Bell boots, overreach boots and exercise bandages.
Why Protect Horse’s Legs
Horse’s legs are particularly vulnerable to knocks, strain and microtrauma, especially during intense training or competition. Protecting tendons, ligaments and joints is essential to prevent injuries, trauma, and overloads that could compromise the horse’s health and performance.
To meet these needs, there are different types of leg protection, each with a specific function:
- Brushing boots
- Tendon boots
- Fetlock boots
- Hoof boots
- Bell boots
- Work wraps
- Stable wraps
- Under bandages
- Cooling boots
This guide explores the main characteristics of each product, explaining when and how to use them and how to choose the most suitable protection based on the horse’s activity.
The article is divided into three parts, published weekly.
After analyzing brushing boots, tendon boots and fetlock boots in the first part, this second section focuses on bell boots, overreach boots and exercise bandages, three essential tools for injury prevention and horse welfare during both daily activities and sports.
Bell Boots: Hoof Protection During Jumping
Bell boots are designed to prevent the horse from accidentally pulling off its front shoes with its hind legs – a common occurrence that can damage the coronary band, heel, and hoof wall.
Features of Bell Boots
- Function: Prevent the horse from striking and removing its front shoes during jumping.
- Materials: Made of durable, shock-absorbing elastic rubber.
- Correct positioning: The highest part should be on the inside of the leg to protect the shoe’s clip area.
Bell boots are particularly suitable for jumping disciplines, where the risk of accidental impacts on the shoes is high. They offer effective hoof protection and comfort thanks to the material’s flexibility.
Overreach Boots: Protection for the Heel Bulbs and Coronary Band
Overreach boots protect sensitive areas such as the heel bulbs and coronary band, which can be struck by the hind limbs. They are essential for preventing common contusions, especially from barrier contact or in horses that tend to step on themselves.
Tattini Overreach Boot Types
- Synthetic overreach boots with or without fleece lining: Technical outer material, Lycra-lined interior with neoprene padding, double Velcro closure.
- Ribbed rubber overreach boots: Simpler but with strong double Velcro closure and high wear resistance.
Exercise Bandages: Tendon Support for Sport Horses
Exercise bandages are soft leg wraps used to support tendons and ligaments during flatwork. Unlike brushing or fetlock boots, they don’t protect against direct impacts but help reduce vibrations and microtraumas from repetitive movements.
Main Functions
- Tendon support
- Reduction of muscle fatigue
- Prevention of microtraumas
- Vibration control during daily work
Types of Exercise Bandages
🔹 Fleece Bandages
- Soft, slightly elastic, and easy to apply
- Ideal for young horses or light workouts
- High comfort but limited support
- Velcro closure
🔹 Half Fleece, Half Elastic Bandages
- Fleece part in contact with the tendon (acts as a padding)
- Elastic part for better containment
- Excellent balance between protection and comfort
- Ideal for horses in regular work
- Velcro closure
🔹 Fully Elastic Bandages
- Maximum tendon support
- Used in racehorses or high-intensity sports
- Require experience for correct application
- May cause harmful pressure if applied incorrectly
🟢 Practical Tip: Exercise bandages should be removed immediately after work, before they become soaked with sweat. Wash regularly to keep them soft and safe.
Conclusion – Part 2
In this second part, we’ve covered bell boots, overreach boots, and exercise bandages – essential tools for protecting the horse’s legs during both sports and daily activities. Choosing the right type of protection based on the discipline and the horse’s specific needs helps prevent injuries and improve performance.
The third and final part of the guide will cover the use of stable bandages, padding wraps, and cooling boots, useful for post-work recovery and managing horses at rest.
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