Brushing Boots and Exercise Boots

Brushing Boots & Exercise Boots

Brushing boots are a type of protective gear designed for horses to shield their legs from injury, particularly caused by the horse "brushing" or striking one leg against the other. These boots are commonly used during flatwork, lunging, and hacking, and are especially beneficial for horses with conformation issues or those prone to interference injuries.

Key Features of Brushing Boots:

1. Purpose:
   • Brushing boots protect the cannon bones, fetlocks, and tendons from impact, especially when horses strike their legs together during movement.
   • They are used to prevent injuries caused by brushing, which can lead to cuts, abrasions, or more severe damage.
2. Design:
   • Shaped for the Leg: Brushing boots are usually anatomically shaped to fit the contours of the horse's legs, providing protection to vulnerable areas such as the inner side of the legs.
   • Strike Pads: These boots have a reinforced strike pad on the inside to absorb impact and provide additional protection to the lower leg.
   • Velcro or Elastic Straps: Most brushing boots are secured with Velcro or elastic straps, ensuring a snug fit that won’t slip during movement.
3. Materials:
   • Outer Layer: Brushing boots are often made from durable materials such as neoprene, leather, or synthetic leather. Neoprene is particularly popular for its shock absorption, flexibility, and water-resistant properties.
   • Inner Lining: Soft materials like fleece, sheepskin, or a soft neoprene lining are used to cushion the horse's legs and prevent rubbing or chafing.
   • Ventilation: Some brushing boots feature breathable mesh or perforations to help regulate heat and prevent the horse’s legs from overheating during work.
4. Types of Brushing Boots:
   • Standard Brushing Boots: Cover the lower leg, often extending from just below the knee down to the fetlock, with protection focused on the inside of the leg.
   • Tendon Brushing Boots: Combine protection for both the inside of the leg (brushing) and the tendons at the back of the leg.
   • Cross-Country Brushing Boots: Heavily reinforced versions designed for high-impact activities like eventing, offering more extensive coverage and greater shock absorption.
5. Fit and Sizing:
   • It’s essential that brushing boots fit well to provide effective protection. Boots should cover the areas vulnerable to brushing without slipping or rotating.
   • Proper fit also ensures that the boots won’t cause rubbing, discomfort, or restrict blood flow.
6. Disciplines:
   • Everyday Riding: Brushing boots are commonly used during daily flatwork and training to protect the horse’s legs.
   • Jumping: In lower-level jumping, brushing boots provide extra leg protection without the bulk of more specialized jumping boots.
   • Lunging: Horses are prone to brushing injuries during lunging due to the tighter circles, making brushing boots a useful tool in these sessions.

Popular Brands for Brushing Boots:

• LeMieux: Known for high-quality boots with excellent fit and durability.
• Woof Wear: Offers a range of affordable and durable brushing boots suitable for all disciplines.
• HY Equestrian: Known for a variety of brushing boots in neoprene and other materials.
• Equilibrium: Features horse boots with lines focusing on protection and comfort.
• Veredus: High-performance brushing boots for competitive riding, often with innovative designs.

When to Use Brushing Boots:

• Flatwork: To protect the horse’s legs during basic training and schooling.
• Lunging: Horses may have increased risk of brushing on tight circles.
• Hacking: For trail rides, brushing boots provide extra leg protection from rough terrain.
• Jumping (lower levels): For horses prone to brushing or interference while jumping.

Brushing boots are a key piece of equipment for protecting horses from minor leg injuries during everyday activities, ensuring that their legs stay safe and sound.