Horse Boots for Turnout

Horse boots are protective coverings worn on a horse’s lower legs during turnout, which is the time a horse spends in a pasture or open area. They help reduce the risk of injuries from knocks, interference, and rough ground. This guide explains what turnout boots do, the main types available, how to choose the right fit, and how to use them safely. It also covers when boots may do more harm than good and how to care for them so they last.

What Are Horse Boots?

Horse boots are not shoes. They are wraps or padded guards that fit around the lower leg, usually covering the cannon bone, fetlock, or hoof area. They are fastened with straps, hook-and-loop closures, or other secure systems. Turnout boots are a category made to withstand longer wear in fields and paddocks. They are generally more durable and more water-resistant than boots designed only for short rides.

Turnout boots can protect against bumps from other horses, scrapes from fences or brush, and interference injuries caused when a horse’s legs knock together. They are common in barns, pastures, and paddocks, but they are not right for every horse or every situation.

Why Use Horse Boots for Turnout?

Turnout gives horses freedom to move, graze, and socialize. It can also lead to minor injuries. Boots add a layer of protection without stopping normal movement. Common reasons to use turnout boots include:

• Protection from interference: Some horses brush or strike their own legs while moving. Boots can cushion those impacts.
• Protection from knocks: In group turnout, horses may kick or bump each other. Leg boots can reduce the chance of cuts and bruises.
• Protection from mud and abrasion: Boots can shield sensitive skin from deep mud, rough ground, and low brush.
• Support for healing: A veterinarian may recommend a boot or wrap to protect a healing wound or a sensitive area during limited turnout.

Boots are not a substitute for safe fencing, good pasture management, and careful herd introductions. They are one tool for reducing risk, not a guarantee against injury.

Common Types of Turnout Boots

Brushing Boots

Brushing boots cover the inside of the lower leg. They are designed to protect against brushing, which happens when one leg hits the inside of the opposite leg. They are one of the most common turnout boots because they are lightweight and allow a good range of motion.

Splint Boots

Splint boots are similar to brushing boots but often have extra padding over the splint bone area on the inside of the leg. They are used to protect against knocks and interference. Some designs cover more of the leg for added coverage.

Bell Boots and Overreach Boots

Bell boots fit around the hoof and lower pastern. They protect the heel area and the back of the hoof from overreach injuries, which happen when the back hoof strikes the front heel. Bell boots are often used during turnout for horses that move energetically or have a history of overreach.

Fetlock Boots

Fetlock boots are smaller boots that cover the fetlock joint. They are often used to protect the back of the fetlock from knocks. They may be used alone or with other boots, depending on the horse’s needs.

All-Around Turnout Boots

Some turnout boots are designed to cover more of the lower leg in one piece. They may offer padding on the front, sides, and fetlock area. These can be useful for horses that need broad protection, but they must fit well to avoid rubbing or restricting movement.

Hoof Boots

Hoof boots are different from leg boots. They fit over the hoof and are used for barefoot horses or horses with hoof conditions. They can be used during turnout in some situations, but they require careful fit and regular checking. Ask a hoof care professional or veterinarian if hoof boots are appropriate for your horse.

Features to Look For

When choosing turnout boots, focus on fit, safety, and durability rather than appearance. Useful features include:

• Breathable material: Helps reduce heat and moisture buildup under the boot.
• Secure closures: Straps and fasteners should stay closed in mud and movement.
• Soft edges: Binding should not dig into the skin or create pressure points.
• Even padding: Padding should be thick enough to protect without bunching.
• Water resistance: Helps the boot hold up in wet fields, but it should still allow some airflow.
• Replaceable parts: Some boots have liners or straps that can be replaced, which can extend their useful life.

How to Fit Horse Boots Correctly

Poor fit is the most common cause of boot problems. A boot that is too tight can restrict blood flow, while a loose boot can slip, twist, or cause rubbing. Follow these steps for a safer fit:

1. Measure the leg: Use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of the cannon bone and the length from below the knee or hock to above the fetlock. Follow the sizing guide for the specific boot.
2. Check the fit: The boot should sit smoothly against the leg without gaps that can trap dirt or pressure points that dig in.
3. Test movement: Walk and trot the horse in hand. The boot should not slip down, twist, or rub.
4. Check after turnout: Remove the boots and inspect the legs for redness, hair loss, swelling, or heat.

Boots should allow normal joint movement. They should not be so stiff that they limit the horse’s ability to walk or rise.

How to Introduce Boots During Turnout

Some horses accept boots immediately, while others need time to adjust. Introduce them gradually:

1. Put the boots on in a safe, enclosed area and let the horse stand and walk.
2. Watch for signs of discomfort, such as stamping, kicking, or reluctance to move.
3. Use short supervised turnout sessions first, then increase time as the horse becomes comfortable.
4. Check the legs after each session for rubbing or pressure marks.

If a horse panics or tries to remove the boots, stop and try again later. Do not leave an anxious horse unattended in new boots.

When Not to Use Boots for Turnout

Boots are not always the safest choice. Avoid or reconsider turnout boots in these situations:

• Deep mud: Mud can get inside boots and cause rubbing or slipping. Wet boots can also become heavy.
• Hot weather: Boots can trap heat. Use breathable designs and check legs often.
• Open wounds: A boot may rub a wound or trap moisture. Follow veterinary advice.
• Poor fit: If boots do not fit securely, they can cause more harm than good.
• Horses that panic: A horse that fights boots may injure itself. Safety comes first.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular care keeps boots comfortable and extends their life. After turnout:

• Rinse off mud and dirt with cool water.
• Wipe the inside of the boot and allow it to air dry completely.
• Check straps, closures, and padding for wear.
• Replace worn or damaged boots before reuse.
• Store boots in a dry, ventilated area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving boots on for too long without checking the legs.
• Using boots that are too tight or too loose.
• Ignoring small rubs before they become sores.
• Using riding boots for turnout when they are not designed for field conditions.
• Assuming boots prevent all injuries.

Conclusion

Horse boots for turnout can be a practical way to protect the lower legs during pasture time, but they work best when they fit correctly and are used with care. Choose the type of boot based on the horse’s needs, check the fit before turnout, and inspect the legs after every session. Use boots as part of a broader safety plan that includes safe fencing and good pasture management. For more straightforward guidance on horse care and everyday questions, explore other helpful articles on the site.