What Boots Should My Horse Wear? A 2025 Guide
Protecting a horse or pony’s legs is essential for keeping them fit and happy. Boots play a crucial role in preventing injuries, whether during competition, schooling, or turnout, especially for horses with vulnerable leg conformation. Tack shops can present a bewildering array of boots and bandages, so understanding the right type of boot and its purpose before purchasing is very important. Boots should always prioritise the horse’s safety over appearance. This comprehensive 2025 guide covers schooling, competition, turnout, and travelling boots — helping you choose the appropriate protection for your horse’s legs.
1. Brushing Boots: Versatile Leg Protection
Brushing boots protect the inside of each leg, fore and hind, from impacts caused when a horse’s hoof accidentally strikes the opposite leg, known as "brushing." They extend from just below the knee, down along the inside of the leg, including the fetlock. Made often from soft, breathable materials like neoprene, brushing boots are multi-purpose and suitable for schooling, especially lunging on curves, hacking, and competitions where regulations allow. For energetic horses prone to bolting in the field, brushing boots also offer helpful turnout protection against knocks and scrapes.
2. Tendon Boots: Key for Jumping Protection
Tendon boots are worn on the front legs only, designed to shield the delicate tendons located at the back of the cannon bone. Commonly used in show jumping and eventing, these boots protect the tendons from injury when horses land or brush poles with their hind legs. Featuring an open front design, tendon boots help the horse maintain awareness of leg placement to avoid knocking down poles with the cannon bone. They also cover the fetlock, offering additional protection during high-impact activity.
3. Over Reach (Bell) Boots: Heel Protection
Over reach boots, often called bell boots, protect the heel bulbs of the front hooves from injuries caused by clipping from the hind hooves, particularly common in young horses or those with short backs. These boots absorb impact and prevent cuts, grazes or bruising to the heel. They are commonly paired with tendon boots during jumping competitions or worn alongside brushing boots during schooling and lunging to provide comprehensive leg protection.
4. Fetlock Boots: Hind Leg Impact Absorbers
Fetlock boots are smaller protective boots that cover only the inside of the fetlock joint on the hind legs. They are usually used in conjunction with tendon boots during show jumping, absorbing impact from knocks that occur when a horse tucks and lands its hind legs during jumps. It's important to ensure they fit well and are securely fastened to avoid shifting during competition. Their smaller size provides necessary protection without restricting movement.
5. Knee and Hock Boots: Travelling and Rough Terrain Protection
Knee boots protect the front of the knee, absorbing knocks that may happen inside trailers or horseboxes, while hock boots shield the back and sides of the hock joint, often lined with thick felt or wool padding. For horses that enjoy rolling or lying down in stables, these boots also help prevent cuts and grazes. Additionally, when hacking over rough or gravel terrain, knee boots offer valuable protection for young or clumsy horses prone to bumps.
6. Travelling Boots: Full Lower Leg Coverage
Travelling boots provide extensive protection for horses during transport. Modern designs cover from the knee to the coronet band on front legs or from the hock to coronet on hind legs. Frequently quilted and secured with Velcro straps, they are quick to put on and take off. Due to their bulky padding, these boots aren’t designed for extended wear outside of the horsebox or trailer and should be removed promptly after travelling to allow the legs to cool down and breathe.
7. Bandages: Support and Protection
Bandages serve multiple purposes including protection, support during high-impact flatwork like dressage, and aiding recovery from injury by swelling control and shielding wounds from contamination. While modern protective boots are often easier to use, bandages remain invaluable, especially for horses needing additional support or following veterinary advice. They can also help keep legs clean overnight before a show, if washing time is limited.
Care must be taken to ensure bandages are applied correctly—not too tight to avoid cutting off circulation or overheating the leg. Frequent checking and changing is crucial to prevent injury, especially when used to protect a recovering injury. Always follow veterinary guidance when using bandages for treatment.
How to Choose and Fit Boots for Your Horse
Boots come in various sizes commonly labelled Small, Medium, Large or Pony, Horse, and Cob. Selecting the right size depends on your horse’s height, weight, and the circumference of its legs. Measure your horse’s legs carefully before purchasing and seek advice at a reputable tack shop, especially if this is your first time buying boots.
A correctly fitted boot should be snug enough to absorb impact but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes rubbing. Boots are made from leather, rubber, or synthetic materials, with fastening mechanisms typically buckles or Velcro straps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for correct fitting. When applying boots, smooth the horse's hair flat and fasten straps on the outside of the leg, pulling from front to back.
Always remove boots as soon as possible after exercise, schooling, or competition to allow the legs to cool and sweat to dry. Washing the legs with a sponge or hose if warm to the touch helps prevent irritation.
Boot Care: Keep Them Clean and Safe
Regularly clean boots to remove dirt, grit, and sweat which can cause rubbing and bacterial infections. Leather boots can be treated with saddle soap and leather conditioner. Synthetic boots may be machine washable—always check the manufacturer's guidelines before washing. Properly maintained boots not only last longer but also ensure your horse remains comfortable and protected.
