Cost-effective and versatile, brushing boots can be worn by a horse for most activities, including flatwork, hacking, lunging, jumping or turnout. They are called brushing boots as they are designed to protect the lower part of the horse’s leg from the opposite hoof knocking into it, which is known as brushing. They are one of many different type of horse boots.
The horse’s lower limb is one of their most delicate structures, with no muscle to protect the tendons, ligaments or bone, leaving them vulnerable to injury during exercise or turnout. There is a wide range of brushing boots available to protect this part of the horse’s legs, with modern technology helping to promote airflow and keep the leg cool. This is particularly important to prevent tendons from overheating, while still providing enough protection should the horse brush their own leg, or knock a pole or fence while jumping.
Before competing, check the relevant governing body’s specific rules and guidelines for horse boots. For example, British Dressage allows boots and bandages to be worn during the warm up, but you will be eliminated for wearing them during a test.
In comparison, British Showjumping allows horses to wear brushing boots during classes, but has strict requirements for the fit and type of fastener or strap. British Eventing allows brushing boots for the showjumping and cross-country phrases, but not dressage, providing they meet specific criteria.
How to fit brushing boots for horses
Brushing boots need to be the correct size to offer protection to the horse’s canon bone and fetlock. To ensure they fit, you’ll need to check both the length and width of the boots. Most companies share size guides on their websites, so you can check before you purchase that they will be the right size.
Make sure the top of the brushing boot sits just below the knee and won’t impede your horse’s ability to bend their knee as they move. It should cover the fetlock at the bottom of the boot on the inside of the leg, while the shorter back of the boot (with the straps on) finishes just above the fetlock on the outside of the leg.
The boots should fit snugly against the horse’s leg, and the straps should be easily fastened without gaping. The straps should be fastened on the outside and facing towards the back of the horse. Once they are fastened, check for any rubbing, pinching or discomfort. Remember to always clean your horse’s legs before using brushing boots, as any mud or debris can create a pressure point that rubs.
Ensure you regularly clean your boots as sweat, mud or grease build up can also cause rubs or sores. Many pairs are easy to clean and store, but check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Your Horse testers try six sets of brushing boots
Our testers used the following six sets of brushing boots for three months. They were used on horses doing flatwork, polework and hacking. The boots were assessed out of five for fit and shape, level of protection they give, and value for money. This gives each an overall rating out of 15.
Equilibrium Tri-Zone All Sports Boots
These lightweight everyday boots from Equilibrium Products are suitable for lungeing, hacking, schooling, jumping and turnout. They provide all round protection with a four-layer system, including an integral tendon guard, whilst remaining breathable to allow heat out. They’ve also been safety tested in an independent laboratory.
Do they fit well?
“These boots fit neatly around the leg and are nicely cut away around the front of the fetlock to allow the horse to move freely. The two straps fasten easily and the additional vertical fastening over the top ensures that they stay in place.” 5 stars
Do they do the job?
“These boots tick lots of boxes as they are lightweight and easy to use. The material doesn’t absorb water and legs don’t appear to get sweaty. I was initially worried about the All Sports Boots not having a stride pad, but the material is super robust and it isn’t showing any signs of wear. They are really easy to look after and they dry very quickly too.” 5 stars
Value for money?
“Very good value for a great boot that offers all-round protection.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 14.5
Colours: Black, navy, brown, white, royal blue
Sizes: XXS – XL
RRP £54.99 (US$116)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Masta Air-Flux Brushing Boot
These brushing boots are made from a special 3D spacer air mesh which encourages air flow and prevents unwanted heat and sweat build up. They are highly durable yet lightweight, making them extremely versatile for all disciplines.
Do they fit well?
“These boots fit well. The material is quite soft and flexible and so they wrap easily and neatly around the leg. The straps are simple to fasten and they are elasticated, too, for a secure fit.” 4.5 stars
Do they do the job?
“These boots are nicely lightweight, while the strike pad is a good size and shape, offering protection to the inside of the fetlock. The material is perforated to encourage air flow and my horse’s legs did appear to be less sweaty in them compared to other neoprene boots I have used. They wash well and dry quickly.” 5 stars
Value for money?
“Great boots and a good price.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 14
Colours: Black, white, brown, navy
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full
RRP £33.95 (US$75.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Veredus TRC Vento Boots
These unique boots are suitable for all disciplines, featuring double ventilation technology. This keeps your horse’s tendons cool, as the heat is channelled to the outside by the 3D mesh ducted fabric. It works by releasing heat from the horse’s legs both from the inside out and from the bottom of the boot up. A dual density shell, anti-shock carbon pad, and micro-perforated neoprene provide protection while ensuring optimum comfort.
Do they fit well?
“Modern and stylish looking boots that fit a horse’s legs perfectly, Vento boots are lightweight and easy to use and they boast a wide double Velcro fastening that is quick to secure and which holds the boots nicely in place.” 5 stars
Do they do the job?
“The horses who have worn these boots appear to be comfortable and there was no movement or rubbing, even during fast work. The microperforated neoprene and the clever positioning of vents do seem to keep the legs cooler — the horses’ legs were less sweaty than usual after hard work. The strike pad is a good size and it offers protection to the inside of the fetlock without making the boots too bulky.” 5 stars
Value for money?
“Not the cheapest, but these boots are excellent quality and they do the job well.” 4 stars
Total score: 14
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Medium, large
RRP £78.50 ($135)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Le Mieux Proshell Brushing Boots
These boots are lightweight and breathable. The moulded PU outer shell offers superior support and shields against strikes, whilst remaining flexible. These boots are strong enough to deflect an impact without being restrictive or rigid. They offer 360 degree protection and have strategically placed vents to ensure excess heat is released.
Do they fit well?
