As horse owners, we always look for solutions to keep our horses' feet sound. This is especially true when our horse is notorious for getting into mischief! One of the best ways to keep your horses' hooves and heels protected is by using bell boots. Bell boots, commonly called overreach boots, reduce the occurrence of overreaching, which is when a horse steps on the bulb of the front heel with the back leg. These boots can either be pulled on or velcroed on and have a molded hind shape that allows them to fit perfectly into the back of the horse's foot.
What are Bell Boots used for?
Bell boots are used to protect your horse from the hind feet clipping the front feet during riding or turnout. They’re mostly used on the front feet, though there are some that can work on the hind feet. The boots cover the pastern, the coronary band, and the hoof wall down to the heel. Overreaching can cause scrapes, bruises, or overall lameness in the heels and pasterns. In addition to striking the tender front heel bulbs of the front feet, overreaching can cause the hind feet to step on the backs of the front shoes, loosening or pulling them off.
As a side benefit, bell boots also provide protection to the coronary band during events in which your horse can step on its own feet, such as lunging or during travel, if shipping bandages do not fully cover the horse’s heels. As a temporary solution, bell boots can also help a horse's hind feet, especially if horses that lose their hind shoes or develop clip marks or abrasions above the coronary band. Obviously, going to a farrier is the most permanent resolution, but in a bind, bell boots work in a pinch!
What are the different Types of Bell Boots?
Each horse is unique, so there are multiple types of bell boots. There is a perfect bell boot for every horse.
Pull-on Bell Boots
Horse owners who don't want the hassle of keeping Velcro clean can find an easy solution in pull-on bell boots. These boots are made of pliable rubber, sometimes called gummy rubber. To put on, turn the bell boot inside out, and pull the bell boot on the hoof. As the opening at the top is small, you'll have to tug on the sides of the bell boot to stretch the rubber until the hoof pops through. The bell boot will be inverted, so simply flip it into place. Be prepared to practice a few times before letting your horse out to pasture or hopping on for a ride, as these can take some time to get used to.
Double Lock Bell Boots
Have a horse that is an escape artist? Double-lock bell boots are perfect for your Houdini, as the double hook and loop closures keep the bell boots securely in place. They are also incredibly easy to put on. Just velcro and go! A popular choice for many horse owners.
Weighted Bell Boots
Weighted bell boots are great for gaited horses. These boots protect the hoof and coronary band from impact and trauma during exercise while developing muscle and enhancing a horse's gait. Most weighted bell boots have removable lead weights in an inner pouch located in the front part of the boot. These boots use secure velcro hook and loop closures to fit snugly without chafing.
Ballistic Bell Boots
Some owners want a bell boot that is a little bit more flexible for everyday riding. For those times when you want a bell boot to stay put, the ballistic bell boots are the perfect choice. The no-turn knob keeps the boot from spinning, and the binding is constructed with ballistic nylon, making these boots extremely durable. These boots are best for intensive riding but may not always be a good choice for 24/7 use since there is no give.
Can you ride in bell boots?
Theoretically, you can ride in bell boots. However, this depends on your discipline. For example, if you ride dressage, you will not be allowed to compete while your horse is wearing bell boots. Show jumping competitions may also have limited exceptions for these boots, as many only allow hind boots. If you plan to ride with bell boots, it's best to use them when riding at home or during training. Be sure to check with your trainer or the competition rules to see if you can ride while using bell boots.
Can you turnout your horse with bell boots?
You can absolutely turn your horse out with bell boots! Especially if you have the kind of mischievous horse that can pull off their own shoes, or injure themselves at play. Remember that bell boots can hold mud against the skin, which could lead to moisture, germs, and potential scratches. Make sure to check your horses hooves regularly, and routinely flip the boots inside out to brush the leg and clean the underside of the boot. Also make sure to check and clean the velcro to maintain its stickiness.
Bell boots are a great protective option for horses that overreach and can pull off their shoes. At Schneiders, we have a large selection of bell boots for all the horses in your barn!
