Travel Boots

Travel Boots

Travel boots, also known as shipping boots or transport boots, are heavy-duty protective leg gear designed to shield a horse's legs while being transported in a trailer or horsebox. These boots help prevent injuries from bumps, scrapes, or strikes during transit, which can occur due to sudden movements, changes in balance, or nervousness during travel.

Key Features of Travel Boots:

1. Full Leg Coverage: Travel boots usually extend from the knee or hock down to the hoof, providing protection to the entire lower leg, including the fetlock and pastern.
2. Thick Padding: Made from heavily padded materials, such as foam or quilted fabric, to cushion the horse’s legs and absorb shocks during transit.
3. Durable Outer Layer: The outer shell is often made from tough, water-resistant materials like ballistic nylon, ensuring they hold up against abrasions and wear.
4. Secure Fastening: Travel boots feature multiple wide Velcro straps that make them easy to put on and take off, while ensuring a snug fit during transport.
5. Contoured Fit: Many boots are ergonomically designed to conform to the horse’s leg shape, providing both comfort and maximum protection without restricting movement.

Benefits of Travel Boots:

• Prevention of Injury: Travel boots protect against cuts, bruises, and scrapes that can occur when a horse steps on its own legs or bumps into the sides of the trailer.
• Shock Absorption: The thick padding helps absorb shocks and impacts during transport, ensuring the horse's legs are cushioned.
• Stability: They provide stability to the legs, helping prevent strains or injuries from sudden movements during transportation.
• Coverage of Hoof Area: Many travel boots are designed to protect the heel bulbs and coronet band, reducing the risk of injury if the horse steps on itself or shifts weight abruptly.

When to Use Travel Boots:

• During Transport: Anytime a horse is being loaded onto a trailer or horsebox, travel boots should be used to protect the legs, particularly during long trips or when traveling over rough terrain.
• Turnout Protection (optional): Some people also use travel boots for short-term turnout if the horse is known to knock its legs or is recovering from injury, though brushing boots are more common for this purpose.

Choosing the Right Travel Boots:

1. Size: Ensure the boots cover the leg from just below the knee or hock all the way down to the hoof, including protection for the heel. They should fit snugly without being too tight or causing discomfort.
2. Material: Look for boots made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like nylon or synthetic leather, with plenty of padding for protection.
3. Fastening: Strong, wide Velcro straps are essential for keeping the boots securely in place. Check that the fastenings are positioned correctly to avoid slipping.
4. Breathability: Some travel boots come with breathable or moisture-wicking linings to keep the horse’s legs dry and comfortable during long journeys.

Travel Boots vs. Bandages:

• Travel Boots are quicker and easier to apply and provide fuller leg coverage.
• Bandages (leg wraps) can also be used for protection during transport, but they take more time to apply correctly and require additional padding underneath to prevent injury. Travel boots are often preferred for convenience and better shock absorption.

Popular Brands for Travel Boots:

• WeatherBeeta: Known for durable and well-fitting travel boots.
• Shires: Offers a variety of travel boots with ergonomic designs and strong fastenings.
• Horseware: Known for high-quality, padded boots with excellent leg coverage.
• LeMieux: Offers stylish and protective travel boots with superior comfort.

Fitting Travel Boots:

• The boots should fit securely without being too tight, with enough room for padding but no slipping.
• Make sure the fastenings are properly adjusted, particularly around the fetlock and hoof, to ensure they stay in place during the journey.
• Double-check the fit before loading your horse into the trailer to ensure maximum comfort and protection.

Travel boots are essential for protecting your horse’s legs during transport, especially if you're traveling long distances or on rough roads. Would you like specific brand recommendations or tips on how to introduce your horse to wearing travel boots?