The best cross-country boots for horses are lightweight, fit well and offer excellent protection against impacts from solid fences and if the horse strikes into itself with an opposing leg. Following research that has shown ligaments and tendons rapidly increase in temperature while galloping, and that this temperature can lead to increased risk of damage to their fibres, breathability and airflow have become important areas of focus for boots being used during fast work. In addition, boots that do not absorb water, and therefore do not add unnecessary drag to the horse’s leg, are a popular choice. All boots need to have secure fastenings to prevent the boots from slipping while in use.
We have been working with a number of professional riders, trainers and yards to put a range of the top cross country boots to the test in a busy yard environment. And here are the results…
Premier Equine (PEI) air cooled eventing boots were voted best value:
Here us what the tester had to say:
I liked these cross country boots as they gave good protection while being lightweight and breathable. They didn’t rub my horse’s legs at all, but also didn’t slip. They looked very smart and the material inside did not pick up any water. I found the hind boots came up a little big on a lightweight eventer. I love how much ventilation that have and therefore kept my horses’ legs cool. I would have liked the strike pad to be a little more flexible, but it does offer good protection when doing cross country.
We stock the full range. Take a look here