before holding it to your forehead.

The temperature inside the tendon can exceed 45°C during intense periods of exercise. This rise in temperature is counteracted by the flow of blood through the tendon and the cooling effect as the limb moves through the air. A bandage will limit the cooling effect, however, and if too tight, can even reduce blood flow through the tendon.

The effects of temperature rise are not completely understood, but research in the tendon biology lab at the Royal Veterinary College has shown that short periods of hyperthermia (raised temperature) can induce apoptosis – programmed cell death – and therefore could have a deleterious effect on the tendon.

Interestingly, short spells of hypothermia (cooling) after hyperthermia have been shown to be protective against this cell death. This observation provides scientific support for the already established procedures of cooling equine limbs after periods of intense exercise.

It also makes sense to use boots that are vented to allow air to circulate around the tendons, or to remove bandages as soon as the exercise is completed so that cold water or cooling products can be applied to the limbs if necessary.

Complete removal of loading from a tendon, such as that achieved by cast immobilisation after injury, will result in bone and tendon weakening and may induce tendon laxity and some fetlock sinking after the cast is removed, particularly in young, growing animals. Because of the inability of exercise bandages or boots to “unload” a tendon, however, the benefits of normal loading – necessary for tendon health – are unlikely to be adversely affected by their use.

Assess the risk

The choice of boot or bandage should be made depending on the likely risks posed by the specific type of exercise in which the horse is engaged. Any activity that increases the potential of external trauma, such as eventing or showjumping, warrants a robust covering.

Boots can carry more weight than bandages, but are more protective because they tend to be made of thicker material. Given that physical protection would be a key property, they should be tough but also lightweight – to minimise the energetic cost to locomotion – and adequately pliant so as to avoid direct trauma to the skin and underlying structures by the boot itself.

Recent innovations in boot construction have sought to maximise protection and comfort while minimising weight and water absorbency, using materials such as Kevlar, carbon fibre and neoprene.

Although elasticity in a material might be considered important for flexibility, increasing the stretch during application can increase the risk of a boot strap or bandage becoming too tight.

It remains important to consider carefully why you are using any kind of leg protection, so that a risk-benefit assessment can be made. The application of boots and bandages may be an established and routine part of equestrian sport, but there is still much to learn about their effects.

Further research will continue to provide scientific information, helping us to make the right choices.

Smart boots

In a world of increasing miniaturisation and advancing digital technology, tack and accessories have the potential to play a proactive role in horse health.

Boots can be instrumented to provide data that may prove useful for the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of injury. An example is the Ekico boot , which measures gait asymmetry via pressure sensors to compare fetlock function at key points of the horse’s stride: the attack phase, the swing and the push-off. The boots also record the surface temperature of the limb, which may have relevance to hyperthermia.

Since the early identification of locomotion problems tends to improve outcome, products such as these “smart boots” could be beneficial in detecting lameness before it is visible to the eye. This type of wearable technology is currently in its infancy but could eventually become part of a horse’s everyday wardrobe.

H&H 13 August 2020

About the authors

Professor Roger Smith FRCVS, a professor of equine orthopaedics at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), is a surgeon within the college’s referral hospital and also directs research into equine tendon disease. rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet; rvc.uk.com/equine-stem-cells; 01707 666272.

Professor Michael Schramme spent many years working at the RVC and is now based at the University of Lyon, where he specialises in equine surgery and lameness. The benefits of standing surgery

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Learn the pros and cons of exercise boots, and how you can decide when you should (or shouldn’t!) use them on your horse.

• May 25, 2023
• ⎯ Barb Crabbe, DVM

Your horse is standing on the cross-ties getting ready to work. You prepare to boot him up.  Do you outfit him in splint boots and bell boots to protect his legs? Sports Medicine boots to provide support? Or some other kind of specialized boot recommended by your trainer? One thing is likely—if you’re in any kind of training program, chances are the boots you choose will be identical to what your barn buddies use on their horses. That’s right—sometimes boot selection is more based on fashion than function. After all, it is important to fit in. And boots can’t hurt anything, right? 

Wrong!  In fact, most experienced horse people have seen instances of “boots gone wrong,” and recent research has demonstrated that boots can have detrimental effects on the tendons and ligaments they are designed to protect. Not only that, while boots do provide some benefits, they may not always have the protective effects we think they have.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of using exercise boots for your horse. We’ll find what positive effects they have, as well as where they fail.  Most important, we’ll learn when boots can do more harm than good. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to make more educated decisions about when and how to use boots for your horse. 

