• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • Europe
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • Clinic
    • Horse Shows
    • Lessons
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Movies
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

horse legs wearing horse boots
Horse Care, Riding
/
September 10, 2023

The Different Types of Horse Boots

Horses seem to be made of glass. They are injured easily, sometimes under mysterious circumstances, and sometimes for reasons we can’t control. We try our best to keep our horses sound, and use every tool we can to keep them safe. Boots are one of the methods.

Using boots is extremely popular, and boots have been in use for a long time to protect and treat ailments of the lower legs. But recently there has been some concern about their use. A recent study has shown that protective legwear can actually damage a horse’s leg by causing it to overheat during exercise. More research will definitely be needed to se what extend the boots can cause damage to the legs.

This should be deeply concerning to horse owners, and is something to keep in mind before you use boots. Consider carefully if your horse truly needs leg protection or if the boots are for aesthetic purposes. Boot use should be limited only to when the horse truly needs protection. 

Keeping that in mind, let’s go over all the different boots you could use on your horse. 

Brushing Boots

gray horse's legs with brushing boots
LeMieux Brushing Boots

Brushing boots are designed to protect the horse’s legs from brushing injuries. Brushing injuries occur when the horse’s legs come into contact with objects such as their other legs, fences, trees, or other horses. Brushing boots are typically made of a soft, flexible material and cover the front of the horse’s lower leg from the knee to the fetlock.

Brushing boots are suitable for general purpose riding and offer a light protection. They are usually inexpensive and easy to use. 

Tendon Boots

Tendon boots are the most common type of horse boot. They are designed to protect the tendons and ligaments of the horse’s lower leg. Tendon boots are typically made of a hard outer shell and a soft inner lining. They are available in both front and hind leg versions.

The front part of the boot is left open for jumping, to allow the horse will feel the jump if they hit it. Although it sounds kind of brutal, it’s actually for safety reasons. If the horse is wearing boots that cover the front, they won’t feel the jump if they hit it, and it can lead to a horse hanging their legs over a jump. A horse that hangs their legs can get caught in a jump and fall. 

These kinds of boots can be fairly simple plastic and neoprene to elaborately designed, with leather shells and sheepskin padding. 

open front brown tendon boots
LeMieux Tendon Boots

Polo Wraps

purple polo wraps on a dark horse
Harrison Howard Polo Wraps

Polo wraps are a type of horse bandage that is typically made of fleece or other soft, flexible material. They are used to protect the horse’s legs from injury during riding and lunging. Polo wraps can also help to absorb shock and prevent bruises.

Polo wraps, as you might have guessed, were originally used in polo but they’ve found their way to other equestrian disciplines. 

They are popular due to their crisp appearance, but offer minimal support or protection. They can also be tough for a novices to apply, and it can take a lot of practice to learn the proper tension and technique. If the horse shows any sign of discomfort, they should be removed immediately as it is easy to damage the horse’s leg. Of all the horse leg boots, polo wraps scored the highest in the amount of heat they generate on the leg. Use with caution. 

Overreach Boots or Bell Boots

Overreach boots are designed to protect the horse’s hooves from overreach injuries. These occur when the horse’s hind hoof strikes its own fore hoof, usually if the horse is moving fast, or if they naturally have a big stride. The over reach can cause injuries and pull shoes, but the boots put a barrier between the hooves to prevent it. Overreach boots are typically made of a hard outer shell and a soft inner lining. 

Bell boots are functionally the same thing, but are made out of rubber. There are crazy durable ones that are even meant to stay on in the horse’s pasture, but as far as I can tell they go by magic because I have never been able to get one on.

blue overreach boots on a dark horse
LeMieux Over Reach Boots

Travel Boots

maroon amigo travel boots
Amigo Travel Boots

Travel boots are designed to protect the horse’s legs during transportation. They are typically made of a soft, flexible material and cover the entire lower leg. They can help to prevent injuries that can occur during shipping, such as bruises and abrasions.

The boots are much larger than any of the other types of horse protection, extending up past the knees on the front and hocks on the back. It’s a funny feeling for the horses, they like to show it by walking in a hilarious fashion.

Hoof Boots

Hoof boots are meant to used in place of horseshoes or when your horse needs a shoe temporarily. Riders might use hoof boots for their barefoot horse if they are planning to ride on a rocky trail, or if their horse lost their shoe and needs protection. They are basically sneakers for horses. 

horse hoof boot
Cavallo Hoof Boot

Medical Boots

Medical boots are designed to provide some kind of healing function to the legs or hoof. They might be filled to soak hooves or the entire leg, have medicine in them, help make a horse with laminitis more comfortable, or they might be for compression or heat therapy. 

There are different varieties depending on the horse’s needs, and I would recommend consulting a vet before applying any kind of treatment to your horse’s legs. 

horse boot for horses with laminitis
EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Hoof Boot

Ice Boots

ice wrap for horses
Cooling Wrap for Horses

Ice boots are designed to apply cold therapy to the horse’s legs. Ice boots are typically made of a flexible material, frozen in the freezer and applied, or they are a covering that can be filled with ice. They can help to reduce inflammation and swelling after an injury. 

Fly Boots

All horses hate flies, I’m pretty sure it’s a verified fact. These boots just keep the flies off. Theoretically, your horse will stomp their hooves less, which means less impact, less hoof cracking and a happier horse. 

I’m also pretty sure horses think these are disposable, as they rip them off, abandon them in the field, or just completely shred them for the fun of it. 

fly boots
Fly Boots

Horse boots are valuable tools for preventing injuries as well as treating them. But always keep in mind the overheating concerns, and make sure to avoid overuse. Always check that your horse boots fit property and are in good working order – and if you’re competing, check to make sure boots are allowed!

With thoughtful use, you can keep your horse safe and healthy for years to come.  

TAGS:equipmenthoof protectionhorse bootshorse carehorse gearinjuriestack
Share

You May Also Like

September 27, 2023

Should You Lease a Horse? A Guide

April 3, 2023

My First Fall From My Young Horse

November 10, 2023

Chestnut Horse vs. Sorrel Horse: the Nuances of Red

Previous Post
How to Take Good Horse Photos
Next Post
The Fort Riley Method of Riding
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • horses fighting in a dry lot pasture

    “Should I buy a Horse That Hurt Someone?”

    June 10, 2025
  • stylish equestrian standing next to a chestnut warmblood

    Looking Stylish in the Heat – Summer Riding Shirts

    June 7, 2025
  • Stu’s Colic

    June 6, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian ) Don't forget to get photos of yourself! #horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer. #horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing πŸ˜‚ 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing πŸ˜‚ #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.