Horse Boots vs Bandages: Differences, When to Use Each
One of the most frequent questions among riders is when to use boots and when to use bandages for a horse's legs. Both systems protect the legs, but they are not interchangeable. This guide explains the differences and when to use each.
Boots: Advantages and Disadvantages
What are Boots?
Boots are pieces of semi-rigid material (neoprene, EVA, leather, or synthetic) that fasten with Velcro or straps. They mainly cover the horse's cannon bone and tendons.
Advantages of Boots
- Speed: they can be put on in 30 seconds per leg
- Do not require special technique
- Easy to wash and maintain
- Available in many colors and designs
- Lower risk of incorrect placement
Disadvantages of Boots
- Less compression for damaged tendons
- Accumulate more heat than traditional bandages
- Not suitable for specific medical treatments
When to Use Boots
- Daily training work: jumping, dressage, cross-country
- Riders who ride alone and need speed
- Children and beginners (easy to put on)
- Trailer transport (shipping boots)
Bandages: Advantages and Disadvantages
What are Equestrian Bandages?
Bandages are strips of fabric (fleece, elastic, cohesive) that are wrapped around the horse's leg. They require correct technique to avoid causing harm.
Advantages of Bandages
- Greater compression and support for tendons and ligaments
- Ideal for injury recovery and overnight rest
- Allow specific areas to be treated (flannel + cotton bandages)
- Less heat in work bandages (unlined)
- Very economical
Disadvantages of Bandages
- Require correct technique (risk of improperly applied bandage)
- Take more time to apply
- An improperly wrapped bandage can cause serious tendon damage
When to Use Bandages
- Rest after intense exercise or competition
- Veterinary treatments and recovery from tendonitis
- Cross-country work bandages (greater protection)
- Horses with a history of tendon injuries
Types of Boots by Use
| Type | Use | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Closed boot (SMB) | Daily work, jumping | Tendon, cannon, fetlock |
| Open-front boot | Show jumping | Tendon only |
| Bell boots | Jumping, cross-country | Coronet and hoof |
| Shipping boots | Trailer transport | Cannon + knee + fetlock |
| Knee boots | Transport, falls | Specific knee |
Types of Bandages by Use
| Type | Use | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece stable bandage | Post-exercise, overnight | Recovery, winter |
| Elastic work bandage | Light work | Horses that do not tolerate boots |
| Cross-country bandage (flannel) | Cross-country | Maximum tendon support |
| Cohesive bandage | Medical bandaging | Wounds, vet treatments |
Find boots and bandages for your horse in our boots and bandages section. We have options for all disciplines and all budgets.
