Best Overreach Boots for Turnout: Protect Your Horse with the Top Choices
Overreach boots, commonly referred to as bell boots due to their bell-shaped design, were not initially created specifically for turnout purposes. However, they have rapidly become an essential item for many horses during turnout.
These boots encase the horse's soft heel bulb, offering protection from injuries and reducing the risk of pulling a shoe. Discover how to prevent overreach injuries and lost shoes and find the best overreach boots for turnout.
What Is Overreaching in Horses?
Overreaching occurs when a horse's hind hoof strikes the heel of the front hoof or lower limb. This can lead to abrasions, cuts, and other injuries. Additionally, it can damage the hooves and sometimes result in the horse pulling off its front shoes.
Overreaching can often be confused with forging or over-tracking. Here is how to differentiate overreaching, forging, and over-tracking. A horse experiencing any of these faulty gaits could benefit from using boots during exercise or turnout:
- Overreaching: occurs when the hind hoof strikes the forefeet while they are still on the ground, often causing cuts, abrasions, or bruising. This can be observed while watching your horse during exercise or in the field.
- Forging: happens when a horse's hind foot hits the sole of the front foot, often due to conformation issues or overgrown hooves. It is usually indicated by a clicking sound (or metallic clink if the horse is shod).
- Over-tracking: is when the horse’s hind leg extends past the print of the foreleg, usually without making any contact with the foreleg. Horses that over-track can also be prone to overreaching.
What Causes Overreaching in Horses?
Overreaching in horses can be caused by poor conformation, uneven gait, muscle tone or it could simply be the horse’s natural way of going.
What Are Overreach Boots For?
They serve several purposes and benefits:
- Protection of the Heel Bulb: The soft, sensitive heel bulb is prone to injuries from overreaching by providing a cushioning barrier.
- Prevention of Lost Shoes : During ridden or in-hand exercise, or during time in the field, horses can step on the back of their front shoes, causing them to loosen or come off. Wearing boots can help reduce this risk.
- Shielding from Environmental Hazards : During turnout, horses may come across various hazards such as rocks, uneven terrain, or other potentially harmful objects. Overreach boots provide an extra layer of defence against these hazards.
Different Types of Over Reach Boots
The Shires ARMA Soft Top Over Reach Boots
Shires Equestrian offer a great selection of over reach boots. The Shires Arma Soft Top Over Reach Boots are ideal for sensitive pasterns. The dense and flexible neoprene soft top creates cushioning against impacts and rubs.
The ARMA Soft Top over-reach boots absorb shocks to protect against hoof damage and overreach injuries. Plus, you can easily rinse away any mud from rubber and neoprene material making them ideal for turnout.
Woof Wear Ultra Kevlar Overreach Boot
This
durable neoprene overreach boot features an extra-long design, enabling you to
cut it to the exact size needed to ensure the best fit. This customisation
helps provide maximum coverage for the horse's delicate heel area. The ability
to tailor the boot to your horse's specific measurements means it can shield
the hooves and heels from potential injuries more effectively.
These boots are ideal for everyday use, offering robust protection against knocks and abrasions. This makes them especially beneficial for horses turned out in a field. The neoprene material is both flexible and sturdy, providing comfort while withstanding the outdoor environments. Additionally, the secure fit helps prevent the boots from slipping or turning, ensuring consistent protection throughout the day.
Premier Equine Ballistic No Turn Over Reach Boots
Premier Equine’s top-notch horse boots are designed with a clever anti-rotational no-turn nodule which helps them stay perfectly in place while your horse frolics in the field.
Crafted from lightweight yet tough ballistic nylon, these boots offer incredible strength without any additional weight. The combination of technical ballistic material and ultra-shock lining ensures top-tier impact protection and guards against any knocks and injuries. Your horse will enjoy all-day comfort and safety, when out playing and grazing. Plus, with an array of colours to choose from, they could be easily found if your horse managed to lose one in the field!
LeMieux Rubber Pull-Over Reach Boots
LeMieux's Rubber Pull-On Over Reach Boots are perfect for turnout, featuring a traditional pull-on design that avoids muddy or damaged fastenings. Made from supple Italian rubber for a soft, flexible fit, these boots offer less rigid protection without compromising performance. Easy to pull on and machine washable, they're a practical and convenient choice for the field.
Top Tip!
If you're using overreach or bell boots for turnout, opt for brightly coloured ones like Hy Impact Rubber Over Reach Boots. This will make them easier to find in the field if they come off.
Top Overreach Boots for Turnout
Overreach boots have evolved from their original purpose to become a vital piece of equipment for horse turnout. When choosing boots for your horse, prioritise durability, fit, comfort, and water resistance to ensure your horse is well-protected and comfortable in the field. Brands like Woof Wear, Shires ARMA, and Equilibrium offer some of the best options available, combining innovation and quality to meet the needs of both horses and their owners. Protect your horse with top horse boot choices available at Country & Stable.
Check out the best horse boots for turnout here!