Benefits of Boots

The primary function of any kind of boot is to provide protection from trauma. Some horses that are very narrow (or don’t have the straightest legs) will interfere or strike the inside of one leg with the foot of the opposite leg. Others may overreach, striking the heel of a front foot with a hind foot when they take a step. This kind of self-induced trauma can be more common when a horse is young, green, or performing lateral movements—especially when they’re first learning. And there’s no doubt about it, boots provide protection from these types of interference injuries. 

Boots will also protect your horse’s legs from external sources of trauma—such as banging against a pole when navigating an obstacle, or from bushes or rocks you might encounter on the trail. They might even prevent ticks from attaching to your horse’s lower legs if you’re riding in tick country (consider applying insect repellent directly to the boots).

Finally, there is some evidence to support the idea that boots can provide proprioceptive feedback to your horse—meaning they can help him develop better coordination by stimulating messages to his brain about where his feet and legs are in space. In a recent study, researchers showed that musculoskeletal asymmetry or imbalance that could be associated with lameness was improved through careful use of a single bell boot on the weakest leg. This is interesting work. And as more and more attention is being paid to rehabilitation techniques in horses, it’s possible that boots might become an important tool in rehabilitation programs.

Boots Gone Wrong

Boots applied to your horse’s legs, especially if they’re poorly fitted, can easily cause trauma to the skin because of rubbing or pressure damage. At best, injuries to the skin are painful and irritating to your horse. At worst, these types of injuries can lead to more serious problems, such as cellulitis, if bacteria gain entry to the underlying tissues. Sweating underneath boots can also lead to skin irritation or skin infections—especially if boots aren’t kept clean or legs aren’t cleaned after work.  

Some of the most interesting recent research about potential negative effects of boots highlights increases in temperature that can cause damage to underlying tendons and ligaments. In the lab, temperatures of approximately 118 degrees Fahrenheit can induce “apoptosis,” or death of tendon cells. Even without boots, tendons can easily reach temperatures as high as 113 degrees during heavy work, especially during hot conditions. It doesn’t take much for temperatures to increase to potentially damaging levels.  

Your horse depends on airflow across the skin for temperature regulation—and boots or bandages that insulate the legs can result in a temperature increase of as much as 30%. That’s enough to cause concern. In studies, boots with heavy fleece linings and polo bandages were the type of leg protection that led to the greatest increases in temperature. Boots with openings that allow for better airflow, such as those constructed from mesh-like materials, will help keep potentially damaging increases in temperature to a minimum. 

If your horse really does need boots to protect his legs from trauma, the good news is there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Studies indicate that damage to tendon cells can be reversed if tissues are cooled down immediately by icing or cold hosing legs after bandages are removed. You can also remove your horse’s boots from his legs once you no longer need them, giving his legs a chance to cool down while you walk him out.

Making the Call

So how do you protect your horse’s legs from trauma, without putting him at risk?  The following four factors will help you decide when and how it’s best to boot. 

Factor 1: Trauma Risk

Is your horse’s base narrow or very toed out putting him at high risk for an interference injury? If you’re not sure, take a minute to watch him walking and trotting away from you on the barn aisle. If his feet come very close to the opposite legs when they are swinging through the air, he may be at higher risk of interfering. He may also be at risk if he’s a very young horse just starting in training or is just being introduced to lateral exercises like leg-yielding, sidepassing, or even spins. Does he have a very long stride and a tendency to overreach? What about his job? Is he being asked to navigate obstacles that could cause external trauma? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your horse’s legs may be at risk for traumatic injury, and protection in the form of boots or bandages is something to consider. Read on for how to use them safely. If you answered no, consider whether leg protection is necessary at all. You might be perfectly safe to leave the boots and bandages back in the barn—along with the risks they pose. It’s also wise to recognize that you can use leg protection when you need it and avoid it when you don’t. It’s not an all-or-none decision. 

Factor 2: Ambient Temperature

If you’ve determined that your horse would benefit from boots, pay attention to the temperature in his environment.  On very hot days, skip the boots if you think you can, and opt for a less intense training session that could avoid the risk of trauma. If you must work hard when it’s hot outside because of a competition or other scheduled event and you know your horse is likely to interfere, select a pair of mesh-type boots that allows for better airflow. It’s also wise to take the time to ice or cold hose his lower legs after work. 

