Horses have delicate legs, and there are many different types and styles of horse boots available on the market, including travel boots to protect limbs while being transported. The vehicles we transport our horses in are small spaces, particularly if multiple horses are on board, so it’s not unusual for legs to get knocked or nicked. Whether you take your horse out regularly to compete or more sporadically for days out, investing in a pair of travel boots will reduce the risk of your horse unloading with an injury.
Travel boots differ from other types of boots as they are much longer. They cover the entire of the lower limb. Front travel boots protect from the top of the knee to bottom of the hoof, while hind boots protect the hock down to the hoof. A full set of travel boots helps to ensure that there is limited exposure for any knocks, cuts or abrasions to be sustained while your horse is in transit — or being loaded/unloaded.
Before you part with your cash, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a set of travel boots for your horse:
Size and fit of travel boots
It’s key that travel boots are fitted correctly, as many are anatomically designed to fit the horse’s limb structure. Too small and the boot will rub or not be the appropriate length; too big and it could come loose while the horse is being transported.
When looking for travel boots, check if the manufacturer has made any claims about whether the boot is designed for certain heights or breeds of horse. For example, there are companies which design boots for draft breeds, which typically have more canon bone and feathers, and therefore need a wider boot.
Materials and fabrics
Travel boots are typically made from durable materials such as neoprene, polyester or nylon, and may have fleece linings for comfort. For horses that fidget or are prone to overreaching, choose a travel boot with a higher denier or ripstop fabric. This will reduce the likelihood of the boots ripping or becoming damaged.
Horse travel boots: level of protection
Keep in mind the thickness of the travel boots and factor in your average journey time when choosing which to buy. Thicker travel boots offer more protection, but could heat up your horse’s legs. Excessive prolonged heat can contribute to tendon and ligament degradation. This is why you should make sure your horse’s legs have completely cooled down before you apply travel boots to drive home at the end of the day. More companies are designing travel boots with breathable fabrics to combat this, so keep this is mind if you plan to travel your horse for long distances.
Wearing travel boots
As they are highly padded and designed to be worn while the horse is stationary in a trailer or horsebox, traditional travel boots are tall and rigid. This means that some horses struggle to walk in them the first few times they try them on. Before you try to load and transport your horse in the travel boots, pop them on a few times and let your horse get used to the feel of them while standing in the stable.
Your horse might take big steps (particularly with their hindlimbs) when you first ask them to walk with travel boots on. If they do this, don’t panic — just walk them slowly until they become accustomed to them. Then take them off. If your horse really doesn’t like them, it can be tempting to wait and put them on once the horse has been loaded. However, trailers and horseboxes are confined spaces, especially when partitions are put into place, so we do not advise that you attempt to do this.
Shop for horse travel boots
Your Horse’s testers have put six sets of travel boots through their paces. Each set of boots is marked out of five for fit, performance and value for money to give an overall rating out of 15.
Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots
Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These travel boots from Le Mieux offer a host of features for protection. The strong ballistic nylon outer fabric resists abrasions and knocks, while the carbon nano-fibre lining effectively controls heat and sweat build up whilst travelling. This means moisture and temperature are regulated far better than in standard travel boots that have polar fleece or nylon/polyester linings. Robust PU leather heel guards offer additional vital protection.
Fit: “A great fitting set of boots that are a good shape and stay securely in place thanks to the three wide straps. The sizing is good — they fit both of my horses, who are quite different.” 5 stars
Performance: “These travel boots cover my horse’s legs really well and the padding adds another layer of protection. The lining is a little different to others I tested. It’s a wicking material that helps to keep your horse at a comfortable temperature, which removes the worry of legs overheating while the boots are on. I also found that the tough outer material of these travel boots is certainly robust, even with a lot of use.” 5 stars
Value for money: “Very good value boots that work really well.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 14.5
Colours: Black, navy
Sizes: Cob, large
RRP £89.95 ($143.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Mark Todd Travel Boots
Mark Todd Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: The Mark Todd durable padded travel boots have been designed to offer maximum protection. They have a tough outer fabric and protective scuff plates around the bottom edge. The wide hook and loop straps make them quick and easy to fit. Each set comes in a zipped storage bag.
