For as long as horses have been our partners, we have known that healthy horses begin with healthy feet and legs. Some boots can trace their beginnings back to the Romans, when boots with solid bottoms, called hipposandals, were strapped on to protect horses’ hooves. In the 19th century and through today, horse boot protection expanded to include boots for lower limbs, as well as specific boots for various disciplines.
Why do horses need horse boots?
The main reason why horses need boots is for protection. Horse boots protect the lower leg and hoof from injury and swelling and aid in speeding healing from an existing injury. The science of why we use horse boots is still in its infancy, as not many studies have been published yet; those scientists who study the effect of wrapping horses’ legs, as well as veterinarians and horse owners, swear by this important equipment.
Different Types of Horse Boots and Their Specific Uses
For horse owners trying to decide what type of boot they need, there are various options on the market. No single choice will solve all your boot needs, so it is smart to have a few types on hand. Here are some of the most common types of horse boots.
Bell Boots
Bell boots cover a horse’s front feet from the pastern and over the coronary band to the hoof wall and heel. These boots provide extra protection around the bulb of your horse’s foot. Usually made from rubber, these boots keep the hind feet from clipping the front, called “overreaching.” They’re a versatile choice as they can be worn whether riding or during turnout. These boots are often called overreach boots.
Splint Boots
Splint boots, sometimes called brushing boots, protect the front lower legs from below the knee or the fetlock. These boots are made of material such as Neoprene or leather and are usually attached around the leg by two (or three) wide straps of velcro. Splint boots are best used for jumping, reining, or eventing disciplines. They are also useful for lunging. These boots prevent a horse from clipping the back of their lower legs with their hinds and causing injury. Splint boots should not be worn for long periods of time.
Sport Boots
Sport boots are a great option for when you want more of the leg covered than what other boots do. These boots cover the tendons, cannon bones, and the inside of the fetlock. Often, these boots have a strike pad on the inside of the horse’s leg to protect the medial splint bone. Sport boots are usually made of Neoprene or leather, while the inside is usually made with fleece or wool. These boots offer support during vigorous exercise and can be worn for the same disciplines as the smaller splint boot. Since these boots have fleece or wool insides, these boots must dry completely after use so they do not cause skin issues.
Open Front Boots
Popular for show jumping, these boots protect the front legs' tendons, exposing the cannon bone. These boots are designed to accommodate knee flexion and fetlock on the jump course, providing great flexibility. Another plus to this boot is that it protects from overreaching while also keeping the horse aware they have touched a jump. Breathable and lightweight, these boots are made from various materials, such as leather, nylon, and kevlar, and are attached with straps.
Hock Boots
Hock boots are a therapeutic tool to help horses recover from injury or arthritis. These boots are also used to protect the sensitive hock joint from injury. These boots are specifically designed to protect and cushion the hock, a difficult area of a horse’s leg to wrap and keep still. These boots are made of various materials, such as mesh or Neoprene, and can be used to provide compression, hold ice packs to the hock, or even for ceramic therapy. These versatile boots are most often used in stalls or during transport. Hock boots should be used for a set amount of time based on recommendations from your veterinarian or the therapeutic methodology.
Fetlock Boots
Fetlock boots, also called ankle boots, protect the fetlock area from bruises and scrapes, particularly during show jumping. These boots come in two different designs: they can wrap around the back of the fetlock joint, leaving the front of the leg open, or provide additional padding on the inside of the fetlock. Remember that these boots do not protect any area other than the fetlock. Fetlock boots are designed for the back legs and are perfect for use during flatwork or jumping. These boots are made from various lightweight materials for breathability and comfort.
Skid Boots
Skid boots protect the back of the fetlock joint from friction when a horse stops suddenly. Usually made of leather, these boots are fastened around the front of the leg, with most of the boot cupping the fetlock. These boots can also be used over other boots or polo wraps. Skid boots are primarily used for Western disciplines that require sudden or sliding stops, such as cutting and reining.
Knee Boots
Knee boots protect the horse’s knees from injury and prevent knee injury. These boots are perfect for horses that perform intricate maneuvers or jump from scratches and bruising. Horses dealing with knee soreness can benefit from using boots during ceramic therapy. Knee boots comfort and cushion the knee, which can be hard to wrap due to its shape and constant movement. These boots are made from various materials, such as nylon and Neoprene, and are generally attached with velcro straps on the back of the knee. These boots can be used while riding and during turnout.
Hoof Boots
Many riders who do not want to shoe their horses use hoof boots. These are considered some of the earlier boots created for horses by humans. Hoof boots protect hooves from chipping and stone bruises, as well as being used to provide traction on rough terrain. These are also great for horses just transitioning to becoming barefoot or for horses with hoof injuries that must go barefoot. Hoof boots hug the entire hoof and are usually made of leather or synthetic materials.
Shipping Boots
Shipping boots offer the most protection of any boot, as they cover your horse’s legs from knees to heels in a 360० design. These boots protect a horse's legs during transport; whether they are trailering, on a boat, or in a plane. Made of durable nylon material, these boots protect your horse’s legs should they fall or stumble during transport. Shipping boots tend to be loose around the top so the horse can flex to move while being tighter around the lower legs and hooves for the ultimate protection.
Therapy Boots
Therapy boots come in various styles for the various areas of a horse’s lower leg and hoof to aid in treating and preventing injury. Used in connection with thermal, magnetic, or compression therapy, these wraps are made of various materials such as mesh, Neoprene, or synthetic materials. Therapy boots can help increase blood flow to speed up healing, as well as help drain excess fluid from an injured area. A versatile choice for any horse owner who wants to promote healing in the lower leg.
How to Choose the Right Boot for Your Horse
Choosing the right horse boot for your horse depends on what you need to protect, the discipline you ride, and whether you are looking for a boot to assist in therapy or during rides and turnout. Just in case, it is best to have a few types of boots in your tack box.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Fitting and Ensuring Comfort
When buying and using the right horse boot for your horse, here are a few tips to make sure your horse is fitted properly and comfortable:
Measure your horse’s leg and hoof (depending on what boot you are buying) for the most accurate fits
Make sure the boot fits snug, but not too tight
Ensure the horse boot has no gaps, puckers from too much space, or is easy to remove/twist when strapped on
Make sure the closure strap is not at its maximum tightness
Utilize the easy-to-use sizing guides on our webpage for each horse boot
Boots are a versatile tool for any horse owner who wants to protect their horse’s legs and hooves while also making riding and turnout comfortable. Horse boots keep your horse’s lower legs and hooves injury-free from scrapes and bruises. They are also an important tool for targeted therapy when your horse is injured or has chronic arthritis. Horse boots are a great addition to any horse owner’s tack box!
