Tendon boots

What is it for?

They protect the tendons at the back of the cannon from strikes, for example when a hind hoof catches the front legs during fast work or jumping.

How is it made?

Usually open at the front, with a hard or padded protective layer at the back over the tendons. The open front is deliberate: the horse can still feel a knocked pole.

When do you use it?

On the front legs for jumping and fast work. There are open models (most used for jumping) and closed models for flatwork.

What to watch for in the fit

• Snug but not too tight, and long enough to cover the inside of the fetlock and most of the cannon.

• The protective layer should sit over the tendons at the back.

• Check that the boot does not rotate or slip down.

Take care

Because of the open front they protect the tendons but not the front of the leg; they are not all-round boots. Tendons can heat up under boots, so use them only when needed and cool the legs after work.

What is it confused with?

• Brushing boots

  Brushing boots protect the inside of the leg against strikes; tendon boots protect the tendons at the back.

• Fetlock boots

  Fetlock boots are the hind-leg counterpart and shorter.

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