With the basics under your belt with part 1 of this guide, now let’s dive further into the more specialist boots and read about horse boots and bandages part 2.

Cross Country Boots:

Follows the same principle as a brushing boot but offers more protection to withstand the rigor of cross country. They often come fully vented and extremely light weight with no option for water absorbency. The benefit of some sort of strike guard, shock absorption technology will be added to offer added protection from knocks on solid fences.

Turnout Boots:

A great addition to your horse’s wardrobe if they have sensitive skin. These can offer protection from mud getting to your horse’s legs. Generally made out of a hard wearing, easily washable material.

Therapy Boots:

Occasionally, you may need to go above and beyond this general range of boots and buy something with targeted medical properties. For example, if your horse has suffered an injury, therapeutic boots can reduce swelling, increase blood flow and aid in healing.

Ice Boots:

Cold therapy is a preventative measure to help the maintenance of tendons and ligaments by reducing the temperature. Ice boots are a highly recommended piece of kit which provide targeted cold relief after strenuous exercise. They also offer great assistance after detection of swelling in the lower leg and help in the reduction of this. Available not only in boot options but also for knee and hocks too, which will assist in all aspects of targeted relief. Read the latest review on a pair of ice boots by our Brand Ambassador, Jess .

Magnetic Boots:

Designed to help the promotion of healing by drawing blood and oxygen supply to tissues, fibres and joints pre-exercise and aiding in tissue recovery after exercise. As well as standard boots you can also find hock versions to target this area.

Poultice Boots:

An extremely useful item for your first aid kit, great at assisting in keeping wounds, poultices and dressings clean. Depending on the design they can be used either when your horse is stabled or turned out in the field.

Pastern wraps:

The basic pastern wrap protects a horse’s pastern from injuries and impacts in an area that regular horse boots do not cover. It provides additional over-reach protection and defence against knocks in the vulnerable part of a horse’s leg. There are also options for therapeutic pastern wraps which can assist in reducing pain, swelling and stimulating the flow of blood.

How do I decide on appropriate size and fit?

Sizing the ideal boot can be relatively easy. Generally the x-small/small or pony size is for 10hh – 13hh; the Medium or cob size are for 13hh – 15hh; and the Large or horse sizes are best suited for horses in the 15 – 16.2hh bracket.

Boots should fit snug with enough room to press a finger between the horse’s leg and the boot. Too tight and you’ll pinch a tendon or restrict the blood flow that is essential during exercise. Too loose, and dirt or footing material can sneak inside the boot and become an irritant, or worse, the boot slips off. It is also worth noting the height of the boot, this needs to cover the length of the cannon bone and inner fetlock without impeding the movement of the horse’s knee or hock.

Tips on maintaining your boots and bandages:

Last but not least, checking up on these products is very important. The great outdoors and repeated use can wear-down their effectiveness, so here are some final tips to remember:

• Regularly replace bandages when they become soggy and heavy with rain
• Keep all boots clean so they don’t gather dirt and grime and ideally wash after training
• Ensure you apply the boots and bandages with factored-in comfortability – incorrect use can restrict air circulation and lead to inflammation
• Every now and then, test the Velcro boot straps to be reassured they’re still providing a firm fit

Check out our full range of horse boots & bandages , and if you have any questions about choosing the right boots for your horse please get in touch.