Horse Boots

Horse boots provide critical leg protection during work, turnout, and sport, and choosing the right type for your horse's discipline and conformation makes all the difference. The lower leg is one of the most vulnerable parts of the horse. Tendons, ligaments, splint bones, and fetlocks are all exposed to strike injuries, overreaching, and the concussive stress of athletic work. A well-chosen pair of boots is some of the most valuable insurance you can put on your horse's legs before you ride.

Splint boots are among the most versatile and widely used options. Named for the protection they provide to the splint bone on the inside of the cannon, these boots feature reinforced padding on the medial surface and wrap around the cannon bone and fetlock. They're practical for flatwork, lunging, trail riding, and jumping, work well in all conditions, and are easy to fit and use. For horses that regularly interfere (brush their legs together),
splint boots are a smart everyday choice.

Open-front boots are the standard for show jumping, and with good reason. They protect the tendons and fetlock at the back of the leg while leaving the front of the cannon bare. This design means a horse can feel if it rubs a jump rail, which provides the tactile feedback that discourages careless jumping. Pair them with hind ankle boots for a classic, complete jumping set. Sport boots offer full-circumference coverage including under
the fetlock joint via an ergonomic sling strap, making them a favorite in western sports like reining and barrel racing but also useful for horses that need extra tendon support during intensive work.

Bell boots protect the heel bulbs and coronary band from overreaching when the hind foot strikes the back of the front foot. They're essential for horses in deep or wet footing, for those that lose shoes easily, and during cross-country work. We carry pull-on and Velcro styles, as well as no-turn bell boots for horses that spin them around. Whatever the discipline, we stock the styles, sizes, and materials to keep your horse's legs protected
and working their best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of horse boots do I need for jumping?
For show jumping, open-front boots on the front legs are the standard. They protect the tendons while allowing the horse to feel a rail with the front of the cannon. Pair them with hind ankle (fetlock) boots on the back legs for complete protection without limiting hind-end mobility over fences. For cross-country, where full protection is more important than feel, brushing/galloping boots or closed-front boots on all four legs are more appropriate, as the terrain and solid fences present greater risks.

How should horse boots fit?
Horse boots should fit snugly enough that they don't shift or slide down during work, but not so tight that they create pressure points or restrict blood flow. You should be able to slide a finger or two under the top strap. Straps should always face toward the tail so that pressure from movement falls across the front of the cannon bone rather than the tendons behind. After removing boots, check the leg for heat, swelling, or rubbing. Always
apply boots to a clean, dry leg.

Can horses wear boots during turnout?
Some boots are appropriate for turnout. Bell boots in particular are commonly used to prevent shoe loss, and some splint and sport boots work well for horses that interfere or are at risk of kicking injuries. However, most exercise boots are not designed for extended turnout wear. Boots can trap heat, collect moisture and debris, and cause skin rubs if left on for long periods. If boots are used in turnout, check frequently and remove as soon as possible.

What are the differences between splint boots and sport boots?
Splint boots have reinforced padding primarily on the inside (medial) surface of the cannon bone to protect the splint bone from interference injuries, with simple Velcro or ring-and-Velcro closures. Sport boots (or sports medicine boots) are made from neoprene, cover more of the leg, and feature an ergonomic strap that slings under the fetlock joint to provide support and protection all the way around. Sport boots offer more comprehensive coverage and tendon support, while splint boots are lighter, simpler, and easier to put on correctly.