Factor 3: Boot Selection

First and foremost, choose a set of boots that fit your horse well and won’t cause rubs. Check his legs carefully after every ride. Have the boots slipped out of position during work? If so, they may not be the best fit for your horse. And if you notice any evidence of a rub, such as hair loss or irritated skin, ditch the boots and find a different pair. Some horses will be sensitive to certain materials, such as neoprene. If you notice that your horse’s skin looks irritated underneath his boots, consider finding a pair made from a different material. 

You should also select the type of boots you choose based on the footing and environment where you’ll be working. If it’s wet, avoid heavy fleece-lined boots or polo bandages that are likely to get soggy and slip out of place. If you consistently work your horse on hot days, choose boots that allow for better airflow, such as those constructed from mesh-like materials. Skip the heavy fleece varieties. 

You can also tailor your boots to address your horse’s specific risks. For example, if your horse tends to interfere at the fetlocks but not higher up the leg, try shorter fetlock boots that leave more of the leg open to the air. And if your horse overreaches but doesn’t interfere, consider bell boots to protect his heels instead of a full set of boots. Specific activities may also require specific boots—such as skid boots that provide fetlock protection during sliding stops, or open-fronted boots that provide heavy protection for tendons and ligaments but allow the horse pole-awareness.

Factor 4: Boot Maintenance

You’ve determined that your horse needs boots and have been careful to select the ones that will protect him with minimal risk. What else can you do? Keep them clean! A buildup of dirt and debris on the surface of your boots can increase risk for rubs, and micro-organisms in the soil or footing where you ride can increase the chances your horse will develop infections in his skin. If your boots are secured with hook-and-loop closures or buckles, make sure these attachments are still functional to reduce risk of boots slipping or rotating on the leg and causing injury. Finally, when your boots wear out, replace them! 

So, what’s the bottom line? Should you outfit your horse in exercise boots or just say no? The answer simply isn’t black or white.  If your horse is at risk for trauma to his lower legs, either because of the way he moves, the environment where he works, or the type of job he does, there’s no doubt about it, boots can help protect him. It’s also true that boots can do more harm than good. If you determine that your horse doesn’t need boots, just say no! But if he does, it’s important to select them carefully and use them wisely. 

Airflow In Boots

If you’ve decided that your horse needs  boots, there are a few different options out there that provide airflow to the legs to help keep them cool.

Airwave Classic Equine Splint Boots. The perforated foam body on these boots actively draws heat away from the leg while a tough, flexible mesh covering adds protection and durability. 

Back on Track Airflow Exercise Boots. These boots are lightweight, and the Airflow technology provides maximum breathability and moisture management. 

Tough-1 Easy Breathe Mesh Sport Boots. The easy-breathe mesh is made to provide maximum airflow, while offering protection against dirt and debris. 

What About Travel?

Has your horse ever cut his leg when loading in a trailer? If so, you’re not alone. Trailering is a common time for horses to be injured. In fact, many seasoned horse owners are adamant that shipping boots are essential any time a horse is loaded in a trailer. Yet most experienced commercial long-haulers refuse to allow shipping boots on the horses they haul. Why? Because just like exercise boots, shipping boots don’t come without risk. So how do you decide? It all depends on your horse and the nature of the trip you’re taking.  

Protection Options

Option 1: Commercial shipping boots. Perhaps the most convenient and protective option are commercial shipping boots that extend up and over your horse’s knees and hocks, and are held in place with heavy duty hook-and-loop closures. While these boots are quick and easy to put on, they can also easily slip or fall off during travel, making them a popular choice for short trips on a well-behaved horse, and almost never allowed by commercial shippers for long-haul trips. If your horse paws, kicks, or otherwise carries on while trailering, commercial shipping boots are a poor choice. If he’s a quiet hauler, they may be a great option. If you do plan to try commercial shipping boots, make sure to acclimate your horse to them before you load up in the trailer.

Option 2: Bandages. Full leg bandages extending from the coronary bands to the knees or hocks also provide good protection if applied appropriately. When applied along with bell boots, this can be one of the safest options for your horse. For long hauls, however, bandages are also at risk for slipping or coming loose and may not be allowed by commercial shippers. They are also time consuming and require skill to apply. If proper bandaging is not solidly in your skill set, you can definitely do more harm than good with full leg bandages. Only use them if you know what you are doing.

Option 3: Exercise boots and bell boots. A full set of exercise boots with bell boots are a compromise that offers some protection to the most vulnerable parts of your horse’s legs, and are quick and easy to apply. They are more likely to stay in place than commercial shipping boots and can be useful for a horse that paws or kicks in the trailer. This is a useful option to consider for many hauling scenarios.

