Getting ready to hit the trails with your horse is always exciting as you venture out for a ride, exploring the countryside, forest, maybe a National park, or just the trails at your barn. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a more leisurely pace, keeping your horse’s legs or hooves protected is a great way to help prevent injuries. We’ve gathered the 7 best horse boots for trail riding so you know which horse boots or hoof boots are the best for your next trail ride.
You can even check out our comprehensive Horse Trail Riding Gear list to ensure you’re ready for any adventure!
Should I put boots on my horse for trail rides?
If you’re wondering if you should put boots on your horse for trail rides, it depends on your horse and where you will be riding, but horse boots are always a great way to help prevent injuries. Here are some key advantages to using horse boots for trail riding:
Protect from Injuries: Trail riding often involves uneven terrain, rocky paths, and potential obstacles like branches and debris. Horse boots help protect your horse's legs from cuts, bruises, and other injuries from these hazards.
Support for Tendons and Ligaments: Horse boots can also support your horse's tendons and ligaments, reducing the risk of strain or sprain while navigating their path. This is especially important on challenging trails where your horse might need extra stability.
Shock Absorption: Protective horse boots help absorb shock and impact when your horse's hooves hit the ground. This can be particularly useful on hard or rocky surfaces, reducing horse joint stress.
Preventing Overreach Injuries: Overreach injuries occur when a horse's hind foot strikes the back of a front foot. Protective boots, like bell boots, can help prevent these injuries.
Improved Performance: By providing protection and support, boots can help your horse move more comfortably and confidently, improving overall performance and endurance during a trail ride.
Protect Hooves: If your horse is barefoot or has sensitive or thin soles, using hoof boots can prevent their hooves from breaking up or becoming bruised over rough terrain or rocky areas, preventing them from becoming foot sore.
Overall, protective boots help ensure that your horse’s legs stay safe and comfortable while navigating the various challenges of trail riding.
7 Best Hoof and Support Boots for Trail Riding
There are many choices for hoof boots and protective boots for horses, but we’ve narrowed it down to the 7 best hoof and support boots for trail riding so you can spend less time looking up various types of boots and more time riding!
- Scoot Boots Hoof Boots
- EasyCare EasyBoot Trail Hoof Boot
- Cavallo Trek Regular Sole Hoof Boot
- Scoot Boot Enduro Hoof Boots
- Dura-Tech® SupportBand Boots
- Professional's Choice® 2XCool Sports Medicine Boot
- Dura-Tech® Extra Support Neoprene Boots
These hoof boots by Scoot Boots are designed for optimal performance on diverse terrains, providing superior traction and ventilation without getting soggy, even through water or mud. Made from strong thermoplastic urethane, they offer lightweight comfort and robust protection, ideal for barefoot horses in challenging environments. Fits hooves throughout the entire trimming cycle, and they’re easy to take on and off!
This hoof boot is recognized as the easiest hoof boot to use, ideal for those new to using hoof boots. They offer great hoof protection with a durable shield and padded neoprene band for comfort and safety. Its versatile opening mechanism accommodates various hoof shapes and sizes, while the rear double hook-and-loop attachment ensures a snug fit for any activity.
This hoof boot by Cavallo is meticulously designed to stay securely in place with a convenient pull tab for easy application and removal. They feature a comfortable foam collar, a replaceable hook & loop strap for perfect fit adjustment, waterproof thread, and lightweight yet robust construction with built-in sole relief that promotes hoof health and performance.
Meet the Scoot Boot Enduro Hoof Boot, designed by a farrier for barefoot horses and mules, they are perfect for long-distance riding. These boots are robust, durable, lightweight, and offer excellent traction with a flexible sole. With fully adjustable straps and an open design for no bulb pressure, they ensure great drainage if trekking through water or mud.
If you’re looking for a great all-around protective horse booth, this SupportBand boot offers maximum leg support for your horse's ligaments and tendons. These contoured, anti-fray Lycra boots provide extra support without restricting movement, keeping your horse cool and comfortable. These are best for trails where you will stay mostly dry and not go through lots of water, as they can get heavy if soaked.
These medicine boots would be a great choice when your horse needs cooling support. Made with a 4-way stretch 2XCool performance fabric liner by brrr°, a technologically advanced textile that combines natural cooling minerals, active wicking, and rapid drying to keep tendons and ligaments cool and dry. This can be beneficial during long rides or hotter weather to ensure your horse’s tendons do not overheat. They even have a stretch Kevlar patch for flexible support and durability without restricting movement. They are neoprene-free boots, perfect for horses that may be sensitive to neoprene.
These boots offer comfort and protection for horses needing extra tendon and ankle support. They are cool and lightweight sports-medicine style horse boots with a close fit, a suspensory strap for added support, and heavy-duty hook and loop straps for a secure fit. The anti-fray Lycra binding and refined contour shape enhance durability and protection along the trail, which is great for sudden changes in terrain or those opportunities you get to trot or gallop.
Using protective horse boots or hoof boots on your horse during trail rides is a great idea because they provide essential protection and support. These boots shield your horse's legs from injuries caused by rough terrain, offer stability to tendons and ligaments, and protection to their hooves if they are barefoot or have sensitive soles. Investing in quality protective horse boots or hoof boots ensures your horse stays safe, healthy, and comfortable on every adventure you share!
If you are curious about other essential trail riding gear, check out our Ultimate Trail Riding Packing List, which is full of employee favorites that we have tested and loved when trail-riding our own horses!
