How to put on fetlock boots

Made for high impact resistant, the Fetlock boot is primarily used by show-jumpers to protect the hind fetlock joints of the horse from brushing. Many of these boots offer additional features to enhance both comfort and protection from impact. For example fetlock boots may be designed with temperature regulators to boost the air-flow between the horse’s skin and the boot therefore reducing the risk of swelling and over-heating to the horse’s legs.

Some boots possess corrugated linings, shock-absorbers; pressure-distribution gel packs, and orthopaedic sheep-skin linings to further buffet against blows, abrasions, bruising, and allergic reactions.  Many fetlock boots employ anatomically precise shaping to ensure improved comfort and flexibility for the horse’s hind tendons.  Most manufacturers now label the boots, left and right. As fetlock boots are designed specifically to fit the hind legs, they will be shaped differently from front leg boots. Horse hair is commonly trimmed down around the fetlock area.

The boots must be dry and clean before placing on the horse’s legs, as debris like mud, grit and stones may chaff the delicate skin of the horse and cause abrasions and skin irritations.  Dirty or muddy boots must be thoroughly washed and left to dry before using. Most brands of the fetlock boot will have a more obvious design than other protective boots, for example they will have an area which slightly widens out to fit around, or a spoon shape to cup the rounded fetlock tendon.

Velcro straps, buckles and straps, and hoop and loop fastenings must always be fastened around the front or on either the inside or the outside of horse’s leg.  Fastenings must never be secured at the back of the horse’s legs. Boot fastenings with two straps, should be closed at the top first, before moving on to secure the lower strap.

The lower strap is usually angled; this provides additional support for the fetlock tendon. In some boots, this angled lower strap must be placed just underneath the fetlock and pulled back up at an angle, following the line of the fetlock joint.  Boots should be checked for over-tightening of the straps, as this will cause the horse much discomfort and irritation. Running an index finger anti-clockwise all the way around the inside of both the top and the bottom of the boot, gives a good indication of the positioning, tightness, support and flexibility of the boot.