Bell boots can help protect front hooves from injuries caused by overreach injuries, which occur when horses reach up and reach up with their back foot and step on either the coronary band or heel bulb of their front hoof.
Material selection varies by design; gum rubber pull-ons, soft PVC with tear resistance features or no-turn styles are among your options for footwear protection and durability.
Protects Hooves
Bell boots for horses serve to safeguard the front hoof from being injured by hind feet that overreach when jumping or working in wet or slippery ground, often by overreaching hind feet stepping on sensitive heel bulbs of front feet causing pain, lameness, or even loss of shoes. Bell boots, also referred to as overreach boots, reduce this kind of injury by covering both feet up to their coronary bands and pastern.
A great pair of horse bell boots features a custom fit designed specifically to the hooves with double Velcro to securely fasten them in place. Inside of each boot will be lined with material designed to dissipate shock and heat; some brands use soft yet comfortable materials like neoprene; while others employ open cell foam that molds itself around each individual hoof to absorb impact more efficiently.
Tack Warehouse offers an assortment of bell boots from top tack manufacturers like Davis, KL Select and Back on Track that feature overreach boots with overreach capabilities as well as fetlock boots to meet any horse’s needs. When selecting bell boots for your horse, be sure to inspect them regularly to remove grime that rubs against their coronary band area of their hoof and brush and wash regularly to maintain top condition.
Prevents Overreach Injuries
If your horse is prone to overreaching (when front hooves are hit by rear feet, often during riding or turnout), bell boots may help decrease this type of injury. They cover the back pastern from coronary band down towards heel, and prevent hind feet from hitting front heels during riding or turnout.
Bell boots with rubber or neoprene strike pads help shield horses’ feet from injuries caused by hard ground surfaces or other horses. Look for boots equipped with double Velcro for secure closures, and select styles featuring fleece lining along the pastern to reduce chafing; some designs even have air vents to release heat and moisture, helping prevent overheating.
Choose the appropriate bell boots for your horse depending on a variety of factors, such as the frequency and nature of your rides and pasture activities. Thorough assessment by qualified equine professionals will help to establish whether bell boots can benefit in that particular environment; some horses may even benefit from wearing them during training sessions if they tend to overreach or play roughly with companions who are often turnout together.
Prevents Ticks
Bell boots provide your horse with a protective barrier from ticks that lurk in hay and pasture, especially those located behind their front feet. Ticks are parasitic parasites which can cause severe damage to their lower legs; bell boots prevent ticks from accessing coronary bands or heel bulbs of its hooves by covering these areas – this is why some owners choose to use them regularly.
Some bell boot designs feature fleece lining in the area that rests against the pastern, providing a soft yet comfortable touch against coronary band while helping avoid sores or rubs in this sensitive area. Other bell boots may feature open cell foam as a cushion that disperses shock while still remaining breathable enough for moisture egress.
Many people enjoy wearing bell boots when engaging in high-performance activities like jumping, working on muddy or slippery surfaces and lunging their horse. If your horse tends to overreach their hind feet may catch on the backs of their front feet and pull off their shoes accidentally; bell boots also help prevent this from occurring while shipping as they prevent it stepping on themselves or other horses during shipping wraps or trailering.
Prevents Clip Marks
When horses wear bell boots for prolonged periods, it’s essential that they be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid dirt settling inside and causing skin issues or rubbing. Furthermore, comfortable materials and ample ventilation should be considered; otherwise hooves cannot breathe freely which may result in overheating and sweating as well as health complications for both horse and human alike.
There are various styles and materials of bell boots available for horses today. Each offer their own distinct advantages in use. Some models allow easy on/off access while others may fit around heel bulbs securely, making removal simpler as they require less cleaning work afterwards.
People sometimes use bell boots to protect the heels and coronet bands of horse hoof when clipping. These bell boots feature a rounded nubbin at the back that helps stop it turning over or rubbing against their coronary band, as well as thicker, softer versions with an internal neoprene layer for additional protection.
Leave a Reply