What Are Horse Brushing Boots?

Brushing boots are flexible horse boots that offer protection and support for a horse's legs. Also referred to as splint boots or Heidi boots, they are made in a wide variety of styles, materials, sizes and colors, depending on the needs of the horse. Brushing boots are useful when a horse works or when it is turned out in a field.

  1. Usage

    • Brushing boots are uncomplicated and wrap around the front leg from below the knee to just above the fetlock joint. Their primary function is to prevent a horse from scraping, lacerating or bruising the leg with a hoof. Brushing boots are especially useful in young horses or horses with poor conformation that may be accident prone due to clumsiness. These boots also offer support to the anatomical structures of the leg when jumping, galloping, doing lateral work and sliding.

    Foreleg Anatomy

    • The portion of the foreleg covered by brushing boots has three metacarpal bones. The third metacarpal bone, also referred to as the cannon bone, is the largest of the three bones. Medial and lateral to the cannon bone are the splint bones, the second and the fourth metacarpal, which connect to the cannon bone by a layer of fibrous tissue. Brushing boots help provide support to these structures to prevent orthopedic injury.

    Material

    • Ideally, brushing boots should be simple to use on a daily basis. The shells come in a variety of materials, including leather, neoprene and synthetic mixes, and have neoprene, sheepskin or other moldable materials for the lining. Most boots have fabric fastener or hook and loop closure and have the added advantage of being machine washable.

    Proper Fit

    • Manufacturers often offer several sizing options to accommodate different leg heights and diameters. A properly fitted boot should fit from just below the knee and wrap around the inside part of the fetlock without impeding motion. The boots should fasten with the fabric fastener pulled toward the horse's hind end with equal pressure on each strap. It is important to ensure properly fitting boots to prevent rubs, blisters or even injury.