Back Boots Explained: How to Choose the Right Hind Boots for Your Horse

With so many styles of fetlock and hind boots available, choosing the right pair for your horse can be surprisingly confusing.

Young horse boots, Moonboots, deep fetlock boots, elastic closures, Velcro closures, single straps, double straps… they can look similar at first glance, but the differences in height, coverage, lining, fastening and fit can make one design much better suited to your horse than another.

At Equijump, we stock a range of Kentucky Horsewear and CWD hind boots, from lightweight young horse boots to more substantial competition designs.

So, which pair should you choose?

This guide breaks down the different options, what type of horse each is best suited to, and how to choose the correct size and fit.

First: what are back boots actually for?

Hind boots primarily protect the inside of the fetlock and lower leg from knocks, brushing and interference from the opposite hind leg.

For a horse that jumps, they also need to offer that protection without unnecessarily restricting the movement of the fetlock.

This is why you'll notice such a difference between the designs. Some are deliberately very light and minimal, while others sit higher around the fetlock or offer considerably more coverage. 

The best option depends on:

• Your horse's age
• Whether you're training or competing
• The competition rules that apply to your horse 
• How much protection they require
• Whether they have sensitive skin
• The size and shape of their hind legs
• Whether you prefer Velcro, single elastic or double elastic closures

And, most importantly, the boot needs to fit correctly. A more substantial boot isn't automatically a better boot for every horse.

Young Horse Back Boots

Young horse classes have specific requirements regarding hind boots, so riders of younger competition horses need to pay particular attention to the style they choose. 

These boots are generally designed to be lightweight, uncomplicated and comfortable, while still protecting the fetlock from knocks.

For a straightforward young horse boot, the Kentucky Horsewear Young Horse Fetlock Boots are one of the easiest places to start.

They combine a lightweight but strong TPU outer shell with ventilation and Kentucky's breathable 3D Spacer lining. The anatomical shape is designed to sit comfortably around the hind leg without unnecessarily limiting freedom of movement.

They are also specifically listed as suitable for young horse showjumping classes in accordance with the relevant FEI rules.

Best suited for: 
Young showjumpers, everyday training and riders looking for a light, uncomplicated hind boot.

Why choose them?
They're a good all-rounder. If you don't need extra padding or an especially deep boot and simply want protection, breathability and a young-horse-appropriate design, these are a very sensible option.

The CWD Young Horse Boots are also a good option, offering the same accordance with the FEI rules, these young horse boots differentiate themselves by being made of soft calfskin leather. They are ideal for young horses that might be sensitive or even for riders who prefer the elegance and traditional look of leather boots

Shop Young Horse Back Boots

Kentucky Vegan Sheepskin Young Horse Fetlock Boots

The Vegan Sheepskin Young Horse Fetlock Boots take the same general young-horse concept and add a soft vegan sheepskin lining.

This makes them particularly interesting for horses that are fine-skinned, prone to rubbing or simply more sensitive around their legs.

They still feature the strong ventilated TPU shell but have a much softer feel against the horse.

Best suited for: 
Sensitive horses, fine-skinned horses and young horses that benefit from a softer lining.

Choose these over the standard Young Horse boots if:
Your priority is additional softness and comfort against the skin.

They are also available in several sizes, making them useful for everything from smaller horses through to bigger-framed young horses.

Shop Vegan Sheepskin Young Horse Back Boots 

Want More Coverage? Try a Deep Fetlock Boot

Kentucky Horsewear Deep Fetlock Boots Air 
The Deep Fetlock Boots Air offer noticeably greater coverage than a traditional small fetlock boot.

One of their key features is the extended section towards the pastern, with a soft rubber component helping protect this vulnerable area. They also use Kentucky's breathable 3D Spacer lining and a strong ventilated TPU shell.

Despite offering considerably more coverage, the product is designed for young horse classes according to Kentucky's product information.

Best suited for: 
Horses that tend to catch or mark themselves lower around the fetlock/pastern, or riders wanting additional coverage without moving into a traditional high competition boot.

This is a particularly useful option when a standard little fetlock shell simply doesn't cover enough of the leg.

Shop Deep Fetlock Back Boots

For Sensitive Horses: CWD Young Horse Boots

For riders who prefer traditional leather, the CWD Young Horse Boots offer something quite different from the moulded TPU Kentucky designs.

Made using soft oiled leather with a calfskin lining, they are designed around comfort and ease of fitting. The simple Velcro closure allows plenty of adjustment without the bulk of a more substantial fastening system.

CWD particularly recommends this model for sensitive horses.

Best suited for:
Sensitive horses, horses that don't get on well with harder synthetic boots, and riders wanting a premium leather young-horse-style boot.

They're also a particularly elegant option for riders who prefer a more traditional competition look.

CWD sizing
Rather than the conventional Small/Medium/Large sizing system, the CWD boots are available in T1, T2, T3 and T4.

T1 represents the smaller end of the range and the sizes increase progressively through to T4. Because leg circumference and bone vary enormously between horses of the same height, we'd recommend choosing according to the horse's actual leg rather than simply assuming that, for example, every 16.2hh horse requires the same size.

