Brushing boots

What is it for?

They protect the cannon and the inside of the fetlock against brushing, where a horse strikes the inside of one leg with the opposite hoof.

How is it made?

A boot around the lower leg with a reinforced layer on the inside, a soft lining and a firmer outer, fastened with Velcro or straps.

When do you use it?

Versatile: flatwork, hacking, jumping, lunging and sometimes turnout, for front and hind legs.

What to watch for in the fit

• The reinforced layer should sit over the inside of the fetlock and cannon.

• Snug so the boot does not rotate.

• Check for sand or grit underneath to prevent rubbing.

Take care

Brushing boots are often confused with tendon boots, but they protect the inside against self-interference, not the tendons at the back. The legs can heat up here too, so use them only when needed.

What is it confused with?

• Tendon boots

  Tendon boots protect the tendons at the back of the front legs; brushing boots protect the inside against strikes.

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