Useful or unnecessary?
Gaiters for horses explained
Horse boots are a type of leg protection for horses. They are fitted around the fetlock and cannon bone and fastened with Velcro or button closures. They are made of an impact-resistant material such as plastic or leather, with a cushioning lining of neoprene or fleece.
Here you can find out which types of horse boots there are and when they make sense. Already know what you need? Then go straight to the horse boots, the brushing boots, the overreach boots or the travel boots.
What types are there?
The most popular type are hard-shell boots. They are usually made of plastic and lined on the inside with neoprene or faux fur / sheepskin. The horse's fetlock and flexor tendons are effectively protected against knocks, kicks and brushing.
There are also models in faux leather or leather that are cut high and cover the fetlock and cannon bone. They are usually closed with Velcro or button fasteners.
Fetlock boots / wraparound boots
- enclose the entire fetlock head and the cannon bone up to the carpal joint
- particularly suitable as dressage boots
- are rather soft and flexible, without a solid plastic plate
- often lined with lambskin, artificial fur (faux fur)
- often available to match collections
Spoon gaiters
- consist of a plastic or leather part in the shape of a spoon on the inside
- Outer side is made of neoprene with Velcro fasteners
- inside is anatomically shaped
- particularly suitable for horses that brush against themselves
- less suitable for show jumping or cross-country, as only the inside provides effective protection
Transport gaiters
- protect beyond the coronet band
- rear gaiters are cut particularly high
- protect during transport, loading and unloading
- should fit snugly and not slip
How to put horse boots on correctly
This is the basic approach. Also follow the manufacturer's instructions:
- Clear dirt and sand from the leg and the inside of the boot.
- Do not mix up front and hind boots or left and right sides if the model is designed that way.
- Position the boot so the intended areas are covered and close the fasteners evenly.
- The boot should sit firmly and not slip, but must not pinch tendons.
- After riding, check leg and coat for rub marks.
Matching models are in our horse boots category.
Horse boots front or hind?
Many models come separately for front and hind legs because cut and load differ. Hind boots are often cut differently, sometimes also with hock protection. On travel boots the hind ones are often cut especially high. Whether you protect only front, only hind or all four legs depends on use and horse. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
Popular horse boots in the shop
Discover the most popular brands for gaiters
Eskadron gaiters
Available in many colours and always matching the latest collection. Eskadron gaiters are available as dressage gaiters with mesh, lambskin or as hard shell gaiters for show jumping.
Veredus gaiters
One of the best-known brands for horse boots and brushing boots is Veredus. The boots with Save the Sheep artificial sheepskin and carbon outer shell protect particularly well on the showjumping course or cross-country.
Kentucky gaiters
Kentucky offers a wide range of gaiters. In addition to hard-shell gaiters with and without synthetic fur, there are also special cross-country gaiters and, of course, the ever-popular wraparound gaiters.
Find the right model
Whether hard shell for the arena, soft dressage boots or travel boots: in our horse boots category you can filter by size, colour and brand. Matching brushing boots and overreach boots are available too. If you are unsure, we are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about gaiters
Horse boots are cut distinctly longer than brushing boots. Both variants work as leg protection. Brushing boots are just as easy to put on and take off as horse boots. Brushing boots are usually only used on the hind legs.
Unlike bandages, horse boots are made of much harder material such as plastic or leather and are often used for showjumping, eventing and cross-country. Bandages, by contrast, are mostly used in dressage.
Horse boots are of course easier to put on and take off than bandages. However, they also have the big drawback that they can rub if the fit is not matched to the horse's leg. The shock-absorbing effect is higher with horse boots than with bandages, though.
- Horse boots with a soft but durable outer material such as fetlock or wrap boots
- Hard-shell horse boots combined with brushing boots
- specially developed dressage boots
For eventing, mainly for riding cross-country, you should choose closed models and overreach boots. The risk of injury from fallen branches or undergrowth is highest here, so the outer shell should be shock-absorbing.
Showjumping boots should protect the fetlock joint and splint bone from falling poles. You can also use overreach boots to prevent overreaching into the heel bulb and thus serious injuries from horseshoes. The outer shell should offer good impact protection and be shock-absorbing. Here too you should go for closed leg protection so the horse's leg is protected all round.
To protect your horse when travelling in a trailer or transporter, you can use travel boots. These protect the horse's leg from the knee or hock down over the coronet to the hoof. Overreach boots are not needed here.
Because bandages or horse boots change the look of the horse's leg, they make it harder for the judges to assess. So before you enter the dressage arena you must remove any leg protection.
If you want to protect your horse's leg in the field, you can use horse boots. However, they should only be put on when it is really necessary. For example, if your horse is very lively and plays a lot with other horses. To prevent rub and pressure marks as well as damage from heat build-up, you should put the boots on as little as possible. If your horse is shod, you can first try overreach boots to protect the sensitive heel bulb.