Horse boots include bell, brushing, tendon, fetlock, sports medicine, hoof, turnout/fly, shipping, and therapy styles—each built for a job.
If you’ve ever typed “what are the different kinds of boots for horses?” into a search box, you’ve likely seen a dozen names that sound alike. This guide breaks down every common style, what each protects, when to use it, how to size it, and how to care for it so you can pick the right protection with confidence.
Quick Definitions: What Each Horse Boot Actually Does
Start with the core purpose. Different boots shield different structures—hoof, pastern, fetlock, cannon, or tendons. The table below gives you a fast map from boot name to job and typical use.
| Boot Type | Primary Purpose | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bell / Overreach Boots | Protect the heel bulbs and shoe from overreach strikes | Jumping, fast work, turnout for horses that clip fronts |
| Brushing / Splint Boots | Shield the inside of the cannon/fetlock from interference | Flatwork, hacking, general schooling, turnout |
| Tendon Boots (Open-Front) | Guard flexor tendons while leaving the front of the leg feeling rails | Show jumping and gymnastic exercises |
| Fetlock Boots | Protect the fetlock joint from brushing knocks | Hind legs for jumping and flatwork |
| Sports Medicine Boots (SMB) | Wrap-style support and strike protection around cannon/fetlock | Western performance, barrel racing, ranch work |
| Cross-Country / Event Boots | All-around strike protection with water-resistant materials | Eventing, conditioning on varied terrain |
| Hoof Boots | Protect sole and wall; add shock absorption | Barefoot horses, trail mileage, rehab from shoe loss |
| Turnout / Fly Boots | Reduce knocks and insect irritation on the lower limb | Paddock use in warm months |
| Shipping / Travel Boots | Guard knee to heel during loading and transit | Trailering and lorry travel |
| Stable Wraps / Standing Bandages | Limit swelling and support while standing | Stabling, post-work cooling with proper padding |
| Skid Boots | Protect plantar fetlock during sliding stops | Reining and other stop-heavy work |
| Knee / Hock Boots | Shield joints from knocks or rubbing | Shipping, stall use for horses that rub |
| Ice / Cooling Boots | Aid post-exercise cooling | After hard work or on vet advice |
Different Kinds Of Boots For Horses — Uses And Fit
This section walks through each style with what to check, typical materials, and fit tips. You’ll also see easy cues to spot poor fit early.
Bell (Overreach) Boots
Bell boots wrap the pastern and heel bulbs to stop hind toes from grabbing the front shoes. Neoprene and rubber are common; some add a strike pad. Sizing should allow a clean “bell” that sits low enough to cover the heel bulbs without spinning constantly. If the top edge rubs the pastern, switch to a softer collar or add a snug pastern wrap.
Brushing / Splint Boots
These boots guard the inside of the leg where one hoof can knock the opposite limb. Look for a secure strike pad and straps that pull from front to back on the outside of the leg. A good pair hugs evenly with no gap at the back of the cannon and no pressure dimples at the tendon. Media outlets and education pages describe their multi-use role across flatwork and turnout, and note the evolution from leather to modern synthetics that breathe and shed water.
Tendon Boots (Open-Front)
Tendon boots protect the flexor tendons from hits while leaving the front of the leg open so a horse still feels a rail. They’re popular for show jumpers. Choose a molded shell with soft lining and strong closures. The boot should sit just below the knee without tipping into it, and the bottom should not dig into the top of the fetlock. Reputable equestrian journalism explains why open fronts help careful jumpers and how they differ from fetlock boots.
Fetlock Boots
Smaller, hind-leg boots that shield the fetlock from brushing. Many styles use a compact cup or strike pad with one strap. They pair well with open-front tendons on the front legs. Gear guidance highlights their compact shape and single-strap design for tidy movement.
Sports Medicine Boots (SMB)
These are wrap-style boots that encircle the cannon and fetlock, often with a sling tab under the fetlock for additional support. They’re favored in Western speed events. Keep them clean—grit under the wrap can rub quickly at speed. Retire any boot with a stretched sling or pilled inner surface.
Cross-Country / Event Boots
Built for water, mud, and speed, XC boots use tough shells with drainage and strike zones that resist piercing. Fit is snug without gaps to stop water from pooling. After stream crossings, check that the boot hasn’t rotated; re-seat it before the next effort.
Hoof Boots
Hoof boots protect the sole and wall and are handy for barefoot horses or when a shoe is lost before a ride. The fit is all about measurements—length and width taken right after a fresh trim. Specialist guides stress that good fit is the make-or-break factor for comfort and performance.
Turnout / Fly Boots
Mesh fly boots help reduce stomping and seasonal irritation on the lower limb. Veterinary biosecurity guidance also lists leg boots as a physical barrier against insects, alongside fly sheets and masks. Link a set like this with daily checks for rubs and snags.
Shipping / Travel Boots
Travel boots extend from knee/hock to heel to cushion bumps during loading and road movement. They should sit tall, wrap evenly around the limb, and leave the knee and hock free to bend. Welfare groups and national advice pages outline travel safety expectations; pair boots with safe loading habits and steady driving.
Stable Wraps / Standing Bandages
These aren’t for exercise. They’re used in the stall to manage swelling or to hold a cold pack. Padding is non-negotiable, and tension must be even from top to bottom. Horse-care publications offer clear do’s and don’ts for bandaging, especially on fresh wounds or after hard work.
Skid Boots
Designed for reining and other stop-heavy work, skid boots cover the plantar aspect of the fetlock to prevent abrasions during slides. Check strap holes often; a stretched hole can let the boot shift right when you need it steady.
Knee / Hock Boots
Useful for horses that rub in the stall or during travel. Fit them with equal tension on both sides of the joint, and confirm that range of motion isn’t pinched by seams or buckles.