Fit: “These travel boots fit my horse really nicely. They are long enough to cover the coronet band and the hock and knee. There are three big hook and loop straps, which makes using these boots easy because they are so quick to do up. This is especially useful if, like my horse, your horse gets excited and fidgety when he knows he’s going out. I also found that these travel boots stay in place without me having to over-tighten them.” 5 stars
Performance: “The cut of these travel boots means they offer a good level of protection to the vulnerable areas of the horse’s legs. The tough outer fabric is standing up well to regular use and the scuff plates at the bottom offer further protection.” 4.5 stars
Value for money: “Very good value and highly recommended. I really like these travel boots.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 14
Colours: Black, burgundy, navy, navy plaid
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £69.98
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Hy Signature Travel Boots
Hy Signature Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These stylish and practical travel boots offer excellent protection for a horse’s legs thanks to the ergonomic design with tough strike pads at the fetlock and point of hock. Held securely in place with touch tape fastenings, the boots have a comfortable fleece lining and a durable ripstop outer.
Fit: “These fit well — they are not quite as well shaped as some other travel boots I have used on my horse, but they stay securely in place and cover the areas you want to protect the most, like the tendons and fetlock joints.” 4 stars
Performance: “The material is tough, and these boots hold their shape nicely. There’s also a good level of padding that offers good protection to the legs. These travel boots are long enough to cover all the vulnerable parts of a horse’s leg.” 4.5 stars
Value for money: “Very good price for a practical set of boots. I like the purple trim on the navy too.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 13
Colour: Navy
Sizes: Cob, full
RRP £46.99 (US$51)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Woof Wear Travel Boots
Woof Wear Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: Made with a 600 denier ripstop outer and comfortable wicking fleece liner with high density foam inner, the Wraparound System offers increased protection to the coronet, knee and hock, while the hard PP hoof guards protect the foot. The fully adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.
Fit: “The material is quite stiff, which initially made fitting these travel boot fiddly. This has improved the more the boots have been used and my horse has become more comfortable wearing them. The shape is good and the hind boots in particular fit perfectly. I’ve found that the front boots are generous in size for my horse.” 4 stars
Performance: “These boots offer good leg coverage and stay in place even on a horse that doesn’t travel that well and is fidgety. The material is robust and the scuff plates only have a few marks on them after a lot of use.” 4.5 stars
Value for money: “A practical set of boots that are proving to be good value for money.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 13
Colour: Black/silver
Sizes: Pony, cob, full size, heavy hunter
RRP £66 (US$80.52)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Rambo Travel Boots
Rambo Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These waterproof travel boots from Rambo incorporate reinforced panelling with their ergonomically-shaped designe and strike cuffs to the back of the heel for additional protection. A smooth inner layer minimises friction on the horse’s legs when in use while also being breathable. The travel boots’ triple wide Velcro closure straps offer security and ease of dressing, making them simple and quick to put on and remove from your horse.
Fit: “These travel boots are smart and fit well. They are a little more generous in size than others I’ve used but they are well shaped and cover my horse’s lower leg well. The straps are secure and quick to fasten.” 4.5 stars
Performance: “Being more generous in size means that these boots wrap around the leg more to offer very good protection. They are also long enough to cover my horse’s hock and knee. The material is a little stiff, but it is tough and durable.” 4.5 stars
Value for money: “These boots do a very good job, but they are expensive compared to others I’ve used.” 4 stars
Total score: 13
Colours: Navy/ burgundy & teal & navy, burgundy/ burgundy & teal & navy
Sizes: Pony, cob, horse
RRP £118.95 ($174.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Weatherbeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots
WeatherBeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: With a durable and strong 1200 denier outer shell and soft boa fleece lining for comfort, these travel boots offer your horse protection whilst traveling. They have three easy-to-use touch-tape closures to ensure a quick and easy secure fit.
Fit: “These is a well-shaped set of boots that I didn’t find generous in size. The wide hook and loop straps makes putting them on and off easy. My horse does have quite a bit of bone and the length is good, it’s just the width that isn’t so generous.” 4 stars
Performance: “They have stayed securely in place and the outer fabric feels really tough and is showing no signs of wear. The travel boots cover all the vulnerable areas you want protecting, and the soft fleece lining ensures that there is no rubbing.” 4.5 stars
Value for money: “Good value, but check the sizing before buying.” 4.5 stars
Total score: 13
Colours: Black/ silver, navy/ silver, navy/ red/ white
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £53.99 (US$56)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Shop for more horse travel boots
We haven’t put these products to the test yet, but the following horse travel boots are also available on the market…
Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Travel Boots
Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These anatomical travel boots feature a layering system which incorporates shockproof materials for the ultimate knee protection. The filling draws away moisture and sweat whilst the lining is quick-drying.
