This Guide is going to attempt to explain the reason and need for using Protective Boots on our Horses.

Why do I need protective boots for an animal that has an innate sense of survival? In the wild, horses kick, fight, and travel over rough terrain without any kind of protective equipment. However, the reason you must invest in quality protective equipment for your horse is because you, as a human, have intervened in a horse's natural instinct to defend it-self under any and all circumstances. By owning a horse, you have accepted the responsibility of breaking their natural prey instinct and replacing their survival instinct with a parent-child trust and understanding.

When a horse owner directs their horse to spin, turn or rate to a stop from high speeds, they are subjecting the horse to possible harm, even as minute as it may seem. When a horse gouges or cross fires causing injury under your guidance , your horse will naturally feel his safety is in fact being jeopardized. Your horse will automatically be reserved and cautious when following your direction. The true capability of you and your horse as a team will never be seen.

Take the steps to ensure your horse's safety and well-being. It builds the special bond you could never replace and the one that is most vital in order to succeed as a true horseman in any discipline.

There are many  styles of Protective Boots the most common are Bell Boots and Splint Boots. These are used most commonly on the front legs, but can  also be used on the hind legs depending on the type of work the horse is asked to perform.

Bell Boots cover the whole hoof, including the coronet band and  the bulb. They provide excellent shock absorption to protect these  vulnerable areas from our interference with the horses natural movements.

Splint Boots provide support and protection to the splint  bones, tendons and other soft tissues. They guard against cross fire and  other scalping injuries. These boots generally have a suspensory rib that is positioned between the tendon and the canon bone to ensure proper alignment of the boots.

"Combo" boots, which combine the Bell Boot and the Splint boot into a single "Combination Sport Boot" offer excellent protection for such disciplines as Roping, Team Penning and Barrel Racing in a single combination boot which is easy to put on and remove from the horse's legs.

There are other boots which have been designed specifically for various other disciplines, for example skid boots used by Reining Horses, but these other boots will be for another guide.