Buyer’s Guide: Protective Horse Boots

Support, splint, leather, neoprene, -plastic, sheepskin, gel, buckles, Velcro® … YIKES! The number of styles, materials and options available in protective horse boots can be enough to give you a headache. You just want to protect your horse’s legs: Why are there so many different choices? Patricia Nesto, hunter competitor and buyer for Dover Saddlery, based in Littleton, Massachusetts, offers the following information to help you find the right match for your needs.

As a starting point, Patricia says, “Higher-priced models typically offer better materials and a better fit.” These options may include molded plastic or carbon outer shells for better protection against brushing and strikes, gel or high-tech foam lining for shock absorption, better dressing such as leather, removable liners for easy cleanup or alternative strapping systems such as hook-stud closures. In the end, Patricia says fit is the most important aspect: “The boots shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.” As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit one finger snugly between the boot and your horse’s leg. “If a boot wiggles around too much (from being too big or too loose), dirt could get in and cause rubs,” she explains. If you’re not sure if the boots fit correctly, ask your instructor, barn manager or a knowledgeable friend for help. The following chart explains the five basic types of protective horse boots, tells you what each is best suited for and describes the benefits of each.

TYPE: All-around support boot
USES: General-purpose riding where support is more important than protection
FEATURES: suspensory strap provides support; wide variety of colors for coordination

TYPE: All-purpose splint boot
USES: Protection for horses who interfere; -excellent option for turnout
FEATURES: strike pad on inside offers extra -protection; easy on/off; hard to make too tight

TYPE: Exercise/dressage
USES: Protection and warmth during -dressage or flatwork
FEATURES: fleece/neoprene lined; easy cleanup with hose/washing machine; completely closed construction

TYPE: Jumping—Cross-Country
USES: Cross-country
FEATURES: Durable strike pad; heavy-duty Velcro® closures

TYPE: Jumping—Open-front
USES: Jumpers, equitation
FEATURES: Offers strike protection in the tendon area in back, but open front makes the horse more careful over jumps