They have a microfibre leather guards designed to protect the pastern area from cuts and abrasions. These travel boots are machine washable and come in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag. They can be colour-matched with a Premier Equine cooler rug for the ultimate equine fashion statement.
Colours: Black, navy, burgundy, green
Sizes: Small, medium, large
RRP £98 (US$130.17)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots
Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: In case you’re wondering, no, these boots are not the same as the travel boots listed above. The Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech travel boots are ergonomically shaped for a close fit. The main body of the boot is constructed with a perforated shockproof material that allows air to circulate and heat to escape.
An integrated high-rise knee design features a layering system, which incorporates shockproof materials for the ultimate knee protection during travel. Microfibre leather guards are designed to protect the pastern area from cuts and abrasions. These boots are machine washable and come in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag. They can be colour-matched with a Premier Equine cooler rug for the ultimate equine fashion statement.
Colours: Black, navy
Sizes: Small, medium, large
RRP £128
Buying in the UK? Purchase here International delivery available
Weatherbeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots
WeatherBeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These travel boots feature a durable and strong 1200 denier outer shell for protection, and a sofa boa fleece lining for your horse’s comfort.
Colours: Dark blue/ grey/ white, squirrel print (UK and Europe only), seahorse print (US only), raccoon print (US only)
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £89.99 ($137.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
PolyPads Travel Boots
PolyPads Travel Boots
The manufacturer says: These lightweight and protective travel boots are made from durable polycotton, with the double-layer of fabric providing protection and support. Unlike traditional rigid boots, the soft fabric of these travel boots allows the horse to move freely. These boots are machine washable.
Colours: Black, brown, navy, white, red, maroon, smokey grey, forest green, olive green, royal blue, ice blue, turquoise, purple, pink with additional binding colour options giving over 200 colour combinations
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £64.99
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
ARMA Travel Sure Economy Travel Boots
ARMA Travel Sure Economy Travelling Boots
The ARMA economy travel boots offer comfortable protection for travelling horses. They have been designed using soft, flexible quilted fabric that cushions against impact without impeding movement, making them ideal for horses new to travelling or who have not worn travel boots before.
Colour: Navy
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
RRP £22.99 ($39.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the US? Purchase here
Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots – Broad Fit
Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots — Broad Fit
The manufacturer says: These travel boots have been created with heavy horse breeds in mind and they feature a registered patented design. They have 360º shockproof protection to the knee, coronet, hock and feather. The considerately designed flared shape of the boot protects the horse’s feather and legs, whilst the high cut design keeps the legs clean during transit.
The boots are made from a 1200 denier diamond weave polyester and have an antibacterial and antistatic lining. They are ergonomically designed for heavy horses and ponies from 13hh-18hh+ who have an abundance of feather, plus draft-sized hooves and legs.
Colour: Wine
Sizes: Draft 1, draft 2, draft 3, draft 4
RRP £65
Buying in the UK? Purchase here International delivery available
‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’
I don’t often transport my horses, as I don’t regularly compete or attend clinics. That said, I have had a few different horses over the years and each of their requirements have differed when it comes to successful travelling. My old mare, Aly, was a thin-skinned Thoroughbred who regularly ended up with nicks and grazes that were particularly long-healing on her lower limbs.
She wasn’t the biggest fan of wearing travel boots — she always did a silly walk for the first five minutes of wearing them — but I was concerned that she could injure herself in the trailer as she wasn’t the best traveller. So that’s why I persevered and kept putting travel boots on her.
It took me a few attempts with different brands to get it right. Aly had delicate, slim legs, so some makes just wouldn’t fasten up tight enough and eventually they would slide off. Often they were helped along with a stomp or kick from Aly!
Choosing not to use horse travel boot
I’ve chosen not to use travel boots on my horses on several occasions. I think certain horses travel better without them, as they can irritate them. For short journeys, my sport horse Romeo has always loaded and travelled like a saint, so I prefer to pop on his brushing boots and overreach boots instead. He can also be a bit excitable to unload at the other end, especially in a buzzy competition atmosphere, so not having to try to get big boots off is one less thing to worry about!
For longer journeys, though, where I know he can become a little impatient, I’ll put them on for my peace of mind in case he starts to fidget. They’re also great for keeping his white legs clean!
When it comes to using travel boots, I do think that generally it’s better to be safe than sorry and put them on your horse. However, you have to weigh up each individual. If your horse is prone to fidgeting or moving about a lot during travel, I’d definitely say it’s worth popping them on. If they are going to kick and kick away at the lorry’s sides because the travel boots are annoying them, it could be best to leave them off.
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