Whether at competitions, schooling at home, hacking on the roads or for use while your horse is turned out; protective boots for your horse can help to prevent injuries, abrasions and hefty vet bills.
In order to ensure your horse’s legs are well protected, it’s important that any exercise boots are fitted correctly – this will also help to keep your horse comfortable during their use by eliminating pressure points. To help you achieve the best fit, one of our in-house equestrian experts has put together some top tips that you can use when fitting your horse’s exercise boots.
Estimating the correct size of boots for your horse
The length of your horse’s legs and the width of its cannon bone can determine which size of boot will fit best. Remember, front and hind boots may be different sizes, so don’t assume that if your horse takes a Full in front that they will also fit the same size on their hind legs.
Below is a general size guide, however you may need to try on a few sizes depending on your horse’s conformation.
| Horse Boot Sizes | Front | Hind |
| Pony up to 13.1 HH | S | S |
| Cob 13.2 – 14.1 HH | S | M |
| Cob/Full 14.2 – 15.1 HH | M | M |
| Full 15.2 – 16.2 HH | M | L |
| X-Full 16.3 HH + | L | XL |
The size of a pair of exercise boots for your horse will be marked inside any boots they already have – so it’s worth checking any labels if you are replacing an existing pair.
Before you put on your horse’s exercise boots
Your horse’s legs must be clean and dry, otherwise wet/dirty legs can cause rubbing and hair loss from mud and debris irritating the skin.
Fitting your horse’s exercise boots
Boots can be marked to tell you whether they are left or right. However, if in doubt, the velcro strap is always on the outside of the leg, pointing backwards.
1. Undo the straps to open the boot
2. Place the boot directly underneath the horse’s hock or knee (depending on front or hind boots)
3. Slide the boot down the horse’s leg until the bottom part of the boot covers the fetlock
4. Begin with the middle strap for even pressure, then fit top and bottom straps to secure in place
Adjusting the boot
The boot shouldn’t feel too tight – you should be able to get your finger in between the boot and your horse’s leg. If it’s too tight it can cause injuries, pinching and pressure points. Similarly, the boot shouldn’t be too loose – you should not be able to move the boot around the horse’s leg.
If you need to kit your horse out with some new exercise boots then please browse our selection of equestrian tack and equipment which include brushing boots, overreach boots and tendon boots with many options for at home schooling as well as for competitions.
Shop equestrian exercise boots
Shop the products in this article
Masta Neoprene Brushing Boot
- Ideal for everyday use
- Moulded strike pads, elasticated hook and loop fastening
- Durable neoprene
More of our advice – as well as expert tips and product reviews – can be found within our equestrian blog section. However if you have any questions about the products on our site, including our equestrian range, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.