Protective tendon boots for jumping and flatwork
The best tendon boots for horses provide the backs of your horse’s forelegs with support and protection from strikes and blows that are caused by clashing opposing legs and hind hooves. This part of your horse’s leg is particularly vulnerable to injury as the majority of the tendons and ligaments run down the back of the leg.
As they’re made with shockproof materials, tendon boots are usually fairly rigid but they should not affect your horse’s ability to flex his joints – and it’s helpful if they’re lightweight, too. It’s important they sit comfortably and don’t cause rubbing, plus many are designed with ventilating materials to prevent heat build up. Open-fronted boots are particularly popular in showjumping as they allow your horse to feel the poles. Tendon boots are often paired with fetlock boots on the hindlegs and are usually available in matching sets.
Best tendon boots for horses
Weatherbeeta Pro Air Open Front Boots
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: Cob, full or warmblood
RRP: £67.99
H&H Review: 10/10
These Weatherbeeta boots have a lightweight, tough and durable outer with a breathable micro-perforated neoprene lining that contours to your horse’s leg for maximum comfort and protection. They feature vents for breathability from the inner layer through to the outer shell.
Read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta tendon boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Arma Tendon Boots
Colours: Black, black/purple, black/blue or black/raspberry
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £23.99
These open-fronted tendon boots offer protection while allowing the horse to feel his way. The protective outer shell is flexible and impact resistant, and the dense neoprene lining is breathable and shock absorbing. They fasten with double touch-tape with elastic inserts.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Veredus Carbon Gel Vento Tendon Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: S–L
RRP: £199
These Veredus boots have been carefully designed so that heat released from your horse’s leg, while fresh air is allowed to enter without compromising on protection. The ventilation channels are horizontal (from the inside outwards) and vertical (from the bottom upwards), which is unique to this boot. The boots have carbon protectors combined with a nitrexgel shock absorber film within the boot.
A sheepskin-lined version of these Veredus tendon boots were reviewed as part of H&H’s independent testing scheme – read the full Veredus Carbon Gel Vento Tendon Boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Equilibrium Tri-Zone Open-fronted Tendon Boots
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: XS–L
RRP: £59.99
H&H Review: 8/10
These comfortable, softshell boots from Equilibrium are designed and tested to withstand concussion and penetration while remaining incredibly lightweight, flexible and breathable. Using a unique combination of materials in a four-layered protection system, they provide a comfortable and lightweight alternative to the traditional jumping boot. They are easy to wash and come with a one-year guarantee.
Read H&H’s independent Tri-Zone Tendon Boots review.
In the UK? View now at equilibriumproducts.com, amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
LeMieux Impact Responsive Gel Tendon Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £69.95
These boots from LeMieux have enhanced vented protection and a lightweight, shock-resistant shell that is anatomically moulded to support the fetlock and tendon. The rear and side vents release heat build-up as air enters the lower vents, flows around the tendons and rises to the upper extractor vent. The boots also contain a gel that absorbs energy and concussion created while jumping and protects against strikes while landing and turning.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
WeatherBeeta Hard Shell Dressage Boots
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: Cob or full
RRP: £59.50
These dressage boots offer protection to the fetlock and provide tendon support. They have an absorbent 3D mesh that wicks away moisture to keep your horse’s legs dry instead of sweaty, and they have quick-and-easy release elastic pin closures to keep them secure.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Eskadron Pro Flex Sport Tendon Boots
Colours: Black or night blue
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £84.95 for front, £49.95 for hinds
These sporty boots are made from a TPU shell with reinforced protection zones and a soft yet absorbing neoprene lining. They are lightweight and fasten with wide elasticated straps and adjustable metal closures.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Fouganza 500 Tendon Boots
Colours: Black, blue, chocolate or navy
Sizes: Cob or full
RRP: £24.99
These boots, which have the lowest RRP in this list, have an ergonomic design, foam lining, elasticated fastenings and Velcro tabs. The shell also has reinforced areas over the fetlocks and tendons.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Armoured Guard Pro Reaction Tendon Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £38.99
These lightweight durable boots are designed with a breathable and soft neoprene lining, added air vents and a hard-wearing outer shell. They are moulded to the shape of your horses’ legs to optimise flexibility, with over-locking touch-tape fastenings to ensure the boots remain secure.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Mark Todd Air Vent Tendon Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £54.99
These Mark Todd boots are described as a high performance tendon boot at a competitive price. Made from a combination of tough but flexible materials, they offer ventilation and increased shock absorption. They are lined with soft neoprene and have elasticated straps to ensure a snug fit without rubbing.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Woof Wear Pro Tendon Boots
Colours: Black or white
Sizes: S/M, M/L or L/XL
RRP: £44.99
Woof Wear’s Pro tendon boot provides high level protection thanks to a PU shell while allowing cooling airflow around the tendons. They have reinforced and padded strike areas, and are designed to allow full flexion. They are lined with 7mm breathable neoprene and nylon jersey for comfort. They fasten with elasticated double-locking touch-tape fastenings.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Zandona Carbon Air Tendon Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £129.90
These premium tendon boots have strike zones that are reinforced with carbon fibre, while a layer of Gel-Tech padding absorbs impact. The boots are designed to conform to your horse’s leg, with differentiated thickness to optimise performance and cut-away flex zones to ensure freedom of movement. They also feature a perforated neoprene lining and air inlets allow air to flow through the boot to prevent over-heating. The boots fasten with two elastic pin-hook straps, and the tabs are finished with an easy-grip ridge for ease of use.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
EquiFit D-Teq Front Boots
Colours: Black, black ostrich or brown
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £280
These EquiFit boots offer a great level of protection and support with a moulded, custom fit and classic styling. Made from a durable material that is resistant to scratches, abrasions, punctures and tears. The boots have removable, washable liners that form a protective shield on impact and you can swap these out for wool liners. The tab closures offer a secure fastening.
In the US? View now at amazon.com
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