If you’ve ever looked into buying bell boots, you know there are a lot of choices. The difference is in the material. You’ll want something breathable that won’t rub on your horse’s legs or hoof walls. Some horses need extra protection from overreach injuries, so make sure those boots fit well and aren’t too tight around the fetlock area, where they might rub against the bone.
The thing you’ll notice is that there are a lot of choices.
There are different materials, designs, and purposes for each kind of boot. Some are more durable than others; some have better traction or grip on the ground.
Some boots have padding on the inside that helps make them more comfortable for your horse to wear over long periods of time; others don’t need any extra comfort features because they fit so well they don’t cause any chafing or rubbing on your horse’s legs.
It can be hard to know which one will work best for your needs!
The difference is in the material.
There are two main differences between different types of bell boots. The first is the material, and the second is fit.
The most common materials are leather and synthetic (or plastic) materials like neoprene or nylon. Leather bell boots tend to be more durable than synthetic ones, but they’re also heavier and more expensive–and they’re not always appropriate for horses with sensitive skin issues like rain rot or scratches from hay that might cause irritation if you rub against them while wearing a pair of heavy-duty leathers on all four feet!
Synthetic materials are lighter weight, cheaper in price, easier on your wallet…and sometimes even better at preventing rubs than their leather counterparts thanks to their ability to stretch slightly as your horse moves around inside them without getting too tight around certain areas where there might otherwise be chafing issues later on down the road when things start rubbing raw spots off against each other due to excessive friction between two surfaces rubbing together constantly over time due to lack proper support from underneath those surfaces being ableto move freely enough within themselves during regular activities such as walking/running/galloping around outside etcetera ad nauseum ad infinitum.”
Some horses need the extra protection of overreach boots,
If your horse has a tendency to overreach, there are some additional considerations for boot selection. A common style of boot is the overreach boot, which is designed to extend further down the leg than other types of bell boots. This extra protection helps prevent injuries caused by stepping on sharp objects or getting hung up in fence wires.
For many horses, regular bell boots will be sufficient; however if you have an exceptionally active horse that likes to run around and play with other animals (or even just run), then overreach boots may be worth considering as they tend to be more durable and can withstand greater use before they need replacing. They also tend to cost more than standard-length models due to their higher quality materials and construction methods–but if they last longer than one season’s worth of wear-and-tear, then it could end up being worth it!
One thing that most people find difficult when using this type of product is putting them on correctly: The straps go under each fetlock joint (knee) rather than behind like most traditional styles do so if yours doesn’t fit right away please don’t give up hope! It may take some practice but once he gets used it should become second nature after awhile.
Don’t put them on too tight, and make sure they’re not rubbing against the hoof wall.
When you put on your horse’s bell boots, be sure that they’re not rubbing against the hoof wall. If they are, it will cause pain and damage to your horse’s feet.
Don’t put them on too tight, or they’ll fall off when he tries to move around in them. If they’re loose enough that he can kick them off easily (or chew them), then they’ll be useless as well!
You may need to take the boots off to check.
If you suspect a problem, or if your horse is lame, take the boots off. You can check for signs of injury by feeling for heat and swelling around the fetlock. If you notice any problems with heat or swelling, remove the bell boots immediately–the hoof might be injured or infected.
If there are no signs of injury, but you still feel like something isn’t right after putting on new bell boots (or if they just don’t fit well), try another pair! It’s always best to choose ones that fit perfectly so they don’t rub on sensitive areas like tendons and ligaments in order to prevent injuries from developing over time.
Put them on after grooming and before getting on to ride.
Don’t put them on too tight, but don’t leave any space between your horse’s leg and the bell boot either. The idea is to keep debris from getting into the hoof, not to make it hard for your horse to walk around in his or her stall!
You can wash them with mild soap or baby shampoo.
Wash your bell boots in cold water with a mild soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well, then let them air dry. Don’t put them in the dryer!
Choosing the right bell boots for your horse means choosing the right material, fit and care practices.
- Material: Bell boots made from leather are breathable and comfortable for horses that live in warmer climates. They also tend to last longer than synthetic materials because they’re more durable and require less maintenance.
- Fit: A good-fitting pair of bell boots will stay on without slipping off or bunching up at the fetlock joint (the top part of your horse’s leg). You should be able to easily slip them over your horse’s hooves without any trouble–if they’re too tight, they could rub him raw; if they’re too loose, he’ll probably kick them off! If you’re having trouble getting his hooves into one pair of bells but not another size down/up – try switching brands first before trying different sizes within one brand so it doesn’t become an expensive guessing game!
It’s important to choose the right bell boots for your horse. The material, fit and care can make a big difference in whether they work well or not. You may need to try a few different styles before finding one that works best for you and your horse.