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How to Put Boots on a Horse: A Step-by-Step Guide for Horse Owners

Published: January 18, 2023

Updated: January 26, 2024

by Amy Watson

Putting boots on a horse is an essential part of horse care and maintenance. Whether for protection during riding or for therapeutic purposes, knowing how to properly put boots on a horse is crucial for the well-being of the animal. In this article, we will discuss the importance of horse boots and provide a step-by-step guide on how to put them on effectively.

Types of Horse Boots

Before delving into the process of putting boots on a horse, it is important to understand the different types of horse boots available. There are various kinds of boots designed for different purposes, including:

• Protective Boots: These boots are designed to protect the horse’s legs and hooves during riding or exercise, providing support and cushioning to prevent injuries.
• Therapeutic Boots: These boots are used to alleviate pain and aid in the recovery of injuries or ailments such as tendonitis, arthritis, or laminitis.
• Specialized Boots: Certain boots are designed for specific disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, or trail riding, to address the unique needs of each activity.

Understanding the purpose of each type of boot is crucial in determining which one is suitable for your horse.

Choosing the Right Boots

When selecting boots for your horse, it is important to consider the specific needs and activities of the horse. Factors to consider include the horse’s size, the intensity of the activity, any existing injuries or conditions, and the type of terrain in which the horse will be ridden.

It is advisable to seek advice from a professional or veterinarian to ensure that the chosen boots are suitable and provide the necessary support and protection for the horse.

Preparing the Horse

Prior to putting boots on the horse, it is essential to prepare the animal to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. The following steps can help in preparing the horse:

• Clean the Hooves: Ensure that the horse’s hooves are clean and free of debris or mud, as this will help the boots fit properly and prevent irritation.
• Check for Any Injuries: Inspect the horse’s legs and hooves for any signs of injury, swelling, or sensitivity. Avoid putting boots on an injured or sensitive area, and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
• Acclimatize the Horse: Introduce the horse to the boots gradually to familiarize them with the sensation. This can be done by allowing the horse to sniff and touch the boots before putting them on.

Putting Boots on the Horse

Once the horse is prepared and the appropriate boots have been selected, it is time to put the boots on. The following steps outline the process of putting boots on a horse:

• Position the Horse: Lead the horse to a calm and secure area, and secure the horse with a halter and lead rope to ensure control during the process.
• Open the Boots: Unfasten any straps or closures on the boots, ensuring that they are fully open and ready to be put on the horse’s legs.
• Lift the Leg: Gently lift the horse’s leg and hold it in a secure but comfortable position, allowing access to the hoof for boot placement.
• Insert the Hoof: Carefully place the hoof into the boot, ensuring that it is positioned correctly and comfortably within the boot’s confines.
• Secure the Boot: Fasten the straps or closures on the boot, ensuring that they are snug but not too tight to allow for proper circulation and movement.
• Repeat the Process: Repeat the process for each leg, ensuring that the boots are securely and comfortably fitted to provide optimal support and protection.

Maintaining the Boots

After the boots have been successfully placed on the horse, it is important to maintain and monitor them regularly. Proper maintenance can prolong the life of the boots and ensure that they continue to provide the necessary support and protection for the horse.

Regularly inspect the boots for signs of wear, damage, or discomfort, and clean them as per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent debris buildup and maintain hygiene. Additionally, it is important to check the horse’s legs and hooves for any signs of irritation or rubbing caused by the boots.

Removing the Boots

When the boots are no longer needed or after a riding session, it is necessary to remove them carefully to avoid causing any discomfort or injury to the horse. The following steps outline the process of removing boots from a horse:

• Position the Horse: Lead the horse to a calm and secure area, and secure the horse with a halter and lead rope.
• Unfasten the Boots: Loosen and unfasten the straps or closures on the boots, allowing for easy removal without causing discomfort to the horse.
• Lift the Leg: Gently lift the horse’s leg and hold it in a secure but comfortable position to facilitate the removal of the boot.
• Remove the Boot: Carefully slide the boot off the hoof, ensuring that it is done gently and without causing any stress or discomfort to the horse.
• Repeat the Process: Repeat the process for each leg, ensuring that the boots are removed carefully and safely.

Interested in learning more about horses? Check out our articles on how to pull a horseshoe , how to put a horseshoe on a horse , and how to put a horse down for a deeper understanding of horse care and management.

