Leg wraps and protective gear: the right choice by discipline
At Sellerie Bucéphale, we are often asked the same question at the counter: “What protections should I put on my horse?” The honest answer is that there is no single perfect model for everything. A dressage horse, a pair jumping bars in competition, and a pasture horse do not have the same needs. In this guide, we sort through them, discipline by discipline, to help you choose with confidence. We deliberately stick to general and cautious principles: every horse is different, and in case of doubt about a pathology or a specific need, the advice of your veterinarian or trusted professional always takes precedence.
What is the purpose of protections?
The horse’s limbs are a sensitive area: under the skin, tendons and ligaments run very close to the bone, with little tissue to cushion an impact. Protection primarily has a mechanical role: to limit the consequences of an injury, that is, when one limb strikes another, or when an obstacle, a stone, or a branch hits the lower leg.
There are schematically several families. Gaiters cover the cannon and the inside of the limb: they can be closed (they wrap around the entire cannon, with or without fetlock support) or open — these open front gaiters are called tendon boots, with a shell that shields the back of the cannon and leaves the front exposed. Fetlock boots, shorter, are small gaiters that focus on the fetlock joint, usually on the hind legs. Bell boots surround the pastern and heel to prevent shoe loss and injuries to the bulbs of the heel. Added to this are specific protections: for work, transport, cold, or recovery.
Protection is not a miracle cure and does not replace good training or proper shoeing. It supports the horse during times when the risk of injury increases. Well chosen and properly fitted, it reassures the rider as much as it protects the horse.
Understanding injuries: brushing or hind leg impact
Before choosing, you need to understand what you want to avoid. Two very different mechanisms lie behind the word “injury.”
Brushing injury comes from the opposite limb: the horse touches the inner side of the cannon or fetlock with the opposite foot. This is common on flat work, in dressage, at collected gaits, or with a slightly wide horse. The useful protection here is a shell on the inner side, rather flexible and covering — typically a closed boot.
The hind leg hitting the front tendon is another matter: in jumping or galloping, the hind leg can strike the back of the front cannon, where the tendon runs. It is for this area that tendon protectors were created, that is, open-front boots on the front legs: they shield the back of the limb while leaving the front of the cannon uncovered, so the horse remains attentive and “feels” the pole without injuring itself.
The right choice by discipline
Each activity stresses the horse differently, and the type of protection follows this logic.
Dressage. The risk of severe injury is low, but lateral and collected movements cause the limbs to brush against each other: this is mainly brushing. Therefore, closed boots (with or without fetlock support), flexible, light, and breathable, are often preferred; they protect contact over the entire height of the cannon without hindering movement — or, more traditionally, simple work bandages. Comfort and lightness take precedence over a rigid shell.
Jumping and Show Jumping. Two risks coexist: brushing (inner side) and especially the hind leg hitting the front tendon. Hence the logic of open-front boots = tendon protectors in front: a hard shell at the back of the cannon to absorb the shock, with the front left open to keep the horse respectful of the poles. Behind, the focus is on the fetlock with short fetlock protectors (often with a shell). The idea is to protect without overheating, during short and intense efforts.
Cross-country and eventing. This is the most demanding discipline. The horse gallops over varied terrain, jumps fixed obstacles, and can receive significant impacts. The choice is for closed boots with shells, with a hard outer shell, combined with a draining lining that does not retain water: the key is to evacuate water and mud rather than soak them up. Thick foam like neoprene, which becomes heavy and causes maceration when waterlogged, is avoided here. Durable bell boots and enveloping shells make perfect sense.
Daily work and pasture. For flatwork, lunging, or horses living outside, the priority is breathability and long-term comfort. Protection that is too warm or poorly ventilated can do more harm than good if worn for long periods. Some riders also use recovery or cold therapy protection after exercise, in line with their usual care routine.
| Discipline | Priority | Type of protection |
|---|---|---|
| Dressage | Lightweight, breathability, brushing | Closed boots (with or without fetlock support) or bandages |
| Jumping / show jumping | Front tendon + inner side | Open-front boots (tendon protectors) in front + short fetlock protectors behind |
| Cross-country / eventing | Durability, hard shell, drainage | Closed boots with shells + draining lining + bell boots |
| Work / pasture | Long-lasting comfort | Ventilated boots, suitable protection |
Boots, fetlock protectors, bell boots: who does what?
These types are complementary and are often used together.
On the front legs, there are either closed boots that cover the entire cannon and the inside of the limb (ideal against brushing from the opposite leg), or tendon protectors — open boots that shield the back of the cannon from impact by the hind leg while leaving the front exposed. On the hind legs, fetlock protectors are short boots that cover the back of the fetlock, the most affected area behind, especially during exertion and changes of direction (typical use in show jumping). There are also true hind boots, longer ones that cover both the cannon and the back of the fetlock (useful when you want extra protection at the back). Finally, bell boots surround the pastern and extend down over the heel: they prevent pulling shoes off and protect the bulbs of the heel, especially in horses that step on themselves.
A common confusion concerns front and back models: they are not interchangeable. Front and rear protections are designed with different shapes and lengths. Always check the manufacturer's indication before fitting a pair.
Materials: support, warmth, and comfort
The material determines both comfort and protection. Three main families to know:
- Neoprene. Good support and cushioning, fits the limb well, but hot and not very breathable: it raises the temperature under the protection and soaks up water. Perfect for short use, less so for prolonged wear or muddy cross-country.
