Horses have delicate legs, and one way to protect them is by using horse boots. There are many different types and styles available on the market, including travel boots, which are ideal to keep your horse’s legs safe whilst travelling. The vehicles we transport our horses in are quite confined spaces, particularly if multiple horses are occupying the space, so it’s not unusual for them to get knocked or nicked. Whether you take your horse out regularly to compete or more sporadically for days out, or travel in a trailer or horsebox, investing in a pair of travel boots will reduce the risk of your horse unloading with an injury.

Travel boots differ from other types as they are much longer, covering the entirety of the lower limb. Front boots protect knee to hoof, and hind boots protect hock to hoof, ensuring there is limited exposure for any knocks, cuts or abrasions to be sustained whilst in transit. As they do such an important job, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a pair…

1. Size and fit

It’s key that these 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 whilst 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.

2. 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 boot with a higher denier or ripstop fabric – this will reduce the likelihood of the boots ripping or becoming damaged.

3. Level of protection

Keep in mind the thickness of the boots and factor in your average journey time when selecting a pair of travel boots. Thicker boots offer more protection, but could heat up your horse’s legs; excessive prolonged heat can contribute to tendon and ligament degradation.

More companies are designing travel boots with breathable fabrics to combat this, however, so keep this is mind if you plan to travel your horse for long distances.

4. Desensitise your horse to wearing them

As they are highly padded and designed to be worn whilst the horse is stationary in a trailer or horsebox, traditional travel boots are tall and quite rigid and therefore horses can struggle to walk in them the first few times they try them on. Before you try to load and transport your horse in the boots, pop them on a few times and let your horse get used to the feel of them. To begin with, your horse might take big steps with their hindlimbs in particular – just walk them slowly until they become accustomed to them, and take them off.

It can be tempting, if you horse doesn’t enjoy wearing them, to 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.

The Your Horse test: Travel boots

Our testers have been putting six sets of travel boots through their paces and each set of boots is marked out of five for fit, performance and value for money to give an overall rating out of 15.

Black Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots

Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots

1. Le Mieux Carbon Travel Boots

These travel boots from Le Mieux offer a host of features for protection. The strong ballistic nylon outer fabric resists abrasions and knocks, whilst 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 with polar fleece or nylon/ polyester linings. The 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 boots cover the 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. The tough outer material is certainly robust despite 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; 139,95€)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here

Buying in the US? Purchase here

Buying in Europe? Purchase here


Mark Todd Travel Boots

Mark Todd Travel Boots

2. Mark Todd Travel Boots

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: “This set of boots fits really nicely. They are long enough to cover the coronet band and the hock and knee. The three big hook and loop straps make using these boots quick and easy — especially useful if your horse gets excited and fidgety when he knows he’s going out. They stay in place without you having to over-tighten them.” 5 stars

Performance: “The cut of these boots means they offer a good level of protection to the vulnerable areas of the 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.” 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

3. Hy Signature Travel Boots

These stylish and practical travel boots offer excellent protection to the 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 of the other travel boots tested, but they stay securely in place and cover the areas you want protecting.” 4.5 stars

Performance: “The material is tough, and they hold their shape nicely. There’s also a good level of padding that offers good protection to the legs. They are long enough to cover all those vulnerable parts of the leg.” 4.5 stars

Value for money: “Very good price for a practical set of boots.” 4.5 stars

Total score: 13.5

Colour: Navy

Sizes: Cob, full

RRP £46.99 

Buying in the UK? Purchase here


Woof Wear Travel Boots

Woof Wear Travel Boots

4. Woof Wear Travel Boots

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, whilst 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 boot fiddly — this has improved the more the boots have been used. The shape is good and the hind boots fit perfectly, but the fronts are generous in size for my horse.” 4 stars

Performance: “These boots offer good coverage and stay in place even on a horse that doesn’t travel that well and is a little fidgety. The material is robust and the scuff plates only have a few marks on them.” 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 Currently out of stock 


Rambo Travel Boots

Rambo Travel Boots

5. Rambo Travel Boots

These waterproof travel boots from Rambo incorporate reinforced panelling with their ergonomic shaped designed and strike cuffs to the back of the heel for additional protection. These boots include a smooth inner to minimise friction when in use whilst 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.

Fit: “These 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 the lower leg well. The straps are secure and quick to fasten.” 4.5 stars

Performance: “Being more generous in size means that they wrap around the leg more to offer very good protection. They are also long enough to cover the hock and knee. The material is a little stiff but is tough and durable.” 4.5 stars

Value for money: “These boots do a very good job, but they are expensive compared to others tested.” 4 stars

Total score: 13

Colours: Navy/ burgundy & teal & navy, burgundy/ burgundy & teal & navy

Sizes: Pony, cob, horse

RRP £118.95 ($174.95; 131,95€)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here

Buying in the US? Purchase here

Buying in Europe? Purchase here


Weatherbeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

6. WeatherBeeta Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

With a durable and strong 1200 denier outer shell and soft boa fleece lining for comfort, these WeatherBeeta boots offer your horse protection whilst traveling. They have three easy-to-use touch tape closures to ensure a secure fit.

Fit: “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 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 boots cover all the vulnerable areas you want protecting well, 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 (70,00€)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here

Buying in Europe? Purchase here


Shop for more horse travel boots

We haven’t put these products to the test, but here are more travel boots available on the market…

Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

Premier Equine Ballistic Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

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. They 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 ($111; European prices vary)

Purchase here International delivery available


Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

Premier Equine Airtechnology Knee Pro-Tech Horse Travel Boots

An ergonomically shaped pair of travel boots designed 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. The 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 ($145; European prices vary)

Purchase here International delivery available


Weatherbeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

Weatherbeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

WeatherBeeta 1200D Wide Tab Long Travel Boots

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; 120,00€)

Buying in the UK? Purchase here

Buying in the US? Purchase here

Buying in Europe? Purchase here


PolyPads Travel Boots

PolyPads Travel Boots

PolyPads Travel Boots

These lightweight and protective boots are made from durable polycotton, with the double-layer of fabric providing protection and support. Unlike traditional rigid boots, the soft fabric 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

Purchase here


ARMA Travel Sure Economy Travelling Boots

ARMA Travel Sure Economy Travelling 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 European delivery available

Buying in the US? Purchase here


Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots - Broad Fit

Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots – Broad Fit

Epic Equestrian Classic Travel Boots – Broad Fit

These horse boots have been created with heavy breeds in mind featuring 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.

They are made from a 1200 denier diamond weave polyester and have an antibacterial and antistatic lining.

These travel boots are ergonomically designed for heavy horses and ponies 13hh – 18hh+ with an abundance of feather, 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, but I’ve 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 and 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 I persevered with her travelling in boots. It took a few attempts with different brands to get it right, however, as she had quite delicate and slim legs, so some makes just wouldn’t fasten up tight enough and eventually slide off – often helped with a stomp or kick from Aly!

There have been occasions where I’ve opted not to use travel boots. 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 could 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 was one less thing to worry about! But for longer journeys, where I know he can become a little impatient, I’ll put them on for my peace of mind in case he has a bit of a fidget. They’re also great for keeping his white legs clean!

When it comes to travel boots, I do think it’s better to be safe than sorry, but 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.


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