Ask any experienced horse owner – boots or bandages? – and you’ll probably get a different answer every time. Are they a must-have for protection, or just extra gear?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every horse, rider and daily routine is different, so their leg protection needs will vary too.
Ultimately, it depends on the horse, the workload, the footing – even the weather or how they’re feeling on the day. That’s why we’re breaking it down: when to boot, when to bandage, and when to leave legs be.
Do you need boots for your horse?
Boots can help shield legs from knocks, scrapes, strain and swelling during work or travel. Not every horse needs them every time, but many benefit from the added protection.
So, when might your horse need boots? Here are a few situations where they can make a real difference:
- Horses that jump or compete at speed benefit from tendon and fetlock boots to help protect against knocks and strains.
- Horses that travel often should have travel boots to guard against bumps in the float.
- Horses that tend to overreach while schooling or galloping can use bell boots to help stop them from pulling a shoe.
- Horses recovering from an injury, or with sensitive legs, might need boots for extra protection on rough or uneven ground.
Advantages of horse boots
- Help shield legs from brushing and overreaching injuries.
- Available in plenty of sizes to fit different horses.
- Quicker and easier to put on and take off than bandages.
- Simple to keep dry, clean and reuse.
Disadvantages of horse boots
- Can trap heat and sweat, which may cause friction burns in hot weather.
- Getting the perfect fit can be tricky, while bandages are more adjustable.
Rotate boots to prevent pressure sores. If your horse wears boots daily (e.g. for schooling or turnout), rotate between two different styles or brands every few days. Even slight variations in shape or pressure distribution can help prevent rubs or pressure points from forming in the same spots.
Types of horse boots
Tendon boots: Padded boots that protect the tendons and ligaments on the front legs during jumping or fast work.
Fetlock boots: Shield the fetlock joints on the hind legs from brushing injuries, especially during quick turns and jumps.
Travel boots: Tall, padded boots to protect the lower legs from knocks and scrapes during transport.
Bell boots: Cover the front heels and coronet bands, guarding against overreach injuries and pulled shoes.
Fly boots: Lightweight mesh boots that help keep flies and biting insects away during summer.
How to fit horse boots correctly
A well-fitted boot stays in place, covers the right areas, and won’t rub or pinch. If it’s too loose, it may twist or slip off, and if it’s too tight, it can restrict circulation or cause sores.
Pick the right size so the boot sits snugly without gaps or pinching. Align the protective part with the area it’s meant to shield – for example, tendon boots should sit along the cannon bone, while bell boots must cover the heel bulbs.
Fasten the straps firmly, but not too tightly. You should be able to slip two fingers comfortably under the boot. Always fasten from front to back and top to bottom to avoid pressure spots.
Once the boots are on, walk your horse and check that they’re not shifting or causing any discomfort. If something seems off, trust your instincts and refit the boots. A quick fix now can prevent rubs or injuries later.
Horse bandages
Bandages are another useful tool for keeping horse legs safe and healthy.
They help protect during exercise, travel, stable rest, or recovery. Bandages can keep legs warm and comfortable, help prevent swelling and hold dressings in place when treating wounds.
Unlike boots, bandages can be wrapped to fit any leg shape, which is great for horses with tricky legs or old injuries. But they do take a bit of practice to apply properly.
Advantages of horse bandages
- Easy to customise the fit for each leg.
- Can be wrapped snugly for extra comfort.
- Keep legs warm and help manage swelling.
Disadvantages of horse bandages
- Take time and practice to wrap evenly and safely.
- If done too tightly, they can cause pressure points or sores.
- More likely to soak up water and get heavy compared to boots.
Types of horse bandages
Exercise bandages: Used during work to protect legs from cuts, scrapes and bruises – especially handy for young or unbalanced horses. They’re wrapped over padding and secured with tape or Velcro, covering from just below the hock down to the fetlock.
Cooling bandages: Applied after exercise to help draw heat away from the legs, reducing inflammation. They have a cooling gel and should feel cooler than the horse’s legs for best results.
Stable bandages: Keep legs warm and help prevent swelling while resting in the stable. Also helpful in covering injuries and holding dressings or poultices in place. Because they stay on for hours, careful wrapping is a must.
Travel bandages: Protect legs during trailer or float transport. They’re longer than exercise bandages and cover from just above or below the hock down to the hoof, helping prevent knocks on the road.
First-aid bandages: Used to keep wounds clean and hold dressings securely while healing. Always apply and change them following your vet’s advice.
Always bandage pairs. Even if only one leg is injured or swollen, it’s often best to bandage the opposite leg too. This helps provide balance, especially on the hind legs, and reduces the risk of the unbandaged leg compensating and becoming strained.
How to bandage a horse’s leg safely
Bandaging a horse’s leg is a handy skill for any horse owner, but it takes practice. Done well, it can reduce swelling and protect healing injuries, but if done poorly, it can cause sores or tissue damage.
First, gather your gear: clean bandages (stable or exercise), padding (quilted or foam), and make sure the leg is clean and dry. Never wrap over dirt or wet hair (that’s asking for trouble).
Begin in the middle of the cannon bone and wrap down toward the fetlock with steady, even tension. Always wrap front to back, outside to inside, following the line of the tendons. Curve gently under the fetlock, then wrap back up, overlapping each layer by about half.
Secure the end snugly, but not too tightly – you should be able to fit two fingers under it. Check for lumps, folds or gaps, and redo if you’re unsure. It’s always safer to start over.
Check bandages daily and never leave them on longer than your vet or trainer recommends!
Ready to protect your horse’s legs and hooves? Explore our full range of horse boots and bandages today.