Horse & equestrian boots, types of boots for
horses and ponies
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Click on photo to enlarge
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Equestrian Boots have the following functions
- Protects
the leg from injury by:
Blows - jumping fixed fences etc
Brushing - inside of leg near fetlock is knocked by
opposite foot
Speedy cutting - inside of leg near knee is knocked
by opposite foot
Over-reaching - toe of hind shoe striking heel of
front foot
- Support of tendons on forelegs
- Treatment of injuries - i.e.
poultice boot etc
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Types of boot
- Shin boot -
for both fore and hind legs. Eliminates the danger of
rapped shins in jumpers. Useful for racing over fences and
showjumping.
- Knee boot -
'Carter' pattern or 'skeleton' knee cap. protects
knees of young horses schooling over fences.
- Coronet boot -
mainly for protection during polo
- Polo boots -
various types, usually similar to brushing boots but
1/4 or 1/2 inch felt. Usually larger then normal patterns with
strong elastic insert to give tighter fit and more support.
- Brushing boots -
Many different types. Lighter then polo boots. Prevents legs
brushing against each other.
- Speedicut boots -
similar to brushing boots but fitted higher on the leg.
- Heel boot -
protects point of fetlock which may come into contact with the
ground during fast work or jumping.
- Over reach boot -
rubber 'bell' shaped boot fitting snugly around the lower part of
the pastern.
- Tendon boot -
made with strong pad at rear shaped to leg. Gives protection
from high over-reach and strong support to weak tendons.
- Hock boot -
thick felt or leather, protects hocks while travelling.
- Travelling knee cap -
Protect knees while travelling. Must be carefully fitted so as not
to hinder knee movement.
- Poultice boot -
accommodates foot and bulky dressing in case of injury to the foot.
- Walking boot and hinged
sole boot - for use where there is injury to the foot but
poultice is not required and the horse is to walk gently.
- Stuffed sausage boot -
strapped around coronet it prevents recurrence of a
capped elbow.
- Kicking boot -
thick felt. for use on mares during service to prevent injury to the
stallion from kicks, replaces hobbles.
Traditionally boots have been made from leather and fastened with
small straps and buckles. Leather boots are sill available but many are
now made with velcro fastenings and various types of boots are made from
new 'man-made' materials.
If boots or bandages are worn during the cross-country phase of a 3 day
event, do not rely on velcro fastenings.
