Shop horse boots at iRide EQ. Our comprehensive range covers brushing boots, tendon boots, bell boots, and transport boots from Lady Godiva Equestrian, Eloquence Equestrian, Equifit, and Jump'In — engineered for Australian riding conditions and competition standards.
Quick Answer: Horse boots protect your horse’s legs from impact, brushing, and overreach injuries during riding and transport. Brushing boots suit everyday schooling, jumping boots absorb pole impact, and bell boots prevent overreach cuts. Choose boots matched to your discipline and fit them snugly without restricting circulation. Shop our full range with fast Australian shipping.
Impact Protection, Brushing Defence and Leg Support for Every Discipline
A horse’s legs are vulnerable during work — the close passage of limbs at speed means a single misstep can cause a strike injury that lays a horse off for weeks. Boots distribute impact forces across a wider area, absorb shock from jumping efforts, and prevent the opposite hoof from striking the inside of the leg. Equifit boots use impact-absorbing TPU shells with breathable lining systems that manage heat build-up during intense work.
For Australian riders, heat management is as important as impact protection. Neoprene boots trap heat in summer, potentially causing skin irritation or tendon inflammation. Look for boots with ventilated panels or moisture-wicking liners. Lady Godiva Equestrian boots feature breathable construction designed for Australian conditions. Match boot type to your discipline — brushing boots for flatwork, jumping boots for show jumping, and bell boots for horses that overreach.
Quick Facts
Best ForLeg protection during riding, jumping, and transport
DisciplinesDressage, show jumping, eventing, cross-country, everyday schooling
Top BrandsLady Godiva Equestrian, Eloquence Equestrian, Equifit, Jump'In
Ships FromAustralia — fast local delivery
Horse Boot Types Compared
Different boot types protect different parts of the leg. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
Brushing Boots
Tendon/Jumping Boots
Bell Boots
Protection Area
Inside of fetlock & cannon
Front tendon & cannon bone
Heel & coronary band
Impact Protection
Moderate — brushing strikes
High — pole & jump impact
High — overreach cuts
Best For
Flatwork, schooling, hacking
Show jumping, eventing
Horses that overreach
Worn On
All four legs (typical)
Front legs (typical)
Front legs (typical)
Heat Management
Look for ventilated styles
Choose breathable liners
Open styles allow airflow
Choosing the Right Boot Type
Selecting boots based on your horse’s work type and discipline ensures optimal protection without unnecessary heat build-up.
Brushing Boots for Flatwork
Brushing boots protect the inside of the fetlock and cannon bone from strikes when limbs pass close together. They’re the most versatile boot type — suitable for dressage, hacking, and general schooling. Look for boots that contour to the leg without pinching the tendon. Eloquence Equestrian brushing boots offer a contoured fit with secure double-strap closures that stay in place during lateral work.
Tendon Boots for Jumping
Tendon boots are designed for show jumping — they absorb the impact of a horse knocking a pole and protect the tendon area from trauma. Quality tendon boots from Jump'In feature TPU strike plates that distribute force without transferring shock to the tendon. Open-front styles allow the horse to feel pole contact while still protecting against hard strikes.
Bell Boots for Overreach Protection
Bell boots sit around the pastern and cover the heel bulb, preventing the hind hoof from striking the front foot’s coronary band during fast work or turn-out. They’re essential for horses that overreach or pull shoes. Choose between pull-on styles (more secure) and Velcro styles (easier to fit).
Materials and Heat Management
Boot material affects both protection level and heat dissipation — critical in Australian conditions.
Neoprene Boots
Neoprene provides excellent impact absorption and a close, contoured fit. However, it traps heat — in Australian summers, neoprene boots can raise tendon temperature to levels that risk inflammation. Reserve neoprene for shorter, high-intensity sessions and remove immediately after work. Equifit neoprene boots feature perforated panels to improve airflow.
TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) Boots
TPU shells offer superior impact protection with better heat dissipation than neoprene. Jump'In TPU boots are lightweight, durable, and resist the abrasion that wears out softer materials. TPU boots are the preferred choice for Australian riders who train in warm conditions and need reliable protection without excessive heat build-up.
Leather Boots
Leather boots offer traditional elegance and breathability for competition turnout. They require more maintenance than synthetic alternatives but provide a classic look in the dressage or show ring. Condition leather boots regularly to prevent cracking, and allow them to dry naturally after use.
