Horse Bell Boots
Quick answer: Shop horse bell boots at iRide EQ. Pull-on rubber bell boots, Velcro overreach boots, no-turn bell boots with bulb guards, and sheepskin-trimmed options — everything you need to stop front shoes from treading on the heel bulbs behind.
Bell boots, also called overreach boots, sit around the pastern and cover the heel bulb. Their one job is stopping the hind toes from pulling a front shoe — and they do it well, provided you get the right fit. Too small and they rub; too big and they flip over the toe and trip the horse. A properly fitted bell boot sits snug around the pastern, just touching the ground at the back, with enough room to slide a finger inside at the front.
We stock bell boots from Lady Godiva Equestrian, Eloquence Equestrian, Equifit, Toptac International, and Majyk Equipe. From everyday rubber pull-ons to sheepskin-lined dressage sets, you'll find the right pair here.
Pull-On vs Velcro Bell Boots
Pull-on bell boots are the simplest design — a continuous rubber or TPU ring that you stretch over the hoof. They stay on better than anything else (no strap to undo), which makes them the first choice for turnout. The trade-off: you need the right size, because there's no adjustment. Most riders keep a set in the tack room and a spare in the float.
Velcro closure bell boots are easier to get on and off, and you can fine-tune the fit. They're the go-to for competition and changing conditions. Look for a wide, strong strap — thin Velcro tabs lose grip after a few washes.
No-Turn Bell Boots
No-turn bell boots have a shaped interior (usually a foam or gel pad at the back) that stops the boot from spinning around the pastern. If your horse's bell boots always end up upside down by lunchtime, no-turns fix that. They also tend to stay in place better during fast work and jumping.
The Majyk Equipe no-turn overreach boots use a Biofoam lining that moulds to the heel — good for horses that rub easily or have sensitive skin.
Choosing Bell Boots for the Job
- Turnout: rubber or TPU pull-ons. Tough, cheap, and they stay on. Replace when they crack.
- Jumping and fast work: Velcro no-turn boots with a secure closure. Pair with brushing boots or polo wraps for full leg protection.
- Dressage and show: sheepskin-trimmed or leather-look bell boots for a polished look.
- Travel: any sturdy bell boot works. Combine with travel boots for full float protection.
For a deeper dive into how bell boots fit your horse's overall protection plan, read our horse boots buyer's guide. Need boots for the hind legs too? Browse our full horse boots and protection collection.
How to Size Horse Bell Boots
Most boot brands size from Pony through Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, with XXL options for larger-boned horses and draft breeds. It pays to measure rather than guess: check the circumference around the pastern just below the fetlock, and the height from the coronet band to the ground. The back edge of a correctly fitted bell boot should just kiss the ground when the horse is standing square.
| Size | Typical fit |
|---|---|
| Pony | Small ponies and fine legs |
| Small | Approx. 12.2–14.2 hands |
| Medium | Approx. 14.2–15.2 hands |
| Large | Approx. 15.2–16.2 hands |
| Extra Large / XXL | 16.2 hands plus, warmbloods and draft types |
Between sizes, most fitters go up rather than down — a boot that pinches rubs the pastern raw, while a slightly looser fit can often be trimmed or snugged with Velcro. Every brand measures differently, so treat the chart as a starting point and check the fit on the horse before turning them out in it.
Bell Boot Materials: Rubber, Leather and Fleece Linings
Classic rubber bell boots are the workhorse choice — tough, affordable and easy to hose off, which is why they fill most tack-room buckets. Leather styles with fleece or merino linings look sharper for show days and suit horses whose heel bulbs erode or rub easily. Fleece-trimmed boots need a bit more care: brush dried mud out of the lining, wash occasionally with mild soap, and let them air dry away from direct sun.
Whatever you choose, check the boots weekly. Replace them once the lip wears thin or Velcro stops gripping — a bell boot that flips over the toe is doing nothing but annoying the horse.
Featured Bell Boots and Overreach Boots
Equifit's fleece rolled-top bell boot — soft where it meets the pastern, tough where it meets the ground.
The Equifit UltraWool boot pairs a durable shell with a wool upper for horses prone to rubbing.
Eloquence's merino fleece and leather bell boots — the show-day option in this range.
Lady Godiva's Pro Over-Reach boots — sturdy everyday protection made by an Australian family business.
Majyk Equipe's no-turn boot with BioFoam lining — built to stay put and absorb strike impact.
Bell Boot FAQs
What are bell boots for horses?
Bell boots protect the front hooves from overreach injuries — when a hind foot lands on the back of a front foot, it can tear off a shoe or cut the heel bulbs. They sit around the pastern and cover the heel bulb area.
Why do horses wear bell boots?
Horses that overreach in the paddock, during lungeing or fast work are usually booted with bells to save pulled shoes and heel injuries. Farriers also recommend them while hooves grow out between shoeings.
How should horse bell boots fit?
Snug around the pastern without pinching — you should slide a finger between the boot and the leg — with the back edge just touching the ground when the horse stands square.
How do I size horse bell boots?
Measure the pastern circumference just below the fetlock and the coronet-to-ground height, then check the brand's size chart. Between sizes, most fitters size up to avoid rubs.
Pull-on or Velcro bell boots — which is better?
Pull-ons stay put and suit horses in heavy work or turnout; Velcro styles are quicker to get on and off and easier to adjust between sizes. If the Velcro is grippy and clean, both do the job.
How do you clean horse bell boots?
Rinse mud off after each ride and wash occasionally with mild soapy water. Clear hair and burrs out of Velcro closures so they keep gripping, and let fleece linings air dry.
Shop Bell Boots Online
Filter by size, colour, and closure type below. Every pair ships from our Australian warehouse with fast delivery nationwide.
