Horse brushing boots

What are brushing boots

Brushing boots are horse boots that wrap your horse's lower legs. The versatile design of these boots allows them to be used for a wide range of disciplines including dressage, eventing, show jumping, and general hacking.

What do brushing boots do?

Brushing boots provide essential horse's lower leg protection when riding, schooling, or during turnout. They help to prevent knocks, bruises, and overuse injuries either from the opposite leg or hoof or other obstacles that your horse might encounter. They also prevent impact injuries such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI), tendon damage and splints.

Does your horse need brushing boots?

Even if you only ride your horse on occasion, the answer is most likely Yes! Your horses front and hind legs are just as important as the rest of his body and should be protected accordingly.

What type of brushing boots are there?

There are many different types of brushing boots available on the market, each with its specific purpose. Let's go over some of them so you know what to choose for your specific style of riding and your horse.

Tendon boots

Tendon boots protect your horse's tendons and ligaments from overuse and impact injuries. They comprise of extra tough shell which gives them extra durability and impact protection. They typically extend from just below the knee to just above the fetlock joint and provide protection and support to the entire tendon.

Tendon boots are a necessity for any horse that is in regular work and are especially important for those that are jumpers or eventers.

Open front tendon boots

Open front tendon boots are a variation of the standard tendon boot. As the name suggests, they have an open front which makes them easier to put on and take off.

The open front design also allows the horse to have a greater range of motion and flexibility while still providing protection and the necessary support to the tendons.

The open front design also allows for more airflow which helps to keep your horse's legs cooler. This is especially important for horses that are in regular work as it helps to prevent tendon and ligament injuries.

Fetlock boots

Fetlock boots are designed to protect your horse's fetlocks (ankle joints) from overuse and impact injuries. They are usually made of a thicker, more durable material than tendon boots. They cover the entire horse's fetlock joint and can extend up the leg to provide additional support.

Horses that are used for regular work or competition will benefit from fetlock boots.

Bell boots

Bell boots also known as overreach boots, are designed to protect your horse's hooves and lower legs from overuse and impact injuries. They extend from the coronet band (top of the hoof) to just below the fetlock joint and cover the hoof. They are typically made of a thick and durable material

Bell boots are important to work and competition horses.

Hoof boots

Hoof boots are designed to protect your horse's hooves from overuse and impact injuries. They are typically made of a thicker, more durable material than bell boots and extend from the bottom of the hoof up to the top of the hoof.

Cross country boots

Cross country boots were developed for the cross country discipline. They have the same function as brushing boots. But since the cross country is an intense discipline that causes a lot of pressure on the legs, these horse boots are made of a thicker, more durable material that offers extra protection.

Dressage boots

Dressage boots are specifically designed for dressage and flat surface where it's being performed. They protect the horse's ligaments and tendons and can be very useful for horses that have a habit of overreaching.

Stable boots

Stable boots are designed to protect your horse's legs while they are stalled and increase support after riding.

Turnout boots

Turnout boots have a similar function as other horse boots, but they are designed to protect your horse's legs during a turnout (taking your horse from the stalls to pastures.

Travel boots

Travel boots are designed to protect your horse's legs while traveling. They typically extend from just below the knee to just above the fetlock joint and provide support and protection to the entire leg.

Wraps

Wraps are a hybrid of brushing boots and bandages and have the same functionality as a bandage. The flexing bands provide excellent protection while allowing the horse a full range of motion. They offer protection from injuries and ligaments while working out and training.

They help reduce stiffness causing inflammation and offer flexibility and comfort. The breathable fabric helps reduce dirt and moisture in the footbed, preventing slipping under it and causing irritation. This also helps keep horses' front or hind legs clean. They are an excellent choice for any breed of horse.

Other types of boots

There are many different types of horse boots available on the market designed for a specific purpose. Their purpose is almost always increased safety, protection, and comfort of your horse. Some of them are shipping boots, medical boots, fetlock rings, or bandages.

How do I find the right brushing boots size for my horse?

There are a few things you need to take into account when determining the right size brushing boots for your horse:

Measurements: Take measurements of your horse's leg at the widest part and use them to find the right size horse brushing boot.

The strike pad: The strike pad is the part of the boot that comes into contact with your horse's leg. It is important to make sure that the strike pad is not too small or too large for your horse.

The straps: The straps are what hold the boot in place on your horse's leg. It is important to make sure that the straps are not too loose or too tight.

How to fit the horse boots correctly

Clean the horse's leg first. Put the protective boot on your horses leg and make sure that they are not too tight or too loose. Adjust the straps so that they are tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that they are uncomfortable for your horse. Check the strike pad. Make sure that the strike pad is not too small or too large for your horse. Make sure that the boots are comfortable for your horse to wear and that they do not rub or chafe.

How to clean, dry and store your brushing boots

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions before you attempt to clean the boots. Cleaning your brushing boots is important to do regularly to ensure that they stay in good condition. You can use water with mild soap or detergent. Make sure to rinse your horse boots thoroughly after cleaning. You can also use a washing machine, just make sure to use a gentle cycle. Dry your brushing boots in a well-ventilated area. Store your horse boots in a place with enough airflow to prevent them from mildewing.

Do brushing boots go on front or back legs?

They can be fitted on either, depending on a specific boot.

Can you show jump in brushing boots?

Yes, you can show a jump in brushing boots. Brushing boots can help protect your horses legs from being scraped by the jump poles. They can also help keep the jump poles from slipping through the stirrups.

Can you wear brushing boots in dressage?

Yes, you can wear brushing boots in dressage. Some horse owners prefer not to, as they can be a bit bulky and can interfere with the horse's natural movement. However, if you do choose to wear them, make sure that they are not too tight and that they allow the horse to move freely.

Can you wear brushing boots for cross country?

The short answer is yes, you can wear brushing boots for cross country. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before doing so.

First, brushing boots are typically only worn on the front legs. So, if you're planning on wearing them for cross country, you'll need to purchase a set that includes both front and back boots.

Second, brushing boots offer protection from the elements and impact, but they don't offer much in the way of support. So, if you're planning on wearing them for cross country, make sure that your horse is comfortable and has no issues with his legs.

Third, brushing boots can make it difficult for your horse to move freely. So, if you're planning on wearing them for cross country, make sure that you select a boot that is lightweight and breathable.

Do brushing boots protect the tendons?

Yes, brushing boots can protect the tendons. They help to cushion the impact of the horse's hooves on the ground and can also help to absorb some of the shocks. This can help to reduce the risk of injury to the tendons.

Conclusion

Are you looking for brushing boots? Have a look at our boots collection and pick the ones that suit you and your horse.