Putting boots on a horse is an important aspect of horse care and welfare. By understanding the different types of boots, choosing the right ones, and following the proper steps for putting them on and removing them, horse owners can ensure the well-being and comfort of their equine companions. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the boots will further contribute to the overall health and performance of the horse, making the use of boots an integral part of equine care.

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6 Best Shipping Boots for Horses on the Move

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Protect Those Precious Legs!

As horse lovers, we all know the feeling of wanting what is best for our horses. Shipping horses can be an incredibly stressful situation for both horse and owner.

Protecting your horse’s legs is one of the most important parts of their shipping journey. If you’re wondering if you should wrap their legs (and what you should wrap their legs with!) in the trailer, you’re not alone. Many horses get nervous in the trailer and can slip or kick while on their journey. With so many shipping boot options available, figuring out which one is best for you can be hard. We’re here to help!

Leg Wrap Basics

What’s a leg wrap.

A leg wrap is a form of protection that is provided to a horse’s leg. These can be actual wraps or a protective boot. Leg wraps not only prevent injury but can also provide support to a horse’s tendons and ligaments.

Leg wraps can be used for a variety of scenarios. They can provide protection while trailering, support or protect against an injury during exercise, and even be used for turnout.

The term ‘leg wrap’ can be synonymous with shipping boot, leg boot, and horse boots. All of these terms are referring to some form of leg protection for a horse.

Top Shipping Boot Options

Types of leg wraps.

• Splint boots – Splint boots are typically used in the performance horse world. Riders will use splint boots to protect a horse’s legs during disciplines such as jumping, barrels, reining, and cutting.
• Sports medicine boots – Sports medicine boots provide more support than a splint boot and tend to support the tendons and ligaments during strenuous leg movements such as reining and cutting.
• Polo wraps – A polo wrap is a fleece bandage that can be used for a variety of reasons. Some riders will use them to protect a horse’s legs while jumping or racing, while others will use polo wraps over an injury to hold a bandage in place.
• Standing wraps – Standing wraps will provide protection and support for a horse’s legs. They consist of a white cloth wrap that is usually followed by a polo wrap or standing bandage. Many people will use standing wraps on their horse’s legs after a hard ride or following an injury, as it will support the leg while preventing fluid buildup.

Shipping Wraps

Shipping wraps (also called shipping boots) will provide an extra layer of protection for your horse’s delicate legs in the event they kick or slip while in the trailer. They are designed to protect legs from getting scratches and cuts in the event something does happen.

When trailering, horses will shift around and brace themselves to absorb impact from trailer movement, so it is important to protect their legs as they shift and move.

You might be wondering when to wrap and when not to wrap. In general, most people always want to wrap their horse’s legs for trailering. People will wrap regardless if their horse is going down the road or across the country.

There have been many horse owners that have had accidents occur over the years. Putting shipping boots on your horse can help to prevent some of these accidents, or protect in the event of a mishap.

There are times when wrapping your horse’s legs for trailering is not in the best interest of the horse. If you need to get your horse to the vet quickly, it is not worth the extra time to wrap your horse’s legs.

If your horse has never had wraps on before or is a very nervous traveler then wrapping your horse’s legs could pose more of a safety hazard than necessary.

Photo Cred: Canva

What to Look for When Shopping for Shipping Boots

• Lining Type
• Type of Closures

Roma Deluxe Shipping Boots

The Roma Deluxe shipping boots come in at a great price point. These boots come in a set of four, which is great for the price point. Soft fleece lining is sometimes preferred as it provides an extra layer of comfort.

The Roma Deluxe shipping boots have extended length, which makes them an excellent choice for added protection.

Click to see them at SmartPak

• Tough Velcro does not wear out
• Easy to put on
• Excellent price point
• These boots can slip down during trailering
• Runs big so hard to fit for smaller horses

See them at SmartPak

Amigo Ripstop Travel Boots

The Amigo Ripstop Travel Boots are another great shipping boot option. They have an easy-to-clean nylon shell, which is always a benefit for horses that get shavings and dirt all over their boots.

The boots also come down far enough to cover the coronary band providing an extra level of protection.

Click to see them at Amazon

• Fit many sizes of horses well
• Durable quality
• Ripstop outer shell
• Several color options
• Does not cover knee, hock, or hooves

See them at Amazon

Professional Equine Shipping Boots

The Professional Equine shipping boots are an excellent option as they provide an added layer of cushion throughout the entire boot.

They have hoof coverage, which helps to prevent additional injury to the coronary band.

