There are hoof boots made for all aspects of equestrian activities. In the stable, they provide warmth. When travelling, hoof boots protect the legs. When being ridden, they give protection and support. The newer types are made with thermoplastic urethane but rubber, neoprene and leather are still commonly used.
Those designed for travelling help protect the legs from injury. Horses can find it hard to balance even if the horse-box is driven carefully. The bandages may have thick quilting or padding and cover from the knee or hock to the hoof. Some are designed to be placed over the hocks and are useful for those horses which kick at the walls. Stable bandages are very similar and provide warmth and support.
Some horses over-reach, striking the heels of the front hooves with the toe of the hind hooves. Rubber bell boots may be put on these horses to protect the heels and coronet band from injury. The same type may be used in jumping to protect the foot from being damaged if the horse hits a rail with his front legs.
The type used for exercise are not as long, usually giving support just to the cannon bone area. They help absorb the impact and stress of fast galloping or jumping. They also guard against torn ligaments and bowed tendons. Some are specially designed for cross-country jumping and have corrugated slats built into them. This is to allow ventilation as the padding may get quite hot.
Another version is used to cover the knee. These are sometimes used where conditions may cause a horse to slip and come down on its knees. Police horses working on slippery road surfaces may benefit from these. They are also used on young horses who are still a bit ungainly and haven't learnt to balance themselves properly with a rider on their back. A specialized type is used when foot ailments need to be treated. These will hold a poultice in place.
Hoof boots can also take the place of iron horse shoes. Shoes and shoeing are expensive. It can also be hard to find a proficient farrier. Most horses only need shoes occasionally. By leaving the horse unshod, hoof boots can be used on those occasions when shoes would be needed. These fit over the whole foot, providing protection for the frog, sole, heels and wall.
The same material may be used for these as for top quality running shoes. They may have drainage holes and extra tread to ensure the horse won't slip. These are good insurance to have on hand. If your horse loses a shoe, hoof boots will act as a substitute until you can get the shoe replaced. Quite apart from their practical use, they are available in colors and patterns too.
Strong Velcro is often used as fastenings. Leather straps are an option. Hoof boots should be made of strong material. The lining should be soft enough not to rub but firm enough to stand up to the constant movement. Two or three straps are usually used. Buckles should be placed on the outside of the leg and fastenings need to point towards the rear. There is then less likelihood of one leg brushing against the fastenings and causing them to come undone.
Those designed for travelling help protect the legs from injury. Horses can find it hard to balance even if the horse-box is driven carefully. The bandages may have thick quilting or padding and cover from the knee or hock to the hoof. Some are designed to be placed over the hocks and are useful for those horses which kick at the walls. Stable bandages are very similar and provide warmth and support.
Some horses over-reach, striking the heels of the front hooves with the toe of the hind hooves. Rubber bell boots may be put on these horses to protect the heels and coronet band from injury. The same type may be used in jumping to protect the foot from being damaged if the horse hits a rail with his front legs.
The type used for exercise are not as long, usually giving support just to the cannon bone area. They help absorb the impact and stress of fast galloping or jumping. They also guard against torn ligaments and bowed tendons. Some are specially designed for cross-country jumping and have corrugated slats built into them. This is to allow ventilation as the padding may get quite hot.
Another version is used to cover the knee. These are sometimes used where conditions may cause a horse to slip and come down on its knees. Police horses working on slippery road surfaces may benefit from these. They are also used on young horses who are still a bit ungainly and haven't learnt to balance themselves properly with a rider on their back. A specialized type is used when foot ailments need to be treated. These will hold a poultice in place.
Hoof boots can also take the place of iron horse shoes. Shoes and shoeing are expensive. It can also be hard to find a proficient farrier. Most horses only need shoes occasionally. By leaving the horse unshod, hoof boots can be used on those occasions when shoes would be needed. These fit over the whole foot, providing protection for the frog, sole, heels and wall.
The same material may be used for these as for top quality running shoes. They may have drainage holes and extra tread to ensure the horse won't slip. These are good insurance to have on hand. If your horse loses a shoe, hoof boots will act as a substitute until you can get the shoe replaced. Quite apart from their practical use, they are available in colors and patterns too.
Strong Velcro is often used as fastenings. Leather straps are an option. Hoof boots should be made of strong material. The lining should be soft enough not to rub but firm enough to stand up to the constant movement. Two or three straps are usually used. Buckles should be placed on the outside of the leg and fastenings need to point towards the rear. There is then less likelihood of one leg brushing against the fastenings and causing them to come undone.
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