The next time you’re at the yard or in the collecting ring during a competition, look around you — chances are a high number of the horses you can see are wearing over reach boots. Over reach boots are one type of horse boots that come in all sorts of colours, styles and designs. They wrap around your horse’s pasterns, covering and protecting their heels.
Over reach boots are designed to protect your horse from over reaching. This is when the toe of the hind hoof strikes the back of the front foot or catches the shoe. As well as causing a lost shoe, an over reach injury can also cause severe bruising, abrasions and sometimes nasty cuts to the delicate heel area.
Over reach boots are useful for multiple reasons. Your horse might wear them while being ridden, turned out or even when being transported in a horsebox, if the travelling boots you have opted for don’t fully cover the bottom of the hooves. My first horse, Marcus, was terrible for standing on the side of his off hind hoof and pulling off his shoe, so my farrier advised putting an over reach boot on the off hind to help prevent it happening. It looked a bit odd — Marcus didn’t wear over reach boots on any other legs — but it mostly did the trick.
Shop for over reach boots
There’s lots of choice when it comes to picking a pair of these protective boots, so we’ve picked some of our favourite over reach boots to make your decision a little easier.
Woof Wear Faux-sheepskin Overreach Boot
The boots promise to provide no-rub protection to the bulbs of the heel. The bell boot style allows the boot to move freely around the pastern and the faux sheepskin collar aims to prevent sand and grit getting inside.
Colour: Black/cream
Sizes: Small, medium, large and extra large
RRP £29.99 (US$31.49)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Mackey Pull-On Overreach Boots from VioVet
A basic rubber over reach boot which pulls on and offers a budget-friendly option.
Colour: Black or white
Sizes: Small, medium, large and extra large
RRP £7.55
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Shires Arma Touch Close Overreach Boots
Made from 6mm rubber with rubber covered touch close fastenings for durability.
Colours: Black, orange, red, pink, purple or royal blue
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra full
RRP £10.99 (US$17.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Masta Air-Flux Overreach Boot
These over reach boots feature ‘3D spacer air mesh’, making them breathable and lightweight.
Colour: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra full
RRP £14.95 (US$16.50)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Premier Equine Ballistic No Turn Overreach Boots
These over reach boots feature a ‘no-turn nodule’ which helps prevent them from spinning around when on the horse’s hooves. Ballistic nylon makes them lightweight and strong.
Colour: Black, white, brown, grey, blue, red, turquoise or burgundy
Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large and extra, extra large
RRP £24.95 (US$36)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Hy Armoured Guard Pro Protect Over Reach Boots
Made from a strong yet flexible outer shell with a neoprene lining, these boots come complete with a neoprene collar at the top of the boot to prevent rubbing.
Colours: Petrol, black, brown or white
Sizes: Medium, large and extra large
RRP £16 (US$25)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Veredus Safety Bell Overreach Boots
Made with a Bi-TECH synthetic, durable material that is waterproof and tear resistant, these over reach boots feature a lycra-lined neoprene padding with shock absorption.
Colours: Brown or black
Sizes: Small, medium and large
RRP £65 (US$85.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
LeMieux WrapRound Over Reach Boots
Faux leather overreach boots with ‘WrapRound’ closure that’s adjustable, as well as quick to remove.
Colours: White of black
Sizes: Medium, large, extra large and extra, extra large
RRP £23.70 (US$39.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Eskadron Neo Bell Boots
These boots feature a 12mm layer of neoprene, providing cushioning and impact resistance.
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: Medium, large and extra large
RRP £34.50 (US$37.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Hy Viz Reflector Overreach Boots
These fluorescent neoprene boots will help you be seen on the roads. A strong touch tape closure and durable design work to keep your horse protected.
Colour: High vis orange, yellow or pink
Sizes: Pony, cob and full
RRP £10.80 (US$15)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
HKM Sparkle Over Reach Boots
Machine washable at 30 degrees, these boots feature a soft teddy lining and sparkle touch-tape fastenings at the front.
Colours: White, black, lavender or blue
Sizes: Small, medium, large and extra large
RRP £28.47 (US$39.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
HKM Comfort Premium Fur Overreach Boots
These boots are made from a pre-formed plastic shell with touch close fastening and soft inside filling.Colours: Taupe, rose gold, wine red, dark lilac, light lavender, rose, orange, turquoise, light green, baby blue, black or deep grey
Sizes: Pony, full, extra large and extra, extra large
RRP £22.93 (US$16.77)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Elico Splash Overreach Boots
The patriotic over reach boots feature a red white and blue design and are made from flexible rubber.
Colours: Red/white/blue
Sizes: Pony, cob and full
RRP £11
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Majyk Equipe No-Turn Overreach Boots
The boot is made with rip-stop lightweight material over a breathable mesh to prevent over heating. Inside features a ‘no turn’ design to ensure the boot stays in the correct position.
Colours: Black, black/blue, black/red, black/turquoise or black/orange
Sizes: Small, medium and large
RRP £29.95 (US$54)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Norton PVC Anti-Spin Velcro Overreach Boots
These PVC pre-moulded over reach boots feature heel bulbs to reduce the risk of them spinning while being worn.
Colour: Black
Sizes: Small, medium, large and extra large
RRP £9.79
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
How to fit over reach boots
Whatever style you choose, over-reach boots should be long enough to cover the bulb of the horse’s heel and should sit snugly around the pastern. Once they are in position and fastened, you should be able to fit a small finger inside the top of the over-reach boot.