• Multiple colors
• Shock absorbing
• Hoof protection included
• Only one size
• No added length for protection of hock and knee joints

Exselle Shipping Boots

The Exselle shipping boots are a step up in price. They provide a great layer of added protection with a kick plate at the back of the hoof, however, so your horse cannot clip itself while in the trailer.

It also has a smooth nylon lining on the interior making them easy to clean. An outer shell made of 1000 denier makes these extremely durable.

• Easy on and off
• Very padded
• Smooth lining is easy to clean
• May not fit larger horses

Weatherbeeta Deluxe Travel Boot

Weatherbeeta Deluxe Travel Boots are more of an investment than some of the other options available. They come with a smooth nylon lining as some of the other options do, which can make them much easier to clean after use.

They also have extended protection for hock and knee joints along with PVC strike pads at the bottom to protect your horse from stepping on themselves.

The Weatherbeeta boots come in a 1200 denier outer shell, which proves that they are extremely durable and should hold up well.

Click to see them at State Line Tack

• Durable outer shell
• Strike pads on bottom
• Higher price point
• Lack of color options
• Only two size options

See them at State Line Tack

Classic Equine Shipping Boots

The Classic Equine shipping boots are pricey but known to be good quality. They come in a set of four with extended protection for knee and hock joints. Additionally, they provide hoof protection at the bottom of the boot.

The hook and loop straps that they come with will ensure a secure boot that should stay in place.

• Plenty of added protection
• Secure on leg
• Hook and loop closures require more time to put on and take off

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: should i wrap my horse’s legs for trailering.

This is dependent on your individual situation and your horse. In general, wrapping a horse’s legs for trailering is a good idea. It provides that extra layer of protection while they are in the trailer.

If your horse gets nervous or has never had its legs wrapped, however, then it may not be a good idea to put boots on them.

Q: What other trailering equipment should I consider for my horse?

When trailering your horse, you might also consider bell boots if your shipping boots do not cover their hooves. This will provide that added protection. Some people also use a padded leather halter when shipping their horses.

Just as shipping boots provide protection to their legs, a padded leather halter will potentially protect their head from getting cut or banged.

Depending on the weather, you may want to trailer your horse in a light sheet. Proper ventilation is important, but you don’t want them to get chilly!

Q: Can you use polo wraps as shipping boots?

Polo wraps can be used, but they are not ideal for shipping as they are less secure than shipping boots. If they come unraveled, the horse could become tangled in the wrap, or worse, panic in the trailer.

Q: How do you measure a horse for shipping boots?

Each brand of shipping boot will have measurements available so you know how to measure for that specific shipping boot. Most of the time you will be measuring from their coronary band up the leg to the knee or hock joint.

It is important to look at the measurement guide for the boot you choose to purchase.

Q: How much does it cost to have your horse shipped?

Shipping costs will vary. The cost to ship your horse will depend on how far they are being shipped, how large the trailer is, if there will be other horses on the trailer, and what type of trailer they will be shipped in.

There are people who will haul horses in standard slant-load trailers of different sizes and large horse transportation companies that will ship horses across the country in a stall-sized space on a semi with shock absorption.

Most shippers will charge by the mile, but if your horse will be sharing the ride with others, this will greatly reduce the cost to you.

Parting Thoughts

The process of shipping your horse can be stressful, but being proactive and protecting your horse while on the road will ease some of that worry. Safe travels!

P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:

• Shipping Boots vs. Standing Wraps – What Do I Use?
• 4 Dressage Fashion Trends & Salute-Worthy Styles
• Shipping Boots vs. Stocking Wraps – What Do I Use?
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• 3 Best Horse Mounting Blocks
• 5 Comfy Tall Riding Boots That Look as Good as They Feel
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She began riding at eight years old and now has over twenty years of horse experience. She grew up showing at local horse shows and moved on to riding and showing paint horses on the paint horse show circuit throughout the state of California. She then went on to show at the APHA World Show. She has two OTTBs and is training them for hunter/jumper shows.

3 Reasons Why Use Tendon Boots for Horses

What are tendon boots used for? What are brushing boots used for on horses? What are fetlock boots used for?

Horse boots seem silly at first glance, but as you’ll find out, a tendon boot has a specific purpose and reduces the risk of injury.

Below, you’ll learn more about their purpose and why your horse might need leg protection.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Are Tendon Boots Used for?

Before we talk about horse tendon boots , let’s talk about horse boots and why they are so popular among horse owners.  

What Are Horse Boots?

It’s easy for horses to experience traumatic injuries when performing on rough terrains or during show competitions.

