How to choose the best boots for your horse

Many riders choose to put boots on their horse and often they own several sets so that they can use the ones that are best suited to a certain activity, such as hacking or jumping. There is a vast range of different styles, designs, colours and sizes of horse boots on the market to choose from. Technical advances mean it is now possible to buy boots that are designed to protect a horse’s leg from knocks, while ensuring good air flow to help keep the tendons cool.

There are three main features to look for when you’re buying horse boots: breathability (ie do they keep the leg cool), flexibility (can the horse move freely) and weight (how heavy they are). These three considerations are essential for your horse’s wellbeing, and understanding this is key to shopping for a set of boots best suited to you and your horse’s needs.

1 Breathability

The most important thing for keeping a horse’s legs, and particularly tendons, healthy, is helping them stay cool. That means a set of boots with good air flow and that don’t cause a leg to heat up unnecessarily is the most important thing to consider when choosing the right ones for your horse.

As a horse moves their tendons and ligaments extend and contract, and this natural process creates heat. When you put a boot on your horse’s leg this heat potentially has nowhere to go, and it’s important to keep the leg cool as overheating can cause long-term tissue damage. Many boots are made from breathable materials that will help to keep your horse’s legs cool. Also consider the design of the boot — you want it to encourage air flow to stop the build-up of heat.

2 Flexibility

Choose boots that are made from flexible materials that allow your horse to move freely. If the boot is stiff and inflexible, it may restrict your horse’s joints and their natural movement, and possibly even compromise tendon function. Boots need to allow as much freedom of movement as possible while still providing enough protection.

3 Weight 

The weight of the boots is an important consideration. Adding even a small amount of weight to the end of your horse’s leg in the form of a boot increases the effort they must put in to move, resulting in more wear and tear on joints and possibly even affecting the way your horse moves. Also, go for a fabric that doesn’t absorb and hold water — a wet boot is heavy and may lead to your horse getting tired.