Sizing and Fit Guide
Properly fitted boots should sit snugly without restricting circulation or pressing on the tendon. Measure the circumference of your horse’s cannon bone and fetlock to determine boot size — most brands offer small, medium, and large. The boot should cover the tendon and fetlock without extending below the pastern or above the knee. Gaps between straps allow debris to enter, while overly tight straps impede blood flow.
When fitting boots for the first time, walk your horse for a few minutes then remove and check for pressure marks or rubs. Eloquence Equestrian boots have contoured linings that reduce pressure points. If your horse has sensitive skin, look for boots with fleece or gel linings. Always remove boots promptly after work to allow tendons to cool and prevent skin irritation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean boots after every ride — sweat and sand trapped against the skin cause irritation and can lead to bacterial infections. Wash neoprene and TPU boots with warm water and mild soap, then air dry away from direct heat. Leather boots should be wiped with a damp cloth and conditioned regularly. Check straps and closures for wear, and replace any boot with cracked shells or worn straps before they fail during use.
Store boots in a dry, ventilated tack room. Never store wet boots in a closed box or bag — this promotes mould and bacteria growth. Lady Godiva Equestrian boots are designed for easy cleaning and quick drying, making them ideal for Australian riders who work multiple horses daily.
Brands We Stock
We stock horse boots from brands chosen for Australian riding conditions:
Lady Godiva Equestrian — Breathable brushing and tendon boots designed for Australian heat, with easy-clean linings and secure closures.
Eloquence Equestrian — Contoured brushing boots with double-strap closures that stay secure during lateral work and schooling.
Equifit — Premium TPU and neoprene boots with perforated ventilation panels for high-intensity competition work.
Jump'In — French-made tendon boots with TPU strike plates for show jumping impact protection and durability.
Why Shop Horse Boots at iRide EQ?
Complete Leg Protection
From brushing boots for flatwork to tendon boots for jumping and bell boots for overreach — our range covers every leg protection need.
Australian Heat Tested
Our boots feature breathable construction and ventilation panels that manage heat build-up during Australian summer riding — critical for tendon health.
Competition Approved
All boots meet EA competition standards and are used by Australian riders across dressage, show jumping, and eventing disciplines.
Fast Local Dispatch
Stocked in Australia with fast shipping — no waiting weeks for overseas delivery when your horse needs leg protection urgently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boots does my horse need for show jumping?
For show jumping, tendon boots on the front legs are standard — they protect the tendon from pole impact. Many riders also add bell boots to prevent overreach injuries. Hind legs may wear brushing boots or open-front tendon boots depending on the horse’s conformation and jumping style.
How hot do neoprene boots get in Australian summer?
Neoprene traps heat — in 35-degree-plus conditions, tendon temperature under neoprene can reach concerning levels. Reserve neoprene for short, intense sessions and remove immediately after work. For summer schooling, choose TPU or ventilated boots from Jump'In or Eloquence Equestrian.
Can I use brushing boots for dressage?
Yes. Brushing boots are appropriate for dressage schooling and many EA competitions. Check current EA rules for boot restrictions at your competition level. Some higher-level dressage classes restrict boot types or colours.
How tight should horse boots be?
Boots should sit snugly enough to stay in place during work without restricting circulation. You should be able to slide a finger between the boot and the leg. Straps should be even on both sides. If you see pressure marks after removing boots, they’re too tight.
How do I clean horse boots?
Rinse or wipe boots after every ride to remove sweat and sand. Wash neoprene and TPU boots with warm water and mild soap, then air dry. Leather boots should be wiped with a damp cloth and conditioned regularly. Never store wet boots in a closed container.
Do I need bell boots if my horse doesn’t overreach?
If your horse doesn’t overreach, bell boots may not be necessary for schooling. However, they’re recommended for turn-out, competition, and any horse that tends to pull front shoes. Bell boots are inexpensive insurance against costly overreach injuries and lost shoes.
What’s the difference between brushing boots and tendon boots?
Brushing boots protect the inside of the leg from limb-to-limb strikes during flatwork. Tendon boots protect the back of the tendon from pole impact during jumping. Tendon boots typically have a hard strike plate, while brushing boots focus on the fetlock area.