And it can take months for the animal to recover if recovery is possible. 

So, a horse boot or a wrap is more than a fashion accessory.

It’s designed to protect your horse’s lower legs/ hooves, reduce the risk of leg injuries, and correct gait irregularity.

Depending on the area you want to protect, several types of horse boots exist. We’re going to talk about them in a bit. But first, let’s answer, “What are tendon foots for?” 

What Do Tendon Boots Do? 

Imagine a horse jumping over an obstacle. The hind hooves or the jumping pole can strike the front legs’ tendons when the animal is landing.

Moreover, one hoof can strike the opposite leg when the horse is running at full speed or jumping an obstacle, causing what’s known as a brushing injury. 

Such “accidents” are more common than you think, which is why many people use tendon boots for show jumping horse breeds.

But what are tendon boots for? 

Horses wear tendon boots on their front legs for protection against tendon injuries or brushing injuries.

The boots soften the blow to the tendon area, decrease the chance of tendon inflammation, and provide additional support for the ligaments.  

These protective boots are made from different materials, such as neoprene, leather, synthetic fabric, sheepskins, etc. Tendon support boots for horses can be open-fronted or closed. 

Usually, you’ll see horses wearing tendon boots in show jumping and eventing, but rarely in racing.  

Here are some of the best tendon boots for horses:

Why Use Tendon Boots for Horses? 

Let’s talk a bit more about why using tendon boots for horses is so important, especially when you show jumping.

#1 Reduce the Risks of Tendon Injuries 

A tendon injury doesn’t sound like a big deal to inexperienced horse owners. But it’s one of the most common injuries in horses. 

As an equine specialist explains , “Tendons are near their breaking strength at a gallop, over fences, and in other full athletic endeavors.”

And anything that collides with the tendons can cause a serious injury, especially when the horse is running at full speed or jumping an obstacle. 

Moreover, a superficial injury or tendon inflammation is nothing to ignore because damage accumulates over time. 

As such, it’s better to use tendon boots to soften the impact injuries your horse might suffer when jumping or running. 

#2 Extra Leg Protection

When a horse jumps or turns rapidly, pebbles, stones, and other sharp objects fly around the ground. These can strike the front legs and cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

Moreover, when your horse competes against other equines, there’s always the risk of brushing injuries. 

#3 Clear the Jump 

Usually, specialists recommend tendon boots with an open-fronted design for jumping, not closed ones. There’s a good reason for it.

A horse wearing closed-tendon boots won’t be inclined to clear the obstacle because the boots soften the blow. But it’s also not a good idea to go without boots, for the reasons above. 

That’s why we have open-fronted boots. They have an opening on the front so that the horse can feel the obstacles when jumping. 

In this way, your animal is encouraged to clear the jump and is still protected from tendon injuries when landing. 

Other Types of Horse Boots

Horses are often at risk of a lower leg injury, especially when running/walking on rough terrain. As such, we have several types of boots for hoof and leg protection. 

A bell boot with its bell shape covers the entire hoof and heel to protect the front legs from hind leg interference during turnout or riding. That’s why people also call them overreach boots.  

Fetlock Boots

Like a tendon boot, a fetlock boot protects the hind legs and hind fetlocks from brushing injuries when jumping or running. They’re also known as ankle boots. 

Hoof Boots 

Hoof boots for barefoot horses are a popular alternative to horseshoes because they’re more affordable and allow natural horse movement.

Therapeutic Boots 

Therapeutic and medicine boots for horses help the animal recover from a hoof/lower leg injury. They are made from heat-retaining material to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Some boots are designed to deal with specific conditions, such as hoof boots for horses with navicular diseases. 

Shipping Boots 

Travel boots protect the horse’s hocks and lower legs from injuries when they’re traveling in a trailer. They’re easier to apply than a bandage or a wrap. 

Brushing Boots/Splint Boots 

A splint boot protects the leg from brushing injuries, focusing on the cannon bone and fetlock joint. They’re very similar to tendon boots.

What’s the Difference Between Tendon and Brushing Boots?

Tendon and brush boots are similar in design and purpose. But tendon boots are worn on the front legs and are made of sturdier material to absorb the shock. On the other hand, brushing boots have extra padding to protect the cannon bone and fetlock joint from impact.

Can You Wear Brushing Boots in Dressage?

In general, your horse can’t wear any boots, wraps, or bandages during the performance. But you should check the rules of the event. 

How to Put on Tendon Boots?

