Splint boots are one of the most commonly used items of protective equipment in the equestrian world, found in yards across virtually every discipline from showjumping and dressage to eventing and endurance riding. They protect the horse’s lower leg — specifically the splint bones and the soft tissue on the inside of the cannon bone — from strikes and interference injuries during work. Understanding why they are used, how they work, and how to fit them correctly is fundamental knowledge for any horse owner or rider.
What Are Splint Boots?
Splint boots are protective boots worn on a horse’s lower legs, covering the cannon bone and the adjacent splint bones on the medial (inside) surface of the leg. They extend from just below the knee or hock down to above the fetlock and are secured with Velcro straps or buckles. The design typically features a padded inner lining against the horse’s skin and a firmer, reinforced outer shell that absorbs and deflects impact.
The splint bones — the second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones — run down either side of the cannon bone and are thin, relatively fragile structures that lie close to the surface. They are vulnerable to strikes from the opposite hoof (called brushing), from arena poles, cavaletti, or jump poles, and from self-interference during fast or lateral work. A hard knock to an unprotected splint bone can cause a periosteal reaction — the formation of new bone, colloquially called a splint — which is painful during its active phase and can cause lasting issues if it impinges on the suspensory ligament. Splint boots for horses are designed specifically to prevent this type of injury.
When to Use Splint Boots
Splint boots are appropriate for most forms of ridden work. They are particularly valuable during schooling sessions involving lateral work, where the horse’s legs are more likely to cross and interfere with each other; during jumping, where the effort of takeoff and landing can cause the hind feet to strike the inside of the front legs; and during any work with poles or cavaletti on the ground. Young horses in early training often lack the co-ordination to avoid self-interference, making boots a sensible precaution until their way of going matures.
For horses competing at affiliated level, check the current rules for the relevant discipline. British Dressage rules permit boots in training and warm-up but prohibit them in the dressage arena during a test. British Showjumping permits boots in both warm-up and competition. British Eventing rules govern each phase separately. The British Horse Society provides a useful overview of equipment rules across disciplines for those studying for coaching qualifications.
Types of Splint Boots
The market offers a wide variety of splint boot designs, reflecting the different demands of different disciplines and horses. Key types include:
Brushing boots are the simplest and most versatile form of splint protection. They offer a padded inner surface and a firmer outer shell and are suitable for general schooling and hacking. In everyday British yard parlance, brushing boots and splint boots are often used interchangeably, though technically a brushing boot provides protection around more of the lower leg.
Sport boots (also called open-front boots in jumping) have a protective cup over the fetlock and the back of the leg but leave the front of the cannon exposed. Used widely in showjumping, they protect the fetlock and tendons while allowing the horse to feel contact with a pole. Compare with overreach boots, which protect the heel bulbs and complement sport boots in a complete jump boot set-up.
Tendon boots protect the back of the lower leg — the flexor tendons — rather than the inside surface. They are commonly used on front legs in eventing, where the risk of a hind toe striking the front tendon during galloping is real. For Western disciplines, skid boots serve an equivalent protective function during stop work.
Fitting Splint Boots Correctly
Correct fit is essential. A splint boot that is too tight will restrict circulation and can cause soft tissue damage; one that is too loose will slip, rotate, and may end up protecting the wrong area or abrading the leg at its edges. The boot should sit snugly around the cannon bone with the padded protective panel aligned over the splint bone area on the inside of the leg. The top edge should sit below the knee without rubbing the joint capsule, and the bottom edge should clear the fetlock joint to avoid restriction.
Fasten straps from top to bottom, pulling snugly but not tightly — you should be able to slide a finger beneath the strap but not work your whole hand under. After a period of work, check that the boots have not shifted and that there are no areas of redness or rubs developing. In hot weather or after intense work, remove boots promptly and allow the legs to cool, as retained heat under protective boots can be a welfare concern in sustained use.
Maintenance
Rinse boots after every use to remove arena sand, mud, and sweat. Sand trapped against the lining will abrade the skin even through the padding. Check linings regularly for compression and deterioration — a lining that has gone flat no longer cushions effectively. Velcro fastenings should be kept free of debris to maintain their grip. Quality boots from reputable manufacturers should last multiple seasons with regular maintenance; budget options may need replacing more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do splint boots go on front or back legs?
Splint boots can be worn on all four legs, depending on the horse and the work being done. Front legs are the priority for most jumping and flatwork, as they bear the greatest concussive load and are most frequently struck by the hind feet. Hind leg splint boots are used when horses have a tendency to knock their hind legs together, particularly during lateral movements or tight turns. Many horses are routinely booted on all four legs for jumping work.
What is the difference between splint boots and brushing boots?
The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but there is a technical distinction. Splint boots are specifically designed to protect the splint bone area on the inside of the cannon. Brushing boots provide broader circumferential coverage of the lower leg including the fetlock, and are designed to prevent brushing — where one leg catches the opposite leg during movement. Most brushing boots also protect the splint bone area, so in practice they offer the combined protection of both.
Can a horse wear splint boots in dressage competition?
Under current British Dressage rules, boots and bandages are not permitted in the competition arena during a dressage test, though they may be used during warm-up and training. This rule is in place to allow judges to assess the horse’s natural way of going without any equipment that might affect movement. Always check the current rulebook for the specific level and series you are competing in, as rules are reviewed periodically.