Boots: protecting the horse's legs during work

Boots are essential protectors designed to protect the horse's legs during work. They help to protect the tendons, fetlocks, and areas exposed to impacts, rubs, or injuries, depending on the discipline practised and the intensity of the effort. Each type of boot has a specific purpose. The choice depends on the work required of the horse, its locomotion, and the specific constraints of each discipline.

Why use boots?

During exercise, the horse can:
• strike itself in gaits,
• hit one leg with another,
• suffer impacts during jumping or in the field,
• put significant strain on tendons and joints.

Boots allow you to:
• protect the legs against impacts and rubs,
• make work safer, especially in show jumping,
• support effort without hindering locomotion,
• preserve the integrity of tendons and joints.

Different types of horse boots

Dressage boots

Dressage boots are designed for flatwork. They offer flexible and enveloping protection, mainly against rubs and minor impacts related to locomotion. They are suitable for dressage sessions and daily work, when the goal is precision, regularity, and the horse's comfort.

Cross-country boots

Cross-country boots are designed for intensive and demanding practice, especially on varied terrain. They are designed to offer reinforced protection, capable of withstanding violent impacts, projections, and natural obstacles. Robust and enveloping, these are closed boots essential for securing the horse in cross-country.

Open-front boots

Open-front boots are mainly used in show jumping. They protect the back of the leg while leaving the front freer, which allows for better perception of the pole, optimal freedom of movement, and targeted protection against rear impacts. They are very common in training as well as in competition.

Closed-front boots

Closed-front boots offer enveloping protection for the leg. They are used when seeking overall protection, limitation of rubs, and uniform support. They are suitable for many disciplines and are often chosen for daily work.

The different materials of boots

Boots come in several materials, chosen to meet specific needs in terms of protection, breathability, and comfort. The choice of material directly influences the use and level of protection provided.

Gel boots or with carbon inserts

Boots incorporating gel or carbon inserts are designed to offer high shock absorption. These materials allow for:
• dissipating energy during impacts,
• reinforcing the most exposed areas,
• providing increased protection, especially in show jumping or cross-country.
They are often chosen for demanding disciplines or for horses under intense exertion.

Sheepskin or faux sheepskin lined boots

Boots with natural sheepskin or faux sheepskin lining prioritize comfort and skin protection. They are appreciated for:
• limiting rubs,
• suiting horses with sensitive skin,
• offering soft contact with the leg.
They are used in daily work as well as in competition, depending on the discipline.

Mesh or breathable material boots

Mesh boots or breathable technical textiles are designed to promote air circulation. They allow for:
• better heat dissipation,
• limiting humidity,
• increased comfort in hot weather or during prolonged sessions.
They are particularly suitable for horses that tend to overheat quickly.

How to choose your boots?

The choice of boots depends on the discipline practised, the horse's sensitivity, and its locomotion style. A boot should be:
• well-fitted,
• stable during movement,
• comfortable,
• adapted to the intensity of the effort required.

Protections designed for comfort and freedom of movement

Boots are designed to:
• stay securely in place,
• limit rubs,
• protect without hindering the horse's natural movements.

A good fit is essential to guarantee their effectiveness and the horse's comfort.

An essential piece of ridden work equipment

Boots are among the basic protective gear for horses at work. Well-chosen, they help secure the effort, preserve the legs, and support the horse in its progress, whatever the discipline.