Ice / Cooling Boots
These add uniform cold after jumping sets or gallops. Follow the maker’s time limits and avoid placing extremely cold packs straight on bare skin. Use a thin barrier when needed and monitor for skin sensitivity.
How To Choose: Activity, Anatomy, And Climate
Match the boot to the job. Jumpers gravitate to open-front tendons plus hind fetlocks. Eventers pick XC boots that drain and resist strikes. Western speed horses often wear SMB-style wraps and skid boots. Trail riders with barefoot horses reach for hoof boots sized to a fresh trim.
Now layer in your horse’s anatomy. Horses that “interfere” need brushing protection even for easy sessions. A horse that forges or overreaches benefits from bell boots during fast work or turnout. Sensitive skin calls for softer edges and breathable linings. Hot, humid days favor vented shells and quick-dry materials; cold days make stiff shells harder to seat, so warm them in your hands before strapping on.
Rules And Limits You Should Know
Competition rules can set weight and dimension limits for boots, especially on the hind legs in jumping classes. One national rule set caps total gear on a single leg at 500 grams and defines maximum interior length and exterior width for hind protectors. Read the current document for your sport before you buy a heavy shell or add multiple items to one leg.
Fitting Basics: Clean Legs, Even Tension, Zero Gaps
Clean and dry legs first—grit under a boot can rub quickly. Seat the boot so the strike pad lines up with the area it’s meant to guard. Close straps evenly, snug but not crushing. You should fit a finger under the top edge without prying. Walk a few steps, then recheck. If a boot spins or creeps down, change size or style.
Fit And Care Checklist By Boot Type
| Boot | Do This | Avoid This |
|---|---|---|
| Bell | Choose a length that covers heel bulbs; secure Velcro facing back | Edges digging into pastern; constant spinning from oversize boots |
| Brushing | Straps close on the outside; strike pad centered inside | Gaps at the back of the cannon; uneven pressure over tendons |
| Tendon | Shell sits below knee; lining flush with no wrinkles | Shell tipping into knee; bottom edge biting into top of fetlock |
| Fetlock | Snug cup over the joint; one-strap models closed firmly | Loose strap that lets the cup twist mid-canter |
| SMB / Wrap | Even tension top to bottom; clean leg and clean inner surface | Wrinkles or grit under wrap; stretched sling that won’t sit |
| Hoof | Measure right after trimming; test over the gait you plan to ride | Oversize shells that twist; using a worn tread for rocky trails |
| Shipping | Tall coverage with free bend at knee/hock | Short boots that leave the carpus or hock exposed |
| Fly / Turnout | Check mesh daily for snags; pair with fly control | Frayed edges that rub; ignoring rub marks on the pastern |
| Ice / Cooling | Follow time limits; use a barrier if packs feel harsh | Direct extreme cold on bare skin for long sessions |
Materials And Closures: What To Expect
Common shells include neoprene, EVA, TPU, and leather. Linings range from plain neoprene to perforated foams and faux fleece. Closures are usually Velcro; some high-impact boots add elastic tabs with hooks. Shells should flex without collapsing. Linings should shed water and heat quickly. For dusty arenas, smooth-faced neoprene cleans faster than deep fleece. For long hacks, breathable perforations help legs stay cooler.
Care And Longevity
Shake out sand after every ride. Rinse mud, then hang to dry with closures open. Wash boots in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle when they start to smell or collect grit. Check stitching, strap elasticity, and strike pads monthly. Retire boots with cracked shells, torn seams, blown elastic, or hard, flattened lining. Some competition settings also cap boot weight, so heavy water-logged gear is a no-go. If you’re jumping under national rules, review the current boot limits and dimensions before show day.
Common Fit Problems And Fast Fixes
Boot Spins Or Slides
That’s usually oversize or a shape mismatch. Try the next size down, a contoured model, or a different brand. On bell boots, try a no-turn style with a small inner bumper.
Heat Build-Up
Swap to vented shells or perforated linings. Hose legs after work and use ice boots for cooling periods that match the maker’s guidance.
Rub Marks
Add a soft pastern wrap, switch to a rolled edge, or choose a smoother lining. Heal rubs fully before resuming boot use in that area.
Hoof Boots Twist On Trails
Re-measure after a fresh trim and try a snugger shell. Ride a short loop and check mid-ride before heading out for miles.
How We Built This Guide
We compared naming, design intent, and fit advice across reputable equestrian outlets, veterinary and welfare guidance, and national rule summaries. That included independent journalism on tendon and fetlock boots, buyer-side gear advice that ranks breathability and weight, hoof-boot fit resources, biosecurity notes on fly boots, and recognized rule PDFs for jumping classes. Links above point to the most relevant pages.
Putting It Together: Build The Right Set For Your Horse
For schooling on the flat, most horses do well in brushing boots; add bell boots if your horse grabs a front shoe. For jump schools, pair open-front tendons on the front legs with fetlock boots behind. For cross-country or conditioning on mixed footing, choose event boots that drain and don’t soak up water. Western speed horses often run best in SMB-style wraps plus skid boots. Long trail ride on a barefoot horse? Hoof boots sized to a fresh trim cushion the miles and protect the sole. When you hit the road, switch to full shipping boots that cover from knee or hock down.
If you’re still wondering “what are the different kinds of boots for horses?”, use the first table to match your activity to a boot, then lean on the fit and care checklist to set them up right. Clean legs, even tension, and routine checks will keep skin happy and tendons protected.
Helpful Official References
For insect season, veterinary biosecurity guidance lists leg boots as a physical barrier alongside masks and sheets—handy when flies surge. You can read that in the AAEP biosecurity guidelines. If you compete, review current boot limits in recognized rule documents such as the British Showjumping boot rule before show day.