In equestrian contexts, boots refer to the range of protective coverings fitted to a horse’s lower legs before riding, training, or turnout. Horse boots serve multiple purposes depending on type: they protect against self-inflicted knocks and impact from poles or fences, support vulnerable tendons and ligaments during hard work, reduce the consequences of overreaching, and provide therapeutic compression or cold treatment after exercise. Knowing which boot to use for which situation is a fundamental element of good horse management.
Types of Horse Boots
Brushing Boots
Brushing boots are among the most commonly used protective boots in everyday riding. They protect the lower cannon bone and fetlock area from strikes caused when one leg makes contact with the other during movement — a problem particularly common in young, unbalanced, or wide-moving horses. Brushing boots typically feature a padded inner surface and a hard outer shell, secured with Velcro or buckle fastenings. They come in front and hind versions, with hind brushing boots generally being taller to cover more of the lower leg. They are suitable for schooling, hacking, and general work.
Tendon Boots
Tendon boots, also known as open-fronted boots, are designed specifically for showjumping and jumping work. They protect the tendons at the back of the front leg — the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons — from being struck by the horse’s hind feet during take-off or landing. The front of the boot is deliberately left open or very lightly protected, so that the horse can feel if it hits a pole with its cannon bone. This tactile feedback is considered important in jump training, encouraging the horse to pick up its front legs neatly. Tendon boots are usually used on the front legs only, paired with fetlock boots on the hind legs.
Fetlock Boots
Fetlock boots are small, lightweight boots that cover and protect the fetlock joint on the hind legs. They are the standard complement to front tendon boots in showjumping, protecting the point most likely to be struck when a horse knocks a pole with its hind legs. They may also be used alone on both front and hind legs for horses with mild brushing issues.
Cross-Country Boots
Cross-country boots are the most robust category of horse boot, designed to withstand the varied demands of eventing cross-country phases. They must provide maximum protection against solid fence contacts, going through water, and travelling over undulating and sometimes rough terrain. Cross-country boots cover the whole lower leg including the fetlock and must conform to FEI regulations regarding materials and design — boots with memory foam or gel that may retain heat are now prohibited at FEI-level competition due to welfare concerns. Most cross-country boots use an impact-resistant outer shell with a breathable inner lining. They are used on all four legs for cross-country phases.
Polo Wraps
Polo wraps are fleece bandages wound around the lower leg, covering the cannon bone, fetlock, and sometimes the pastern. Originally associated with polo, they are widely used in general schooling and flatwork. They provide light compression and moderate impact protection, and they are popular with riders who find boots too bulky or warm for flatwork. Correct application is essential — a polo wrap applied with uneven tension can restrict blood flow or create pressure points, so they require more skill and care than purpose-made boots.
Bell Boots
Bell boots cover the hoof and heel, protecting against overreach injuries where a hind hoof strikes the front heel. They are used across all disciplines and during turnout for horses prone to overreaching or losing shoes.
Ice and Cooling Boots
Therapeutic boots designed for post-exercise recovery. Ice boots pack around the lower leg with gel inserts that can be frozen, providing cryotherapy to reduce inflammation and soreness after hard work. They are widely used after competition and intensive schooling to support tendon and ligament recovery. Some yards use standing wraps in ice water as an alternative, though commercial ice boots are considerably more convenient.
Fitting and Safety Considerations
Any boot applied incorrectly creates risk. Boots fastened too tightly can restrict blood flow and cause pressure injuries; too loose and they rotate or slip, potentially catching on poles or legs and creating the very injuries they were meant to prevent. Fasten boots from the top down, applying even, firm pressure at each strap. The boot should not twist or slide when the horse moves. Check that no debris, sweat, or hair is trapped inside before fastening, and remove and clean boots promptly after work to prevent skin problems.
Always use clean, dry boots. Dirty, wet neoprene or fleece linings pressed against the leg during exercise cause rub sores quickly. Rinse boots after every use and allow them to dry thoroughly before the next session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all horses need boots for every ride?
Not necessarily. A well-balanced horse doing light hacking on good terrain may not need boots for routine work. However, for any jumping work, intensive schooling, young or unbalanced horses, or working on surfaces that create extra concussion or deep going, boots provide sensible protection. The question to ask is: what is the realistic risk of an injury if the horse has no boots on today? For most active working horses, the answer justifies routine boot use.
What is the difference between front and hind boots?
Front boots are generally designed to protect tendons (at the back of the leg) and the cannon bone from strike injuries. In jumping, open-fronted tendon boots are the standard for fronts. Hind boots are typically more focused on protecting the fetlock and lower cannon from contact with poles or the opposite leg. The shapes differ accordingly — hind boots are often taller or more anatomically angled to fit the slightly different structure of the hind leg.
Can boots cause tendon damage?
Research has shown that some boot materials, particularly those with a dense insulating inner layer, can significantly increase the temperature of the tendons during exercise. Heat is a known risk factor for tendon injury. This is why the FEI banned memory foam and certain gel materials in cross-country boots. For everyday use, choosing boots with breathable, moisture-wicking liners and removing them promptly after work reduces heat build-up. Avoid using boots with dense neoprene inners for prolonged or fast work in warm conditions.