Top horse shipping boots and how to apply them

When you travel with your horses, you want to take every possible precaution to help keep them safe and happy. Horses’ legs don’t have muscle to protect bones and tendons, which means even small injuries can take a while to heal. You never want to take the chance that your horse might bump their leg while traveling, so shipping boots can be a lifesaver. If you’re new to shipping boots, we’ve got just the guide for you. 

Read on for the different types of horse shipping boots and how to apply them. 

What is the difference between horse shipping boots and shipping wraps?

When you’re shopping for shipping boots, it’s important to know the difference between shipping boots and shipping wraps. Shipping wraps have a padded inner lining of cotton batting or quilted pad. A polo wrap or another shipping wrap is used around the padding. Horse shipping wraps cover the same area as shipping boots, but they aren’t as easy to use and may not provide as much protection.

Shipping boots combine the padding and wrap components into one easy-to-use product. When you apply shipping boots, you simply wrap the boots around your horse’s legs and secure with the attached velcro straps. If you’re just getting started wrapping your horse’s legs, this may be a good choice for you. Keep in mind that shipping boots may be warmer than wraps, so if you’re going on a longer trip, you horse may get hot.

When should you use horse shipping boots?

Shipping boots are so named because they are usually used for longer rides. When you’re considering whether or not to put your horse in shipping boots for your next trip, you can always get your veterinarian’s take on the situation. Here are a few questions to consider?

• Is your horse usually stable in a trailer? 
• How does he or she manage shorter rides? 
• Do you haul your horse frequently? 
• Have you had any issues getting him or her in or out of the trailer?

Our top-selling shipping boots

If you’re shopping for new boots or looking to invest in your first pair, we can help you get started. Check out all of our shipping boots online of take a look at some of our top choices.

Pessoa Shipping Boots: Available for both horses and ponies. They have a strong outer shell and easy-to-use closure straps. And they’re made of a high-quality water-resistant and breathable polyester in case you encounter any wild weather along the way. They’re high tech with heel protectors, reflective piping, and large hook & loop closures.

Equiline Rex Travel Boots: These boots are super soft and comfortable while still providing maximum protection. They feature tear-resistant fabric with soft and flexible ergonomic padding. Triple Velcro closure and reinforced PVC base.

Centaur 1200D Solid Shipping Boots: Centaur® shipping boots have a tough outer material and classic style, making them a reliable choice. They’re made of tough 1200D rip-stop material with 210D nylon lining, PVC heel protectors, and strong hook & loop closures.

5/A Baker Poly Trailering Boots: These adorable trailering boots protect your horse’s knees, hocks, fetlocks, pasterns, heels, and coronary bands. They have a dense 23mm foam middle layer to cushion and protect with a 180 GSM black polyester fleece lining that also provides a comfortable feel to help keep leg muscles relaxed for longer journeys. They have a wide hook-and-loop straps for a nonslip fit. Even better, they’re machine washable.

How to put on horse shipping boots

For shipping boots, you simply put them in place and pull the straps closed. For wraps, you need to place them carefully to ensure the quilted inner lining fits over the heel and coronary band (where the hoof meets the leg). Some horses can be sensitive in this area of their legs, so make sure you apply carefully. As long as boots are sized properly for the horse, there is less risk of injuring the horse’s tendons. It takes practice to apply wraps and it may be helpful to have someone help you apply them. Horse boots can usually be applied by one person.

Steps:

• Wrap the boot around the leg, making sure the velcro is on the outside
• The boot should be snug around the leg but not tight
• Make sure the back of the boot touches the ground
• Continue until you have applied all four boots
• Recheck that boots are snug and touch the ground

We hope that this quick guide to applying your horse’s shipping boots can help you keep them safe on the road. Our staff is experienced in traveling all distances to horse shows, so if you need any advice, send us and email or come by the store. You may like:

Horse Shipping Boots (The Ultimate Guide)

How to Safely Load Unload and Tie Your Horse in a Trailer

Traveling with Horses-11 Long Distance Trailering Travel Tips