Place the tendon boot just below the back of the knee and ensure that it’s covering the fetlock. Then you secure the straps and ensure that they aren’t too tight to pinch or chafe. Watch this video for a demonstration.

Tendon boots are great for protecting your animal’s front legs from tendon or brushing injuries when competing.

To be effective, tendon boots shouldn’t be too tight to cut blood circulation or too loose to slip when your horse is running.

Ensure you’ve got the right size before you start wondering how to put on tendon boots . And don’t forget to keep an eye out for tendon injuries.

What do you think about tendon boots’ purpose? Did you know what tendon boots are used for? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

• “Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot.” 2021. Missouri.edu. 2021. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2740.
• “How to Put on Tendon Boots | Horsemart.” 2021. Horsemart.co.uk. 2021. https://www.horsemart.co.uk/community/equestrian-advice-guides/tack-equipment/how-to-put-on-tendon-boots.
• Lloyd, Ané. 2020. “5 Signs Your Horse Might Have a Tendon Injury | Onlinepethealth Sales.” Onlinepethealth.com. October 29, 2020. https://onlinepethealth.com/2020/10/29/5-signs-your-horse-might-have-a-tendon-injury/.
• Sushil Dulai Wenholz. 2017. “Tendon Injury FAQs.” Expert How-to for English Riders. Expert how-to for English Riders. August 31, 2017. https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/tendon-injury-faqs.
• “Types of Boots to Protect and Support Your Horse’s Legs.” 2021. The Spruce Pets. 2021. https://www.thesprucepets.com/protective-leg-boots-for-horses-1886294.

What are tendon boots used for? Please share your thoughts on this topic below!

Grigorina grew up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped her into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). She has two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but she also feeds her neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them. Follow her on FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM Read her latest ARTICLES . Learn more about HER

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Equipment needed: 4 travel boots.

The four travel boots are designed to fit each individual leg. Ensure you choose the correct boot for each limb.

The Front Leg

Choose the appropriate boot for the correct leg.

The Velcro fastenings should always face backwards.

Wrap the boot around the leg ensuring the knee area is covered and the fastenings are facing backwards.

Fit the boot as tightly as possible, starting from the top, fasten the Velcro straps.

Double check the boot is fitted tightly enough so it doesn’t slip and that it covers the knee area, re-adjust if necessary.

The Hind Leg

Wrap the boot around the leg ensuring the hock area is covered and the fastenings are facing backwards.

Double check the boot is fitted tightly enough so it doesn’t slip and it covers the hock area, re-adjust if necessary.

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How to Put Boots on a Horse

Last Updated: December 6, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 12,502 times.

A horse’s legs do an immense amount of work and take on a lot of strain. Putting boots on your horse protects their tendons and muscles from tension as they jump, prance, and canter around. You can put boots on your horse easily in a single afternoon to provide them the most benefit and safety as they work hard at whatever they are doing.

Choosing Boots

• Bell boots are the most common type of boots that horses wear.

• Sports boots are a great option if your horse competes in agility courses.

Tip: If you are unsure about what type of boots your horse needs, talk to a veterinarian near you for a recommendation.

Getting Your Horse Ready

• If this is your horse’s first time wearing boots, they may not understand what you are putting on their legs and get a little jumpy.

Tip: If you’ve used the boots before, you should also clean those out to remove dirt and debris.

• It usually doesn’t matter if a boot is on the front or back legs, but it’s good to double-check.

Fitting the Boots

Tip: You can tell you are holding the boot the right way up because the bottom part of the boot is curved outward to accommodate the ball of your horse’s foot.

• Try to wrap the strap as tight as it will go to keep the boot secure.

• The top strap is mostly made to keep the boot closed rather than fitting it snugly to the horse’s leg, so it doesn’t have to be super tight.

• The bottom strap is often longer than the top 2 straps, so it may wrap more towards the front of the boot.

• The boots must be fitted properly on each leg in order to work well.

Expert Q&A

• Boots that aren’t fitted properly won’t provide the support that your horse needs. Make sure you can only fit 1 finger in between the boot and your horse’s leg. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure you choose the right size boots for your horse so that they provide the best support. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/horse-boots-101-30069
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLkR5CwJSTY&feature=youtu.be&t=41
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn_gG2cmWsY&feature=youtu.be&t=13
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lddhArSMcbc&feature=youtu.be&t=110
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7RrS_0ED2s&feature=youtu.be&t=105
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lddhArSMcbc&feature=youtu.be&t=116
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7RrS_0ED2s&feature=youtu.be&t=115

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