Does My Horse Need To Wear Boots?

When it comes to tack and horse safety, boots might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but they play a crucial role in protecting a horse’s legs and hooves from injury and strain. The type of boots required can vary significantly depending on the activity. For instance, boots designed for turnout wouldn't be appropriate for show jumping. Choosing the right boots means considering not only the specific demands of the activity but also the horse’s individual needs, including factors like conformation and breed.

Brushing boots are among the most popular types of horse boots, valued for their versatility and everyday practicality. Commonly used during training, flatwork, lunging, trail riding, or turnout, these boots are designed to protect the lower leg from accidental strikes by the opposite hoof—a common occurrence known as brushing. They also offer protection to the splint bone, a frequent site of injury. Most brushing boots are crafted from soft, flexible materials that contour comfortably to the horse’s leg. Neoprene is a particularly popular choice, as it's soft, durable, and breathable, helping to prevent overheating and discomfort. High-quality brushing boots often feature reinforced inner panels, such as PVC, to enhance impact protection. They can be used on both the front and hind legs, depending on the individual horse's needs.

Properly fitting brushing boots are essential to ensure your horse’s comfort and protection. The boots should wrap snugly around the lower leg without being too tight, allowing enough room to avoid restricting blood flow or causing discomfort. They need to cover the area most at risk of brushing injuries, typically the inside of the cannon bone and fetlock, but shouldn’t extend so high or low that they interfere with the horse’s natural movement. When securing the fastenings, make sure they are firm enough to keep the boots in place during exercise but not so tight that they create pressure points or cause rubbing. Checking the fit regularly is important, especially during long rides or intense work, to prevent slipping or chafing.

Tendon boots are designed to protect a horse’s tendons and ligaments from impact and strain, especially during high-intensity activities like jumping or fast work. They shield the back of the leg, where the tendons are most vulnerable to knocks and brushing injuries. When fitting tendon boots, it’s important to ensure they sit securely without slipping, covering the tendon area fully without restricting movement or causing discomfort. The boots should be snug but not tight, with fastenings that hold firmly in place without cutting into the skin. Many tendon boots feature padded linings for added comfort and shock absorption. Proper fit helps prevent rubbing and ensures maximum protection during exercise.

Polo bandages are a highly versatile option that can be used for a wide range of activities. Before the development of modern boot technology, they were commonly used to protect a horse’s legs during exercise or to provide support and compression while in the stable. While they still serve these purposes today, many horse owners now prefer boots for their ease of use—since bandages can be more time-consuming to apply correctly and safely.

Therapy and medical boots are designed to support a horse’s recovery—whether from injury or after strenuous exercise. These specialized boots serve a variety of therapeutic purposes. Magnetic boots, for instance, can help stimulate blood flow in the legs, while ice or cold water boots are commonly used post-exercise to cool the legs quickly, reducing the risk of inflammation and injury.

WeatherBeeta offers an exclusive range of Therapy-Tec boots to provide targeted support and comfort. The new Therapy-Tec II Gel Ice Boots feature 24 separate gel pockets, allowing the boot to contour closely around your horse’s leg for optimal surface contact with tendons and joints—ensuring both effective cooling and maximum comfort. Likewise, the Therapy-Tec Cold Water Boots deliver advanced cold therapy without the need for freezing, offering a convenient and consistent alternative to traditional ice boots.

Over reach boots, also known as bell boots, are designed to protect a horse’s front hooves and the delicate heel area from injury caused by overreaching—when the hind hooves strike the back of the front hooves. This type of injury is common during fast-paced or collected work, such as jumping, schooling, or turnout. Over reach boots are typically made from durable rubber or neoprene and fit snugly around the pastern, flaring out to cover the hoof. They can also help prevent a horse from pulling off front shoes, particularly during exercise or turnout. These boots are an essential addition to your tack room if your horse is prone to overreaching or regularly loses shoes.

When selecting over reach boots, it's important to ensure a proper fit for both protection and comfort. The boot should sit snugly around the horse’s pastern without rubbing or causing pressure sores. It should be long enough to cover the bulbs of the heel, but not so long that it interferes with movement or causes the horse to trip. Look for boots made from flexible yet durable materials like rubber or neoprene, with secure fastenings such as double-lock Velcro for easy application and a firm hold. For horses with sensitive skin or prone to rubbing, a fleece-lined option can provide added comfort. If your horse is active in turnout or work, consider reinforced or no-turn designs that stay securely in place during movement.