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Well fitting horse boots constitute a vital part of the horse’s equipment, but finding the right model can be tricky. What size of horse boots should you choose and what to pay attention to when buying them?
There are various types of horse boots available on the market, designed for different riding disciplines and made of different materials (leather, plastic). The rider's task is to choose a model that will meet the needs of their horse (taking into account the riding discipline and potential problems). Additional aspects should also be considered, e.g. whether we like the material of the boots (which has a large impact on cleaning and durability) and the type of fastening (velcro or studs). For those taking part in competitions, it is important to know whether the chosen type of boots is approved for use (see the relevant article).
One of the key elements to consider when choosing boots for your horse is their size. What do you need to know in order to select the correct one?
Which size of boots will be right for your horse?
Typically, there are two terms used to describe the size of horse boots:
- S, M, L, XL
- Pony (ponies), Cob (smaller and medium horses), Full (large horses)
Veredus Piaffe Revo boots front
Veredus Piaffe Revo boots rear
While these terms are of great help, you should additionally check the size chart. For example, English Thoroughbreds or Malopolska Horses will usually wear a cob, while the full size is meant for taller horses or those with thicker legs. When making the decision, take into account both leg circumference and its length - for instance, Silesian horses have rather thick legs, so a full size is the obvious choice, but since this breed tends to be quite short, full boots from certain brands may be too long.
Choosing the right size of horse boots on the example of Veredus Absolute dressage model
The right circumference of the boot
On the left is a correctly fitted Veredus Absolute boot with velcro fastening. On the right, the same protector in the version with stud fasteners.
The right height of the boot
On the left side there is a Veredus Absolute dressage boot with stud fastening, whereas on the right side there is a velcro fastening.
Well-fitted horse boots should cover the entire fetlock joint, but not stick out beyond it. The top part of the boot has to cover the horse's leg and end before the wrist joint in case of front legs or before the hock joint for hind legs. The boots should not slip off or cause difficulty in fastening. Less experienced riders can ask for assistance those who know how to put them on. Alternatively, carefully study the pictures. Poorly fitted boots can cause abrasions or slide off the horse's legs during training - as a result, they not only fail to perform their function, but can in fact do harm. For more information on the proper fitting of horse boots, see this article.
Note that horse boots from different producers may differ slightly from each other. Below you will find a sample size chart.
Veredus horse boots — measurements
Circumference:
- S 17-19 cm (front) and 19.5-21.5 cm (rear)
- M 19.5-22 cm (front) and 22-24 cm (rear)
- L 22.5-24 cm (front) and 24.5-26 cm (rear)
Height:
- S 21 cm (front) and 16 cm (rear)
- M 24 cm (front) and 18 cm (rear)
- L 25 cm (front) and 19 cm (rear)
Veredus Magnetik Stable Boots Evo front
Veredus Magnetik Stable Boots Evo rear
