While turnout is a really important part of a horse’s management, it can be a worrying time for some horse owners – and the best turnout boots for horses could alleviate some of the concerns. Turnout boots can provide a protective barrier against mud fever, overreaching and knocks. They also keep legs cleaner and drier, which not only saves time but helps to maintain healthy skin.
Some styles offer more protection from knocks than others, so if your main concern is injury, then a tougher boot would be preferable to a pair of chaps. It’s also important to choose a water-resistant and breathable boot, as if they hold water they’ll end up doing more harm than good. It’s also advisable to wash and change the turnout boots regularly to prevent rubbing, so a pair that is easy to hose or machine washable and quick to dry is certainly beneficial.
Best turnout boots for horses
Woof Wear Mud Fever Turnout Boots
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £59.99 for a pair
These breathable boots create a barrier to mud from below the knee to the base of the heel. They are made of a waterproof and breathable fabric around the cannon bone to prevent overheating and feature a close-fitting hoof capsule with Kevlar reinforced heel protection. They also have a shaped PU strike pad that offers protection against brushing. Suitable for front and hind legs, they are machine washable at 30°C.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Premier Equine Turnout/Mud Fever Boots
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £44 for a pair
These high-cut boots, which cover the whole lower leg and pastern, are made with Air-Tech ventilated neoprene for maximum breathability. They are anatomically shaped to be comfortable and supportive, and have excellent stretch and recovery properties that allow the boot to mould and retain shape without impeding the natural action. They can be used on both front and hind legs and are suitable for use year round, but should be swapped every 12 hours to prevent rubbing.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Equilibrium Equi-Chaps Close Contact Chaps
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £54.99 for a pair
These chaps are said to fit like a second skin with four-way stretch, the close contact chaps mould to your horse’s legs from below the knee or hock, all the way down to the coronet band. There are nine different sizes, including some slim and wide fits. While the main function of these is to keep legs clean, they also offer protection against both brushing and overreaching. They can be machine washed at 30°C and are quick to dry.
In the UK? View now at equilibriumproducts.com, amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Arma Deluxe Mud Socks
Sizes: Small pony – extra-full
RRP: £35.99 for a pair
These mud socks are ergonomically shaped to ensure a close, comfortable fit. They are made of dense neoprene that offers protection against bumps and scrapes, while the airflow perforations help prevent legs from overheating. They are suitable for front or hind legs.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk oe gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Turnout Boots
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £59.95 for a pair
Made of antibacterial ventilated neoprene to avoid rubbing and sweat build-up, these boots have elasticated and angled straps to allow for movement and optimum fit. They feature a durable skid cap that positions the boot correctly on back of the joint. They can be hosed off or machine washed, and can be used on front or hind legs.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
You might also be interested in:
Best barrier creams to help protect against wet and mud
Turnout boots: what are the pros and cons?
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
