Horse care Leg protection guideThe best boot is one that provides the right level of protection, suits the intended discipline and fits securely on your horse's leg.Choosing the right horse boots isn't simply about adding protection. The best boot depends on your horse, the type of exercise they're doing and the level of support required. This guide explains how to choose horse boots according to your horse's workload, movement and individual needs.Air-Tech Sports Medicine Boots shown in movement to establish the article's focus on protection during work.In this guideQuick answerBoots by exerciseDoes every horse need boots?What to look forBrushing bootsSports medicine bootsJumping and faster workOver reach bootsFit and careFAQsQuick answerBrushing boots are a versatile choice for everyday riding, making them well suited to schooling, flatwork, hacking and polework. For riders looking for increased support during flatwork, transitions and lateral exercises, sports medicine boots offer flexible wrap-around protection. Tendon and fetlock boots, along with lightweight eventing boots, are typically preferred for jumping and faster-paced work, while over reach boots are designed to help prevent overreaching.1Choose a boot that suits your horse, the discipline and the type of work being undertaken.2Brushing boots are a versatile choice for everyday riding and general schooling.3Choose tendon, fetlock or eventing boots for more demanding disciplines and higher-intensity work.4Use over reach boots to help prevent overreaching.At a glanceWhich horse boots suit each schooling exercise?The table below gives a practical starting point. The horses movement, balance, previous marks and individual needs should still guide the final choice.Exercise or situationSuitable booT typesMain purposeGeneral flatworkBrushing boots, sports medicine boots.Versatile everyday lower-leg protection.Young or unbalanced horse in light schoolingBrushing boots, sports medicine boots.Flexible everyday protection.Young or unbalanced horses during jumping or faster workBrushing Boots or Tendon and fetlock.both are a great option or a mixture of tendon boots and brushing boots on the hind legs, giving more substantial protection for dynamic work.More intense schooling and lateral workBrushing boots or sports medicine bootsGiving flexibility and freedom of movement and protection for when the horse is having to use its body more intensely.Pole workBrushing boots, Tendon and Fetlock bootsDepending on how the horse moves both options offer a general protection.Gridwork and ShowjumpingTendon and fetlock bootsOffering the greatest protection and flexability for jumping and when the horse is doing poles.Faster canter or fitness workTendon and fetlock boots, Brushing boots and or eventing bootLightweight lower-leg and heel protection, whilst giving more freedom of movement.Horse that overreachOver reach bootsProtection of the heels and front shoes.Cross-country schoolingPurpose-designed eventing boots and over reach boots where requiredThese boots give more areas of protection when jumping solid fences and moving at great speed, whilst still allowing the horse to move naturally.Start with the horseDoes every horse need boots?There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some horses naturally move cleanly, while others are more likely to brush, interfere or overreach, particularly as the workload becomes more demanding.Choosing the right boots starts with understanding your horse's movement, discipline and training routine. The aim is to provide protection where it's needed, without adding unnecessary weight or bulk during everyday work.The buying decisionWhat to look for when buying Horse bootsChoosing the right horse boots starts with finding the correct fit, level of protection and design for your horse's discipline and workload.01 CoverageProtection in the right placeGood horse boots should help shield the lower leg from knocks, brushing and accidental strikes without adding unnecessary bulk or restricting movement.02 StabilityA close, settled fitThe boot should follow the leg and remain stable. If it rotates, the protective panel can move away from the area it should cover.03 ComfortBreathability and cleanlinessBreathable designs encourage airflow around the leg, while regular cleaning helps prevent dirt, sweat and debris from causing irritation.Everyday schoolingBrushing boots for flatwork, hacking and poleworkBrushing boots are designed to protect the inside of the lower leg from accidental strikes caused by the opposite hoof. A versatile choice for everyday riding, they're well suited to flatwork, hacking, lunging and polework, as well as schooling exercises involving transitions and lateral movements. Depending on your horse's way of going, they can be worn on the front legs, hind legs or all four for balanced protection.Air Velox brushing boots shown from both sides, revealing the protective panel and fastening system. Brushing bootsAir Velox Single Locking Brushing BootsCombines breathable perforated neoprene with a shockproof layer and protective strike guard. Their anatomical profile follows the lower leg, while the single-locking fastening keeps fitting quick and straightforward.They suit riders moving between schooling, hacking, lunging, groundwork and regular yard use.Best suited toEveryday protection with minimal fuss.Explore brushing bootsFlexible wrap-around coverageSports medicine boots for flatwork and lateral workSports medicine boots provide more comprehensive coverage around the lower leg than traditional brushing boots, making them a popular choice for flatwork, transitions, lateral work and light polework. Their flexible design offers all-round protection while allowing the horse to move