Over reach boots are designed to protect a horse from over reaching. This is when the toe of the hind hoof strikes the back of the front foot and/or catches the shoe.As well as causing a lost shoe, an over reach injury can also cause severe bruising, abrasions and sometimes nasty cuts to the delicate heel area. Wearing over reach boots can help prevent this happening. They wrap around the pasterns, covering and protecting the horses heels.When to use over reach bootsOver reach boots are useful for multiple reasons and come in all sorts of colours, styles and designs.Your horse might wear them while being ridden, turned out or even when being transported in a horsebox, if the travelling boots you have opted for dont fully cover the bottom of the hooves.My first horse, Marcus, was terrible for standing on the side of his off hind hoof and pulling off his shoe, so my farrier advised putting an over reach boot on the off hind to help prevent it happening.It looked a bit odd Marcus didnt wear over reach boots on any other legs but it mostly did the trick.Shop for over reach bootsTheres lots of choice when it comes to picking a pair of these protective boots, so weve picked some of our favourite over reach boots to make your decision a little easier.Woof Wear Faux-sheepskin Overreach BootThe boots promise to provide no-rub protection to the bulbs of the heel. The bell boot style allows the boot to move freely around the pastern and the faux sheepskin collar aims to prevent sand and grit getting inside.Colour: Black/creamSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 29.99 (US$31.49)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMackey Pull-On Overreach Boots from VioVetA basic rubber over reach boot which pulls on and offers a budget-friendly option.Colour: Black or whiteSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 7.55Buying in the UK? Purchase hereShires Arma Touch Close Overreach BootsMade from 6mm rubber with rubber covered touch close fastenings for durability.Colours: Black, orange, red, pink, purple or royal blueSizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra fullRRP 10.99 (US$17.99)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMasta Air-Flux Overreach BootThese over reach boots feature 3D spacer air mesh, making them breathable and lightweight.Colour: BlackSizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra fullRRP 14.95 (US$16.50)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase herePremier Equine Ballistic No Turn Overreach BootsThese over reach boots feature a no-turn nodule which helps prevent them from spinning around when on the horses hooves. Ballistic nylon makes them lightweight and strong.Colour: Black, white, brown, grey, blue, red, turquoise or burgundySizes: Small, medium, large, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 24.95 (US$36)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHy Armoured Guard Pro Protect Over Reach BootsMade from a strong yet flexible outer shell with a neoprene lining, these boots come complete with a neoprene collar at the top of the boot to prevent rubbing.Colours: Petrol, black, brown or whiteSizes: Medium, large and extra largeRRP 16 (US$25)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereVeredus Safety Bell Overreach BootsMade with a Bi-TECH synthetic, durable material that is waterproof and tear resistant, these over reach boots feature a lycra-lined neoprene padding with shock absorption.Colours: Brown or blackSizes: Small, medium and largeRRP 65 (US$85.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereLeMieux WrapRound Over Reach BootsFaux leather overreach boots with WrapRound closure thats adjustable, as well as quick to remove.Colours: White of blackSizes: Medium, large, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 23.70 (US$39.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereEskadron Neo Bell BootsThese boots feature a 12mm layer of neoprene, providing cushioning and impact resistance.Colours: Black or navySizes: Medium, large and extra largeRRP 34.50 (US$37.99)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHy Viz Reflector Overreach BootsThese fluorescent neoprene boots will help you be seen on the roads. A strong touch tape closure and durable design work to keep your horse protected.Colour: High vis orange, yellow or pinkSizes: Pony, cob and fullRRP 10.80 (US$15)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHKM Sparkle Over Reach BootsMachine washable at 30 degrees, these boots feature a soft teddy lining and sparkle touch-tape fastenings at the front.Colours: White, black, lavender or blueSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 28.47 (US$39.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHKM Comfort Premium Fur Overreach BootsThese boots are made from a pre-formed plastic shell with touch close fastening and soft inside filling.Colours: Taupe, rose gold, wine red, dark lilac, light lavender, rose, orange, turquoise, light green, baby blue, black or deep greySizes: Pony, full, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 22.93 (US$16.77)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereElico Splash Overreach BootsThe patriotic over reach boots feature a red white and blue design and are made from flexible rubber.Colours: Red/white/blueSizes: Pony, cob and fullRRP 11Buying in the UK? Purchase hereMajyk Equipe No-Turn Overreach BootsThe boot is made with rip-stop lightweight material over a breathable mesh to prevent over heating. Inside features a no turn design to ensure the boot stays in the correct position.Colours: Black, black/blue, black/red, black/turquoise or black/orangeSizes: Small, medium and largeRRP 29.95 (US$54)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereNorton PVC Anti-Spin Velcro Overreach BootsThese PVC pre-moulded over reach boots feature heel bulbs to reduce the risk of them spinning while being worn.Colour: BlackSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 9.79Buying in the UK? Purchase hereHow to fit over reach bootsWhatever style you choose, over-reach boots should be long enough to cover the bulb of the horses heel and should sit snugly around the pastern. Once they are in position and fastened, you should be able to fit a small finger inside the top of the over-reach boot.Related articlesBrushing boots tried & tested for fit, value and level of protection5 simple ways to prevent your horse losing a shoeHow to remove a shoe in an emergencyEssential items that need to be in your first aid kitHow much trotting on the road is safe? Dr David Marlin explains best practiceThe post Over reach boots: our pick of the market appeared first on Your Horse.