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 intended to be used when travelling are padded to protect the legs against knocks and bumps as the horses tries to balance himself around corners and when braking. Quilting or thick padding is used and the boot extends from the knee or hock down to the foot. A specially shaped hock boot is useful for horses which kick at the walls of the horse-float or box. Those used in the stable are very similar but may be designed to give extra warmth.
Rubber bell boots fit around the pastern. They are used on the front feet as a protection against the horse's hind hooves striking the heels of the front hooves. This is called over-reaching. They are also used when jumping to protect the foot if the horse should hit a pole with his hooves.
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.
A knee boot is often used on young horses that are still learning to balance the weight of a rider. They are also seen on police horses and those that are ridden on road surfaces that may be slippery. They protect the knees from injury should the horse slip. A special design is used to hold a poultice in place if a horse has a foot condition.
Hoof boots are becoming more popular as an alternative for iron horse shoes. Shoes and shoeing are expensive items for horse-owners. It is also difficult to find a skilled farrier. Many horses are not ridden enough to warrant being continually shod. A boot can be used from time to time to serve the same purpose as shoes. They cover the entire foot. The frog, sole, hoof wall and heels are all protected. These would normally need to be used only when the horse is going to be ridden over rough terrain.
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 intended to be used when travelling are padded to protect the legs against knocks and bumps as the horses tries to balance himself around corners and when braking. Quilting or thick padding is used and the boot extends from the knee or hock down to the foot. A specially shaped hock boot is useful for horses which kick at the walls of the horse-float or box. Those used in the stable are very similar but may be designed to give extra warmth.
Rubber bell boots fit around the pastern. They are used on the front feet as a protection against the horse's hind hooves striking the heels of the front hooves. This is called over-reaching. They are also used when jumping to protect the foot if the horse should hit a pole with his hooves.
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.
A knee boot is often used on young horses that are still learning to balance the weight of a rider. They are also seen on police horses and those that are ridden on road surfaces that may be slippery. They protect the knees from injury should the horse slip. A special design is used to hold a poultice in place if a horse has a foot condition.
Hoof boots are becoming more popular as an alternative for iron horse shoes. Shoes and shoeing are expensive items for horse-owners. It is also difficult to find a skilled farrier. Many horses are not ridden enough to warrant being continually shod. A boot can be used from time to time to serve the same purpose as shoes. They cover the entire foot. The frog, sole, hoof wall and heels are all protected. These would normally need to be used only when the horse is going to be ridden over rough terrain.
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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