freely, making them a practical alternative to exercise bandages.While they offer excellent everyday protection, sports medicine boots don't feature the rigid outer shell found on tendon, fetlock or eventing boots. For jumping, cross-country or faster work where impact protection is a priority, a purpose-designed jumping boot is often the more suitable choice.Tendon & Fetlock boots for poles and Showjumping.As training progresses from ground poles to raised poles, gridwork, showjumping and faster canter work, purpose-designed jumping boots provide more targeted protection against knocks and accidental strikes.Tendon boots protect the front lower legs, while fetlock boots shield the hind fetlocks from impact during jumping. Eventing boots offer lightweight, all-round protection for faster work, varied terrain and cross-country schooling, balancing coverage with freedom of movement.If you're looking for the latest in performance leg protection, discover the new ArmorX Tendon and Fetlock Boots. Engineered with a lightweight, double-density shell and shock-absorbing lining, they deliver high levels of impact protection without compromising flexibility or fit.You can also watch our ArmorX Tendon & Fetlock Boots YouTube video to see the collection up close, explore the key features and learn how the boots perform during training and jumping.Over reach boots for heel and hoof protectionOver reach boots are designed to protect the heel bulbs, coronet band and front shoes from accidental strikes by the hind feet. They are particularly useful for horses that overreach, overtrack or are prone to pulling shoes during faster work, jumping or everyday schooling.A correctly fitted over reach boot should sit securely around the pastern, extending over the heel bulbs to provide effective coverage without interfering with the horse's natural movement.Available in a range of designs, from traditional rubber bell boots to lightweight wrap-around and no-turn styles, over reach boots offer practical protection for training, competition and turnout, helping to reduce the risk of heel injuries and lost shoes.Before every sessionHow to fit and care for horse bootsCorrect fit and regular care are essential to ensure horse boots perform as intended. A well-fitting boot should stay securely in place throughout exercise without slipping, twisting or causing rubbing. Start with clean, dry legs Remove mud, grit and loose hair before fitting boots to help prevent irritation. Choose the correct size Always use the recommended size and check whether the boots are designed for the front legs, hind legs or both. Fit boots correctly Position the boot so the protective areas sit over the parts of the leg most likely to receive impact, then fasten the straps securely and evenly. Check the fit in motion Walk and trot your horse to ensure the boots remain stable and do not slip or rotate. Inspect after every ride Remove the boots and check your horse's legs for any signs of rubbing or irritation, ensuring the boots have stayed securely in place throughout exercise. Clean and store properly Brush off dirt after each use, wash when required according to the manufacturer's care instructions and allow the boots to air dry naturally before storing them.Training insightProtection should match the workIn A Training Day with Jemima Howden, the Air Velox Brushing Boots are used during flatwork and fitness work before switching to the Carbon Pro Tendon and Fetlock Boots for progressive gridwork and jumping exercises. The session demonstrates an important principle of leg protection: as the demands of the work increase, the level of protection should increase too.Frequently sked questionsHorse boots for schooling: common questionsWhat are the best boots for general schooling?Brushing boots are usually the most versatile starting point. They protect against brushing, light knocks and scrapes during regular work.What is the difference between brushing boots and sports medicine boots?Brushing boots focus on the inside of the lower limb. Sports medicine boots wrap more fully around the leg but do not offer the same rigid strike protection as jumping or eventing boots.Which horse boots are best for gridwork and jumping?Tendon and fetlock boots or lightweight eventing boots are generally more suitable because they provide more targeted protection for dynamic work.When should a horse wear over reach boots?Use them when a hind hoof catches a front heel, coronet area or shoe, including horses that overtrack or repeatedly pull front shoes.Can horse boots be used for turnout?Some brushing boots are suitable for turnout. For regular field use, purpose-designed turnout boots are usually clearer. Consider fit, heat, mud and wearing time.Final buying adviceMatch the protection to the sessionFor everyday flatwork and schooling, breathable brushing boots are often the ideal starting point. Sports medicine boots provide flexible, wrap-around coverage for riders who prefer more all-round protection. As training progresses to polework, gridwork and general jumping, tendon and fetlock boots offer more targeted impact protection, while eventing boots are designed for faster work and cross-country. If your horse is prone to overreaching, adding over reach boots can provide extra protection for the heels, front shoes.These recommendations are intended as a general guide. The most suitable boots will always depend on your horse's way of going, the type of work you're doing and your personal preference as a rider, so choose the level of protection that best suits both horse and discipline.Explore horse boots and leg protectionProduct specifications, sizing, care guidance and availability can change. Check the individual product page before purchase and use.