Splint boots or galloping boots (Brushing boots)
can be used on front or back legs of the horse. Their purpose is to prevent the horse from injuring the splint bone when the opposite foot strikes the inside of the leg. Splint boots provide protection for the horse and are excellent for general training, lounging or trail riding. You can use an inexpensive neoprene splint boot for light duty, or leather lined sheepskin boots for more demanding riding conditions.
Sports Medicine Boots
Can be used on all 4 legs. They support bones as well as the tendons
Ankle boots or fetlock boots
are worn on the horse's hind legs to protect them from brushing and are most commonly used by show jumpers. Currently available in both synthetic and leather models. Some are Fleece lined and some offer gel padding for ultimate riding comfort.
Skid boots
Skid boots are used to protect a horse's hind legs during exercise and competition, protecting the fetlocks, pasterns, and other parts of the lower leg from injury that may occur from a sliding stop. Taller varieties may also provide protection if one leg or hoof strikes the opposite leg. They are commonly seen on horses in western riding sports such as cutting, reining and other events where quick stops and fact turns on the hindquarters may be required.
Bell Boots (Over reach boots)
come in several styles. Originally they were referred to as "pull on bell boots". They needed to be of a good quality rubber that could be easily stretched. They are applied by turning them inside out then pulling them over the hoof then turning the boot down into place. Later the Velcro Bell Boot and Double Velcro Bell Boot were introduced, making them easier to put on the horse. Bell boots fit around the lower pastern of the front feet to prevent injury from over reaching. Used commonly for show jumping or any other fast moving activity. We like to turn out horses in bell boots to prevent injury and reduce the chance of a horse shoe being torn off.
Shipping Boots
are used to prevent injury during trailering your horse. Many injuries occur while trailering horses so these boots are well worth the investment.
Polo Wraps
Polo wraps are bandage materials, usually made of fleece, for a horse's legs. They can be quite stretchy compared to other bandaging materials, and are used mainly for protection during ridden work, longeing, and turnout. No matter how the wrap is applied, the tension in the wrap should be as uniform as possible across the entire leg. Uneven pressure may cause damage to tendons. Additionally, the pressure on one leg should be comparable to the pressure on leg on the other side; otherwise gait abnormalities may result. Conventional wisdom holds that because no two people wrap with exactly the same tension, the same person should wrap the right and left legs.