- 3D mesh / breathable technical materials. Designed to let air circulate and limit tendon overheating. The right compromise for regular work and horses sensitive to heat.
- Sheepskin (natural or synthetic). Softness and comfort on contact, especially appreciated during transport and on sensitive skins, less so for intense effort.
Care according to the material: neoprene and plastic rinse with cold water and air dry; sheepskin is brushed once dry; many technical boots can be machine washed in a bag, never tumble dried. A clean, dry lining protects better and lasts longer.
Fit well: size and tightness
Poorly fitted protection can be useless or even uncomfortable. A few cautious principles:
- Size. Rely on each brand's size guide: a pony and a large horse do not have the same measurements. A boot should cover the area to protect without extending up to the knee or slipping down.
- Positioning. The shell is placed on the inner side of the limb (grooming) and/or behind the cannon bone (tendon). Closures usually fold back and outward, but always follow the model’s instructions.
- Direction and order of application. Place the protection flat against the limb, shell on the correct side, then fasten from top to bottom evenly, without folds or pressure points. Remove in the reverse order.
- Tightening. Neither too loose nor too tight. The practical rule: one finger should fit between the protection and the limb. Too loose, the protection rotates, slips, and can cause injury or tripping; too tight, it compresses the tendons. Aim for firm, even support without any hard spots.
- Condition. Always apply clean, dry protections on clean limbs: a grain of sand or mud under a shell causes irritation. Regularly check the wear of velcros and padding.
In case of swelling, heat, or marks after removing protections, take them off and seek advice from your veterinarian.
• Cold (such as Ice Vibe boots) is used after exercise or in case of inflammation/swelling: cold helps soothe the area. Use them occasionally, for a limited time.
• Ceramic / infrared (Welltex technology in Back on Track products) aims to promote circulation and recovery by reflecting body heat. It is for comfort and gentle recovery, not cold therapy.
If in doubt about inflammation, always consult your veterinarian.
Our protections
Here is a selection of protections available at Sellerie Bucéphale, covering the main needs by discipline. Feel free to visit our shop to try and compare sizes.
Front boots and tendon protectors
On the front legs: closed boots for grooming (inner side, dressage/flatwork) and tendon protectors (open-front boots) for impact of the hind leg on the tendon during jumping.
Fetlock protectors and hind boots
At the back, two options: the short fetlock protector (a short boot targeting the fetlock joint, used in show jumping), or true hind boots that also cover the cannon.
Eskadron open hind boots are true jumping boots for the hind legs (TPE shell, neoprene lining, high cut): they cover the cannon and fetlock, where a short fetlock protector only protects the joint.
Bell Boots
Work, cold, and recovery
For comfort during work, but also post-exercise: clearly distinguish cold (Ice Vibe, after exercise or inflammation) from ceramic/infrared (Back on Track, gentle recovery).
Prices shown for information only and may change. Find all our boots, fetlock protectors, and bell boots in-store and online.
Browse by brand
Each brand has its specialty: Eskadron for everyday use and competition, Back on Track for ceramic and recovery, Woof Wear for lightness, Equilibrium for technical work boots.
FAQ
Why are jumping tendon boots open in front?
Because tendon boots are open-front boots for the front legs. In jumping, the main risk is the hind leg hitting the back of the front cannon bone, on the tendon. They therefore protect the back of the leg while leaving the front of the cannon bone uncovered: the horse remains aware and "feels" the pole if it touches it, encouraging better respect for the obstacles without sacrificing tendon protection.
What protections are used in dressage?
In dressage, the main risk is brushing (the limbs brushing against each other at collected gaits), not violent impact. So, riders often use closed, flexible, and lightweight boots (with or without fetlock support), or simply work bandages. The priority is comfort, lightness, and breathability rather than a rigid shell.
Should protections be worn at every training session?
It depends on the horse and the work required. Many riders protect at least the front legs during flatwork or jumping, when the risk of injury increases. The important thing is to use clean, well-fitted protections and to remove them quickly after exercise to let the limbs breathe and release heat.
Do protections heat up the tendons?
Yes, some closed protections, especially neoprene, raise the temperature under the protection during exercise. This is not insignificant for tendons. The risk is limited by choosing breathable materials (3D mesh, ventilation along the tendon) for long efforts, and by removing protections as soon as work is finished.
Hind boot or fetlock protector: what’s the difference behind?
The fetlock protector is a short boot that targets the fetlock joint (typical use in show jumping). A true hind boot is longer and also covers the cannon: it is chosen when more protection is desired. The two are not interchangeable with front models.
Cold or ceramic for recovery?
These are two opposite approaches. Cold (Ice Vibe boots) is used after exercise or on a swollen/inflamed area, occasionally. Ceramic or infrared (Welltex technology from Back on Track) reflects body heat to promote circulation and gentle recovery. If in doubt about inflammation, ask your veterinarian's advice.
How to know which size to choose?
Each brand publishes its own size guide according to the horse's build. If in doubt, the best is to try: come to the store with your horse's measurements, we will help you compare models and find the right fit — a finger should still fit between the protection and the limb.
Can boots and bell boots be washed?
Yes, and it is even recommended to avoid irritations. Follow the manufacturer's instructions depending on the material: neoprene and plastic should be rinsed with cold water, many technical boots can be machine washed in a laundry bag, never tumble dried. Always let them dry completely before putting them back on.
