Horse boots are used to protect the horse's legs from injury during riding, lunging, or turnout, as well as to absorb some shock on impact as a horse's hoof hits the ground. Horse boots can also prevent abrasions and splints caused by interference.

Protective boots are especially important if your horse has big movement in his gaits, has sustained an injury, or if he interferes—meaning he tends to strike another leg with one or more hooves during movement.

Horse boots are made of various materials, including easy-care neoprene and plastic, sheepskin, leather, and gel. Closures may include hook-and-loop straps, buckles, or hook-and-stud fasteners. Most protective boots come in left/right pairs, with closures designed to fasten on the outside of the horse’s leg. If closures end up on the inside, they can interfere with each other, come undone, or cause stumbling.

The array of boots can seem overwhelming, but if you identify your main goal, your riding discipline, preferred materials, and budget, your choice becomes much easier.

There are five main types of horse boots:

• Cross Country Jumping Boots: Designed for the rigors of cross country, these lightweight boots feature durable strike pads for extra protection. They typically have heavy-duty hook-and-loop closures, resist water absorption, and are easy to clean. Many riders choose styles in team or stable colors.
• Open Front Jumping Boots: Often featuring elastic straps and hook-and-stud closures, these boots leave the front of the cannon bone uncovered to encourage careful jumping. They protect tendons at the back of the leg from strikes. Open front boots are usually paired with ankle boots for the hind legs. Permitted in jumper rings but not hunter rings.
• Dressage/Flat Work Boots: Protect against interference and offer a time-saving alternative to polo wraps. Typically fleece- or neoprene-lined, they are easy to clean. White and black are traditional in dressage, though brown is also popular. Not permitted in the dressage test itself, but allowed in warm-up.
• Support Boots: Engineered to support tendons and ligaments, these boots cradle the fetlock joint to prevent hyperextension. Horses with a history of suspensory or tendon injuries may benefit from them. Available in many colors.
• All-Purpose Splint Boots: Ideal for horses that interfere, splint boots have reinforced inner strike areas and are typically affordable. Many are available in multiple colors.

How to Estimate Your Horse's Boot Size

Most boots are available in small, medium, and large sizes, with some brands also making pony or extra-large versions. Some manufacturers provide sizing charts on packaging. Generally, a horse’s height, weight, breed, and cannon bone circumference guide sizing.

Small boots often fit refined-boned horses under 1000 pounds (such as Arabians or large ponies). Many horses use smaller boots in front and larger ones behind. Average Thoroughbreds (~16 hands) often wear large boots, while warmbloods may need large or extra-large. Medium boots suit Quarter Horses, Morgans, and smaller Thoroughbreds (15.1–15.3 hands).

How to Check the Fit of Horse Boots

You should be able to slide one finger snugly between the boot and the horse’s leg. Boots that are too loose may allow dirt inside or slip, while boots that are too tight may damage tendons. The boot should cover most of the cannon bone and inside fetlock without rising into the back of the knee.

Tips:

• When fastening boots, apply even pressure across all straps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Remove boots promptly after exercise to let heat escape and skin/hair dry.
• Keep boots clean and free of sweat, dirt, and grime to avoid skin irritation.