“These boots are well shaped to fit around the leg. They are nicely flexible and the wide straps are quick to put on and take off, as well as being secure.” 5 stars
Do they do the job?
“The inner lining is soft and these boots haven’t rubbed my horse’s legs even when they have been wet. The outer shell is a nice addition and offers more all-round protection. The strike pad is a good shape, but there isn’t as much padding in that area compared to other brands. The boots have air vents, but I can’t say that they were that effective — the legs were still sweaty after fast work. They do wash well and dry quickly, however, which is a plus point.” 4.5 stars
Value for money?
“Smart brushing boots that offer a good level of protection for a fair price.” 4 stars
Total score: 13.5
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: Medium, large, extra large
RRP £49.95 (US$79.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Hy Sport Active Brushing Boots
These brushing boots from the Hy Sport Active Collection offer unlimited protection whilst still looking stylish. Made from soft, breathable neoprene, these boots will mould to your horse’s legs perfectly for ultimate comfort, whilst the durable strike pads protect from brushing and impact.
Do they fit well?
“These boots fit well and are soft enough to mould to the shape of the leg. The two wide fastenings are durable and hold the boots in place – in fact, they are so secure that they proved slightly tricky to undo!” 4.5 stars
Do they do the job?
“A classic style neoprene brushing boot that covers the areas of the lower leg that require protecting from knocks and brushing. The stride pad is a generous size, but it isn’t rigid. There were no signs of rubbing after use, although the legs became a little sweaty after faster work. These boots have washed well and are showing few signs of wear.” 4.5 stars
Value for money?
“A good pair of everyday brushing boots at a fair price.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 13.5
Colours: Aegan green, black, bubblegum pink, terracotta orange, rosette red, spearmint green, amethyst purple, emerald green, coral rose, sky blue, desert sand, vivid merlot, blooming lilac, jewel blue, alpine green
Sizes: Small, medium, large
RRP £25.99 (US$40.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Weatherbeeta Pure Wool Lined Exercise Boots
These exercise boots feature a soft and durable Pro Mesh outer with real sheepwool lining. These brushing boots have a tough PVC strike pad to protect your horse against knocks and brushing with adjustable and elasticated touch tape closures.
Do they fit well?
Lightweight boots that fit nicely. They are a little longer than some other full-size boots and they fitted better on my horse’s hindlegs than on his fronts. They are nicely shaped and wrap neatly around the leg with three straps holding them in place. 4.5 stars
Do they do the job?
The stride pad isn’t particularly large, but it does cover the most vulnerable areas. The pure wool lining is soft and doesn’t affect the fit, although my horse’s legs did get quite sweaty when wearing them. I found that some arena surface stuck to the edge of the lining, but it didn’t get inside the boot. They washed well, but took a little time to dry. 4 stars
Value for money?
Smart looking boots that do the job. However, they aren’t the cheapest. 4.5 stars
Total score: 13
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: Cob, full, warmblood
RRP £77.75
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Shop for more brushing boots
We haven’t put these products to the test, but here are more brushing boots available on the market…
WoofWear i-Vent® Hybrid Boot
Woof Wear’s iVent® Hybrid Brushing Boot is the perfect fusion of performance and technology to provide outstanding protection against brushing injuries. iVent® is Woof Wear’s unique technology designed to protect horses and provide 360° of cooling airflow.
The iVent® shell is injection moulded onto tough breathable mesh and backed with breathable lightweight impact absorbing foam.
These boots can be used for dressage, hacking, turnout and endurance.
Colours: Brushed steel, black, white
Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large
RRP £59.99 (US$79.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Dalmar Leather Open Fronted Horse Showjumping Boots
These carbon fibre and leather boots provide injury protection from accidental impacts.
Dalmar has applied benefits of the latest materials technology transferred from the Formula One and Aerospace industries to give maximum protection to your horse with minimum weight constraint.
Colours: Brown
Sizes: Small, large
RRP £96 (US$144.21)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
International delivery available
ARMA Neoprene Brushing Boots
Perfect for everyday use, these ARMA neoprene brushing boots feature padded, contoured strike pads and touch close fastenings.
Colours: Black, green, royal blue, navy, brown, grey, raspberry, ocean blue, deep red, plum, white
Sizes: Small pony, pony, cob, full, extra full
RRP £20.99 (US$34.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Premier Equine Carbon Air-Tech Double Locking Brushing Boots
These boots are made from Premier Equine’s specialist Air-Tech ventilated neoprene to encourage airflow and keep joints and tendons cool. The inside is lined with comfort drying lining for maximum comfort, whilst the splint and fetlock area is protected by a shockproof material and covered by carbon tech microfibre leather for extra protection.
Colours: Black, navy, white
Sizes: Small, medium, medium wide, large
RRP £44 (US$55.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
B Vertigo Quinn Brushing Boots
Made from durable materials with a faux fur lining, these brushing boots fit the leg well and feels soft against the horse’s skin.
Colours: Dark navy, shiitake beige
Sizes: Medium, large, extra large
RRP £54.99 (US$69.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
‘They’re a versatile part of his wardrobe’
My ex-racehorse Alfie is quite narrow in front and close behind, and as such often knocks his legs together as he walks. It’s not terrible, but I did worry about him hurting himself when we’re hacking out or doing fast work where he’s more likely to hurt himself.
I picked up some lightweight brushing boots from my local tack shop, and they’ve done a great job at keeping his legs safe. I pop them on for lunging, hacking and flatwork, and even turnout if he’s had a few days in and is likely to have a bit of a jolly around his field. They’re definitely a versatile part of his wardrobe.
My other horse, Romeo, doesn’t typically brush, but I’ll pop brushing boots on for jumping. He can have the odd pole down as he likes to chip in before a fence, so I feel better knowing that if we misjudge a stride, his legs will be protected.
