Gaiters

Which horse boots suit you and your horse?

Horse boots protect against knocks and strain: they protect the fetlock, cannon bone and tendons from brushing injuries caused by the horse's own hooves, from stones and branches and, when jumping, from falling poles. Which type makes sense depends on the discipline, the leg and the horse. What horse boots are and when they're actually needed is explained in our guide Horse boots explained. Here you'll find the range and a short overview.

Types of horse boots at a glance

• Hard-shell boots: The rigid plastic outer shell, sometimes also with carbon or Kevlar, protects the cannon bone and fetlock. Inside, they are usually lined with neoprene or fur. Typical for jumping and cross-country.
• Dressage boots and fetlock boots: softer, flexible models, often made of mesh or faux leather and often lined with fur. They enclose the fetlock, are easier to put on than bandages and are often available to match collection colours.
• Cross-country boots: closed models with a shock-absorbing outer shell for cross-country and eventing, where there is a greater risk of injury from branches and undergrowth.
• Fur-lined boots: faux fur or sheepskin as lining, as separate models or combined with a hard shell.
• Tendon boots: models designed mainly to protect the tendon area. Which part of the leg is covered is stated with each item.
• Brushing boots: shorter than horse boots and usually intended for the hind legs.
• Overreach boots: protect the heel bulbs, for example when jumping or cross-country, and complement horse boots.
• Travel boots: protect during loading and travelling, often reaching over the coronet band.
• Stable, cooling and fly boots: These are only used at certain times. You'll find cooling and therapy products under Therapy products; we also stock a few fly boots.

Dressage, jumping, cross-country: what matters?

In dressage training, many riders use soft dressage or fetlock boots if their horse tends to brush. When jumping, the fetlock joint and tendons should be protected from poles, so hard-shell boots with good shock absorption are needed here, often together with overreach boots. For cross-country, closed cross-country boots are an option. Bandages are an alternative that can be adjusted more individually but require more practice. Leg protection is usually not allowed in dressage tests. Check the rules of your competition before you start.

Front or hind?

Many models are available separately for front and hind legs, because the legs and the strain on them differ. Hind boots are often cut differently, for example longer or with hock protection. How many boots you need depends on what you use them for. Some items are sold individually, others as a set. Whether a set contains two or four boots is stated with the item.

Size and fit

In our shop you'll find horse boots in the sizes Mini Shetty, Shetty, Pony, Cob, Warmblood and Warmblood Extra as well as in standard sizes (from XXS to XL). Every manufacturer sizes differently, so the measurements given for each item apply. Check these points when fitting:

• Fit: The boot should sit firmly and not slip, but must not constrict the tendons.
• Fastenings: Close hook-and-loop fastenings evenly.
• Rubbing: Check the leg and coat after riding. Badly fitting boots can rub.
• Cleanliness: Remove dirt from the inside of the boot and from the leg before putting it on.

Material, colours and brands

Horse boots are available with linings made of neoprene, faux fur or sheepskin and outer shells made of plastic, carbon, Kevlar, nylon, leather or faux leather. Black is the most common colour, along with brown, blue, white and many more. An overview of the brands:

• Eskadron horse boots in many colours, matching the collections
• Kentucky Horsewear horse boots
• Veredus horse boots
• plus models from Waldhausen, Kavalkade, LeMieux and QHP

Advice

Not sure about the type, size or combination of horse boots, brushing boots and overreach boots? We're happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.