The best travel boots provide excellent protection to the horse when he’s being loaded, unloaded and while in transit in a horsebox or trailer. They need to be hard-wearing, so they can protect your horse’s legs from knocks and scrapes, as well as suitably padded to absorb shock. Some boots have fleece linings, while others have nylon – whichever you prefer it’s important that the materials are breathable.
Travel boots need to stay in place should a horse become fractious, while having easy-to-use fasteners will allow you to ensure a good fit when putting them on, and make them quick to take off. Some boots have added protection around the bottom, where the boots can experience heavy wear, as well as across the knee and hock areas. As well as travel boots, you might want to consider tail protection and a travel rug when preparing your travel kit.
Best travel boots for every budget
WeatherBeeta Deluxe Travel Boots
Colours: Black or navy/red/white
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or warmblood
RRP: £81.99
H&H Rating: 8/10
With a 1200D outer, these strong and durable WeatherBeeta boots also have a protective dense foam inner and nylon lining for comfort. They are extra-long for combined knee and hock protection, have PVC strike pads around the bottom and have an additional strike pad on the hock. These boots are fastened with three touch-tape closures.
Read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Deluxe travel boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com, rideawaystore.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Arma Air Defence Travel Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £67.99
These travel boots are designed to not only be protective but to assist with temperature regulation. The lining is made of a 3D fabric that wicks away moisture and ensures breathability. They have PVC scuff guards for additional protection and durability. They’re fastened with three touch-tape closures on both front and hind boots.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Carbon Travel Boots
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £89.95
These LeMieux travel boots are made with a strong ballistic nylon outer fabric with a new carbon nano-fibre lining that effectively wicks moisture to control heat and sweat build-up. They feature generously quilted Velcro straps that complete the look of these very smart boots and make them easy to fasten, while the PU leather heel guards add extra protection.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
Fouganza Traveller 500 Boots
Colours: Black/grey
Sizes: One size
RRP: £49.99
These boots fasten with two tabs on the fronts and three on the hinds. The top of each is extra-wide, which makes for easy fastening and better security.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Hy Signature Travel Boots
Colours: Navy
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £46.99
These boots feature tough strike pads at the fetlocks and hocks, a fleece lining and a durable ripstop outer. They have three touch-tape fastenings on both the front and hind boots.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Mark Todd Travel Boots
Colours: Black, navy, burgundy or navy plaid
Sizes: Extra-small, pony, cob or full
RRP: £69.98
Available in a good range of colours, these padded Mark Todd travel boots are designed to offer maximum protection with tough outer fabric and protective scuff plates around the bottom edge. They have extra-wide fastening straps making them quick and easy to fit. Each set comes with a free matching tail guard and a reusable zipped storage bag.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
Rhinegold Ripstop Full-length Travel Boots
Colours: Brown, silver or turquoise
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £48.90
H&H review: 7/10
These Rhinegold boots have a tough nylon outer, nylon lining and feature a strengthened strike pad at the heel. The wide touch-tape fastenings offer secure fit and the boots have an extra strengthened strike pad at the heel.
Read H&H’s independent Rhinegold travel boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Saxon Travel Boots
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £44.99
These Saxon travel boots are straightforward and provide good value for money. They’re fleece-lined and have a durable nylon outer. They also have secure, touch tape fastenings.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Horseware Signature Travel Boots
Colours: Navy or hunter green
Sizes: Pony, cob or horse
RRP: £125.95
These premium travel boots are designed to provide both protection and comfort. They’re made of durable polyester with breathable air mesh panels. This allows for proper airflow and temperature regulations. Extra features include reinforced pads around the pastern and fetlock as well as reflective piping for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Should horses wear travel boots?
Travel boots protect horses’ legs during transport. These boots shield against cuts, bruises, and other injuries caused by the confined space and movement of trailers or trucks. Covering from hoof to knee or hock, they absorb shock and stay secure, ensuring consistent protection throughout the journey.
However, improperly fitted boots can cause discomfort, rubbing, and skin sores, stressing the horse. Some horses may also react negatively to the restrictive feeling. Therefore, ensuring correct sizing and gradual introduction is vital for a safe, stress-free experience. High-quality, well-adjusted travel boots significantly enhance horses’ safety during transport.
How to fit horse travel boots?
Well-fitting travel boots are essential for their effectiveness and the horse’s comfort. Start by choosing the right size, ensuring the boots cover from the hoof to just below the knee or hock. Place the boot on the leg, ensuring it aligns properly and covers the intended areas. Secure the straps, starting at the top and working your way down. You want a snug fit without being too tight to avoid restricting blood flow.
Check for any gaps or areas where the boot may rub against the skin. Have the horse walk a few steps to observe if the boots stay in place and don’t cause discomfort. Adjust as needed, ensuring the horse can move freely without the boots slipping or causing irritation.
Can you travel a horse without boots on?
Travelling a horse without boots is possible. However, it increases the risk of leg injuries. Horses’ lower legs are vulnerable during transport due to the confined space and movement. Without boots, they are more likely to suffer cuts, bruises, or more severe injuries from kicking or stumbling.
If you choose to travel without, ensure the horse is calm and used to transport conditions. Securely tie the horse to limit movement and provide ample bedding to cushion the floor. While this reduces risk, it does not offer the same level of protection. For safety, especially on long or rough journeys, using travel boots is strongly recommended.
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