A Basic Overview on Horse Boots and Their Many Functions

Horse boots are one tool that equestrians can use to prevent a variety of problems during different activities. However, the number of boot types can be overwhelming, especially if you have never purchased any or are new to equine care.

What are the different kinds of horse boots?

Horse boots are mainly used for preventing injuries to your horse’s legs, and the type you should purchase depends on the specific issue your horse is facing. Today we will discuss the uses for bell boots, sport boots, fetlock boots, travel boots, and fly boots.

Popular Types of Horse Boots

Hoof Boots

Hoof boots are made to cover just the hooves of the horse and can be used with or without horseshoes. They are frequently used as riding boots since they provide protection to the bottom of the hoof from rough terrain. Horse owners use them for trail riding and backcountry riding, as well as in muddy or icy conditions (with the addition of metal studs).

These boots may also used when treating an injury or as a first aid measure. They protect the hooves and keep them clean, and can hold a poultice or medication if needed. They can be made with a variety of materials including leather or artificial materials, like nylon, depending on the purpose for wearing the boot.

Some equestrians like to add a pastern wrap  underneath the hoof boot to prevent the skin on the  leg from chafing or becoming irritated while riding.

Bell Boots

Bell boots are used to protect the coronary band and prevent overreach injuries. The coronary band refers to the area that produces new hoof growth and is located where the hairline and hoof meet. Overreaching describes the action of a horse’s hind hoof hitting the heel of a front hoof, which can pull off a boot or cause damage to the front heel. Bell boots protect the front heels from getting hit, as well as protect all hooves from rough terrain elements or hitting obstacles.

Typically, these boots are “bell-shaped” and go around the entire hoof without touching the ground. They can be used while riding to prevent injuries while the horse is running, jumping over obstacles, and sliding.  

Bell boots are commonly made with PVC or rubber. The PVC boots have velcro closures, while rubber boots can be stretched to fit over the hoof.

Shipping Boots

Shipping boots, also called travel boots, are used for leg protection while trailering a horse. They are long enough to reach from the ground to above the hock or knee and mainly guard against cuts and scrapes. These boots can be made with a variety of synthetic materials, like neoprene and nylon, and have extra padding built in to the lining for comfort.

Splint Boots

Splint boots, or brushing boots, are designed to prevent “brushing” injuries from the horse’s legs colliding during movement (specifically during speed events). These are worn on all four legs and are typically leather, neoprene, or another synthetic material.

Fetlock boots, which are also referred to as ankle boots, are very similar to brushing boots, but they specifically protect the fetlock joint above a horse’s hoof on the back legs. These boots are often hard plastic on the outside, but may also be made of leather or a synthetic material that provides adequate protection. They are sometimes used at the same time as tendon boots.

Tendon Boots

Tendon boots are similar to brushing boots as they protect against “brushing” injuries, but their main purpose is to prevent the rear hooves from hitting the tendons in the back of the front legs. Like fetlock boots, hard plastic and leather are typical material choices.

Sport Boots

Sport boots, or sports medicine boots, are used to lessen the stress on the tendons and ligaments in a horse’s leg when their hoof hits the ground and are popular in dressage.  They have a special strap that wraps around the leg underneath the fetlock joint to provide support to the suspensory ligament, and provide protection from brushing injuries. These boots are often made with neoprene and extra padding to absorb shock, and have velcro closures.

Fly Boots

Fly boots are the professional's choice used for horses that are standing and prone to flies landing on their legs. Repeated stomping in order to get rid of the bugs can cause joint problems, and some horses may become stressed from the constant sensation on their legs. Fly boots cover the coronary band and lower legs and offer easy fly control to keep them from being bothersome and get them back on track. Many of these boots are made with a mesh material and fastened with velcro.

Boots are an essential part of horse care for every equestrian. Not only do they offer leg protection, but can play a role in hoof care and first aid as well. Whether your horse is performing, exercising, or just hanging out, horse boots can help improve their health and comfort and are a stpale in stable supplies.

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David Thomas Joined: February 25th, 2020