Horse boots

One of the most common types of injuries in horses is leg injuries. Some accidents are difficult to prevent, but most of them can be avoided by protecting our horse’s legs with horse boots . We should pay special attention to it not only by taking part in competitions but also during everyday training.

Also in eventing, during the cross section, built-in contact protectors are most often used, which protect the hock joint in a special way.

What material is best for horse boots?

The most popular materials from which the outer coating of the protectors is made are polyurethane, PVC, rubber or the so-called leatherette although leather is also available protectors made of natural leather. The inner layer is usually neoprene or gel.

Choosing protectors , remember that they will be used often and possibly in various conditions (rain, mud, moisture). Make sure the material they are made of horse riding boots is easy to keep clean and does not require complicated care.

Although the material from which the outer shell of the pads is made must be impact resistant, scratches that occur during use, especially on the inner part, are something natural. Each time you see a scratch on your boots, think that it could be a cut on your horse’s leg instead.

How to take care of equestrian boots?

Regardless of which model you choose, remember to clean and dry it thoroughly after each use horse boots . Dirt, sand or dried sweat accumulated in the nooks and crannies can irritate the horse’s sensitive skin and cause abrasions even with the best-chosen protectors. For the same reason, the horse’s legs should be thoroughly cleaned where they are in contact with the boots.

How to properly adjust the protectors?

Most of the protectors available on the market are offered in three sizes – pony, cob and full. In most cases, the breed, height and weight of your horse, and the circumference of his hocks should help answer the question of what size is right for him.

In the Balotade store, the length of the pads is also given to make it easier for you to choose the right size. Horse boots they should not be too long so as not to restrict the horse’s freedom of movement, but long enough to protect both most of the overstrain and the hindquarters.

Protectors equestrian they are usually fastened with wide Velcro or the so-called pegs. Although some say that peg fasteners wear out more slowly and open less often, it all depends on the quality of the manufacturer. Good quality Velcro, like the ones we used in Balotade protectors they are just as durable and safe, and quicker to put on and take off.

Regardless of which solution we choose, it is important to evenly distribute the pressure when fastening the pads, which means that all Velcro / straps should be fastened with the same force. It is best to start with the middle strap and then fasten the next ones. After fastening the pads, you should be able to put your finger between the horse’s leg and the pad, feeling some pressure. We recommend that you read video about putting on pads , shows how to do it right.

Is it possible to fasten the pads on the horse incorrectly?

Too loosely fastened gaiters will slide off or sand getting into them causing abrasions. Horse boots Buckled too tight are detrimental to adequate blood circulation and put too much pressure on the tendons. Remember not to move them up after fastening them. In this way, the hair will unfold in an unnatural way, which can also lead to abrasions. If you feel the shin pads are too low, take them off and put them back on.

How long can a horse walk with the boots on?

The answer to this question is very simple – as short as possible. Horse boots should be removed as soon as possible after training is completed to prevent overheating of the horse’s legs which can be very harmful to the tendons. Riding boots, no matter what their lining is made of, should not be used as stable boots, wraps or bandages will be much better for this role.

We also have in our store pony protectors . So whether your mount is a large horse, or if it belongs to a group of ponies, there are horse boots for it.