Choosing the right protective boots for horse jumping is crucial for ensuring your horse's safety, support, and comfort. Several key features must be considered to find the perfect pair, from fit and material to impact protection and ventilation. In this informative list of the 11 best horse boots for jumping, we'll explore what to look for in horse jumping boots and discuss the different types available, such as open-front boots, tendon boots, and cross-country boots, to help you make an informed decision for your equine companion.
What to look for in a jumping boot?
When choosing protective horse boots for jumping, consider the following key features to ensure optimal protection, support, and performance for your horse:
Fit and Size: The boots should fit snugly without being too tight or loose. They should conform to the shape of your horse's legs and not shift during movement.
Material: Look for durable, lightweight materials that offer protection without adding excessive weight or locking in heat. Common materials include neoprene, leather, and synthetic performance materials. Boots with a strong outer shell and soft, padded lining provide a good balance of protection and comfort.
Impact Protection: The boots should have reinforced areas to protect against strikes and impacts. Open-front boots, tendon boots, and fetlock boots should have protective shields over critical areas like tendons and cannon bones.
Support: The boots should support the tendons and ligaments, especially around the fetlock joint. Supportive features like suspensory straps or additional padding can help prevent strains and injuries.
Flexibility and Freedom of Movement: The boots should not restrict the horse's natural movement. Look for designs allowing the horse to move freely while providing ample protection, such as open-front boots encouraging careful jumping.
Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating and discomfort. Boots with breathable materials or built-in ventilation systems help keep the horse's legs cool and dry.
Ease of Use: The boots should be easy to put on and remove. Secure fastening systems, like hook-and-loop straps or buckles, ensure the boots stay in place during activity.
Durablility: The boots should withstand the rigors of jumping and regular use. High-quality stitching, reinforced areas, and durable materials contribute to the longevity of the boots.
Washability: Look for boots that are easy to clean and maintain. Neoprene and synthetic materials are often easier to wash and dry than leather. This is especially helpful when the footing is muddy or you ride cross-country and often go through water.
Design: Consider the specific needs of your discipline. For instance, open-front boots are popular in show jumping, while cross-country boots are designed for the challenges of eventing.
Considering these features, you can select protective boots that provide the best safety, support, and comfort for your horse during jumping activities.
What are the different types of boots used for jumping?
Regarding jumping, the best types of horse-protective boots offer support, protection, and durability while allowing freedom of movement. Here are some of the top types of boots recommended for jumping:
Open Front Boots: These boots protect the tendons and cannon bone while leaving the front of the leg open. This design encourages careful jumping by allowing the horse to feel any knocks on the poles. They are commonly used in show jumping.
Tendon Boots: Specifically designed to protect the horse's tendons from strikes and injuries during jumping. They usually feature strong outer shells and padded interiors for comfort.
Fetlock Boots or Ankle Boots: These boots protect the fetlock joint from brushing injuries. They are often used in combination with tendon boots for complete leg protection.
Cross Country Boots: Built for durability and extensive protection, these boots are ideal for eventing. They are typically made from lightweight, breathable materials with a tough outer shell to withstand the rigors of cross-country courses.
Bell Boots (Overreach Boots): These boots protect the horse's heels from overreach injuries, which can occur when the hind foot strikes the front foot during take-off or landing in a jump, but also help prevent horses from grabbing their shoes.
Support Boots: Designed to provide overall leg support, these boots can benefit horses with a history of tendon or ligament injuries. They often feature additional straps and padding to ensure a secure fit and optimal support.
When selecting protective boots for jumping, it's important to consider your horse's specific needs, the type of jumping you do, and the fit and comfort of the boots. Always ensure the boots are properly fitted to avoid any discomfort or interference with the horse's natural movement.
11 Best Horse Boots for Show Jumping and Cross Country
We’ve gathered the 11 best horse boots for show jumping, cross country, or schooling over fences at home. We took the guesswork out of finding the perfect horse booth for jumping!
