Travel boots
Travel boots are thickly padded boots for the legs during loading and transport.
What is it for?
They protect the legs from knocks, treads and scrapes when loading and while travelling in a trailer or lorry.
How is it made?
Thickly padded and anatomically shaped, with a tough outer and a soft lining over a foam core, with adjustable fastenings. They run from above the knee or hock down over the coronet.
When do you use it?
Only for transport, not for riding. There are short models that mainly cover the tendons and long models that reach up to the knee.
What to watch for in the fit
Snug around the hock, neither too tight nor too loose.
Make sure they do not slip down the cannon while travelling.
Add a tail guard if you want extra protection.
Take care
They are bulky and only meant for transport. Some horses dislike the feel; an alternative is stable bandages over enough padding.
What is it confused with?
- Bandages
As an alternative to travel boots, some people use stable bandages over a thick pad.
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Sources: Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) · Houghton Country. Descriptive and educational; not a substitute for advice from a vet or instructor.