In the saddle, our minds are on the ride ahead, but on the ground, our minds turn to our horse’s legs. We worry about injury, swelling, discomfort, and other maladies that sensitive horse legs can suffer. But how can you keep your horse’s legs supported and injury-free? Horse boots are a great way to provide support and injury prevention.
Why would my horse need to wear boots?
Horse boots are for you if your horse tends to injure their fetlock or pastern during rides or turnout, overreach, or regularly walks on rough or rocky terrain. Boots wrap around the lower leg or hoof and prevent trauma and injury from occurring in those areas. They are also made from various materials, including leather, gel, neoprene, or plastic, which are hardy enough to withstand your horse’s movement. They generally come in pairs and with closures on the outside so as not to come undone.
What type of horse boots are there?
There are several different types of horse boots, perfect for any horse. These types include:
Splint Boots: These boots support the cannon and fetlock of the front legs, and the extra padding covers the inner tendons.
Bell Boots: Also known as over-reach boots, these boots prevent your horse from clipping the front hooves with the hind.
Open-front BootsPerfect for horses that jump, keeping your horse sensitive to their legs touching the rails.
Hoof Boots: These boots protect the sole of the hoof. Perfect for horses who are going shoeless or cannot wear shoes.
Therapy BootsThese boots help horses' hooves heal from injury and can be easier to use than wrapping the feet and hooves.
Shipping BootsThese boots protect a horse’s lower legs and hocks from injury during trailering.
The 6 BEST Horse Boots for Injury Prevention and Support
With so many types of boots on the market, which should you choose? We’ve compiled a list of the six best horse boots for injury prevention and support, which are the perfect addition to any barn.
- Dura-Tech® Extra Support Neoprene Boots
- Iconoclast® Orthopedic Front Support Boots
- Dura-Tech® GelX Equine Support Boots
- Dura-Tech® All Purpose Horse Splint Boots
- Dura-Tech® Impact Pro Fleece Lined Splint Boot
- Dura-Tech® Impact Pro Splint Boots
Dura-Tech® Extra Support Neoprene Boots provide a comfortable boot that supports tendons and ankles. Ideal for training, schooling, or trails, these boots are cool, light, and offer a close fit without sacrificing protection. The suspensory strap contours perfectly for extra support, and the heavy-duty hook and loop straps ensure a great fit.
Iconoclast® Orthopedic Front Support Boots are perfect for keeping your horse's suspensory and sesamoidal regions supported and protected. It features patented Double Sling Straps® for unparalleled lateral support. With its evenly distributed support to the suspensory branches, these support boots are designed to reduce joint interference and restriction. They are the perfect all-around boot for every equine discipline.
Iconoclast® Orthopedic Front Support Boots
Iconoclast® Orthopedic Hind Support Boots feature patented double sling straps for unparalleled lateral support. They evenly distribute support to the suspensory branches and are designed to reduce joint interference and restriction. Designed by horse trainers and leading veterinarians, these boots are non-restrictive and true to size. The Velcro holds tight, meaning you never have to worry about this boot slipping or dirt and sand from the arena irritating your horse's leg. These boots are so comfortable, they are perfect for any discipline.
Your horse will feel like they have a cloud wrapped around their legs with the ultra-comfortable Dura-Tech® GelX Equine Support Boots A gel foam cushion allows for better airflow, wicking away heat and keeping legs cool. The memory foam inside distributes weight evenly to alleviate pressure points. Your horse will have excellent support and protection against concussion on the splint and cannon bones, along with incredible support of the suspensory ligament. These boots are comfortable, extremely durable, flexible, strong, and stay put.
The Dura-Tech® All Purpose Horse Splint Boots are perfect for protecting your horse's inner leg area whether you are in the ring, on the trail, or even during turnout. The generously padded leather splint bone guard safeguards the sensitive inner leg areas by absorbing the impact shock. They also come in various great colors, making them stylish and functional.
The Dura-Tech® Impact Pro Fleece Lined Splint Boot is the perfect mixture of comfort and function, protecting your horse's cannon and splint bone with a thick PVC strike plate, and soft fleece interior. The conforming neoprene is soft and flexible as your horse moves. Great for all types of riding and turnout, this boot will stay secure while you ride with thick hook and loop straps.
With the Dura-Tech® Impact Pro Splint Boots, you get 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. These boots are perfect for turnout or training.
Horse boots are the perfect solution to keeping your horse’s lower legs and hooves injury-free and supported, whether you’re in the saddle tackling the next jump, riding the trails, or turning out your horse. At Schneiders, we carry a wide selection of protective boots for your horses, because we know how important it is to protect your horse’s sensitive legs. With the right boots, you and your horse will stay comfortable wherever the day takes you!