- Professional's Choice® Pro Performance Open Front Jumping Boot With TPU Fasteners
- LeMieux® Derby ProJump Horse Tendon Boots
- LeMieux® Derby ProJump Horse Fetlock Boots
- LeMieux® Impact Responsive Gel Tendon Boots
- LeMieux® Impact Compliant Fetlock Boots
- Dura-Tech® All Purpose Horse Splint Boots
- LeMieux® Grafter Brushing Boots
- Dura-Tech® Impact Pro Splint Boots
- Woof Wear Single Lock Brushing Boot
- Dura-Tech® Air-Mesh Horse Splint Boots
- Professional's Choice® VenTECH™ All-Purpose Boots
These open-front jumping boots by Professional's Choice® offer superior tendon impact protection with an inner shock-absorbing cushion and a streamlined outer shell. Designed to dissipate energy when contact is made in the strike area, these are easy to put on/off with plenty of ventilation, have a water-resistant design, and have impact protection that raises the bar in performance sport boots.
These tendon boots from LeMieux® feature a nicely vented TPU shell to prevent heat build-up and a soft inner lining for a perfect fit. With a flexible cut-away design and secure double Velcro closure, these boots are attractive and designed for performance.
If your horse interferes behind, these matching hind fetlock boots complete the Derby Pro set from LeMieux®. The soft inner lining and flexible cut-away design ensure an optimal fit. At the same time, the double velcro over-locking closure guarantees security and easy fitting, which can be tricky for hind ankle boots as many will spin or slip.
These gel tendon boots from LeMieux® offer enhanced vented protection for your horse. The lightweight, shock-resistant shell is anatomically molded to support the fetlock and tendon. The vented rear and sides release heat built-up, while air enters lower vents around tendons and rises to the upper extractor vent. The Integrated Impact Responsive Gel is excellent for impact.
These FEI-compliant fetlock boots from LeMieux® feature a molded protective strike area inside the fetlock and have several mesh vents to ensure airflow around the joint. The double lock hook & loop closure makes for a secure fit without using elastic.
You can’t beat a great pair of all-purpose horse splint boots. These are nice general-use protective boots that offer impact and brushing protection. They are easy to care for, too, which makes them great for turnout! The generously padded leather splint bone guard safeguards the sensitive inner leg areas by absorbing the impact shock and can also prevent horses from getting splints.
These lightweight brushing boots from LeMieux® offer support, durability, and breathability. They have a neoprene interior with a protective leather strike plate. Soft and lightweight, these hardworking, protective boots are of fantastic value and fit horses of most sizes, from ponies to warmbloods. Adding to their appeal, these boots are also easily machine washable. These boots are easy on and off for you, and stay put, even during turnout.
We love these boots for their value pricing and 360-degree protection for your horse's sensitive cannon and splint bone area. The boot is constructed from conforming soft and flexible neoprene as your horse moves with double elastic closures and hook and loop fastening for a secure fit. A protective strike plate runs the length of the cannon bone for added protection.
The Woof Wear Single Lock Brushing Boot is the perfect horse boot for looking for a product that stands the test of time. With breathable neoprene and a PVC strike pad, these do not retain water, and the added padding has impeccable impact protection. It is suitable for front and hind legs and is perfect for jumping, fox hunting, cross country, or schooling.
If you are worried about your horse’s legs staying too hot, these Air-Mesh splint boots offer extra airflow, meaning your horse’s tendons and ligaments will stay cooler. These boots are also easy to clean, making them great for cross country or jumping on those rainy days. The padded inside and suede outer cover provides great all-over protection against impact.
This boot features the breathable VenTECH™ lining that promotes airflow and a water-resistant exterior. Recess stitching and extra strong PVC padded strike patches make these boots extremely durable while not compromising flexibility. These boots will last through daily use or consistent competition schedules.
Choosing the right protective boots for horse jumping is essential to ensure your horse's safety, support, and comfort. By considering factors like fit, material, impact protection, and ventilation, you can select the perfect pair for your equine companion. With our list of the 11 best horse boots for jumping, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and provide your horse with the best protection during jumping activities!