Shop CWD Young Horse Back Boots

What Are Moonboots?

This is where customers often start getting confused.

A Moonboot wraps more substantially around the fetlock than a traditional small fetlock boot. Kentucky offers several versions, and the difference between them is largely down to height, fastening and overall coverage.

They are popular among showjumpers because they provide excellent protection while remaining relatively lightweight.

Please note: All of the boots in the Moonboots range are not permitted in young horse classes

Kentucky Moonboots Air Velcro 

The Moonboots Air Velcro are a useful middle ground for riders who want greater fetlock
coverage but prefer the simplicity and adjustability of Velcro.

The boot incorporates D3O material within its strike zones for impact absorption, alongside a strong TPU shell and ventilated/perforated lining.

The design sits higher around the fetlock than a basic young horse boot.

Best suited for:
Established jumping horses where additional coverage is wanted, particularly if you prefer a highly adjustable Velcro closure rather than elastic straps.

Why Velcro?
Velcro is quick to fit and allows the rider to adjust the fastening without stretching an elastic strap. It can be particularly useful when horses have slightly unusual leg shapes or you simply prefer a straightforward fastening.

Shop Moonboots Air Velcro 

Kentucky Moonboots Elastic

The Moonboots Elastic follow the same general Moonboot idea but use an elastic fastening.

For riders who prefer elastic closures, this gives the boot a close and secure fit while retaining the characteristic higher Moonboot shape.

Best suited for:
Competition horses where you want the coverage of a Moonboot combined with the more secure feel of an elastic closure.

Compared with a simple young horse fetlock boot, this is a more substantial competition-style option. 

Shop Moonboots Elastic 

Kentucky Moonboots Max Elastic

If the standard Moonboot isn't substantial enough, there is the Moonboots Max Elastic.

As its name suggests, the Max is larger than the regular Moonboot and uses a double elastic closure rather than a single fastening. That means additional coverage around the hind fetlock and a particularly secure fit.

It also incorporates D3O shock-absorbing material, ventilation and a strong TPU shell.

Best suited for: 
Mature competition horses where the rider wants a larger, higher and more substantial hind boot.

Moonboot vs Moonboot Max

An easy way to think about it is:
Moonboot = lighter and smaller
Moonboot Max = larger, higher and more substantial

If your horse doesn't require all that additional coverage, there is no real benefit in automatically choosing the biggest boot available. Fit and freedom of movement should come first.

Shop Moonboots Max Elastic 

The Newer Air Options: Moonboots Air & Moonboots Air X

For riders looking for a highly breathable competition option, the Air range is worth considering.

Both use a lightweight TPU shell with ventilation and 3D Spacer lining, helping airflow around the leg.

The biggest difference between the two is the fastening.

Kentucky Horsewear Moonboots Air

The Moonboots Air use a single elastic closure.

This keeps the design particularly lightweight and uncomplicated while retaining the higher Moonboot shape. Kentucky's product information describes this model as approved for international showjumping classes, except young horse classes. 

Best suited for:
Mature competition horses where breathability, low weight and a simple single fastening are the priority.

If you're looking for the least bulky option within this part of the Moonboot range, the single-closure Air is particularly appealing.

Shop Moonboots Air

Kentucky Horsewear Moonboots Air X

The Moonboots Air X are essentially a more substantial variation on the Air concept. 

Rather than one elastic fastening, the Air X has a double elastic closure. It also features the breathable 3D Spacer construction and ventilated TPU shell.

Kentucky lists these for international competition but, again, not for young horse classes.

Best suited for:
Mature showjumpers where you want the breathable construction of the Air range but prefer the security and coverage of a double-fastening boot.

Air or Air X?

If you're deciding between the two: 
Moonboots Air → single elastic, lighter and simpler
Moonboots Air X → double elastic, more substantial fastening

Neither is automatically "better". It comes down to your horse's leg shape, the amount of boot you want around the fetlock and your preference for fastening.

Shop Moonboots Air X

Kentucky Fetlock Boots Elastic: Keep It Simple

Not every horse needs an especially technical hind boot.

The Kentucky Fetlock Boots Elastic provide the classic solution for riders who simply want a neat, secure hind fetlock boot with an elastic closure.

They're particularly useful when you don't need the extra depth or height of a Moonboot-style design.

Best suited for:
Everyday jumping, training and riders wanting a straightforward elastic fetlock boot without unnecessary bulk. 

Sometimes simple really is enough.

Quick Guide: Which Back Boot Should I Choose? 

Shop Tendon & Back Boots

How Should Back Boots Fit?

Even the best boot isn't doing its job properly if it doesn't fit.

A correctly fitted hind boot should sit securely and evenly around the fetlock without pinching, slipping or rotating.

You should look for a fit where:

• The protective shell sits over the area it is designed to protect.
• The boot doesn't rotate around the leg during exercise.
• The top of the boot isn't digging into the horse.
• The fastening closes securely without needing excessive force.
• The boot doesn't slide down towards the pastern.
• Hair isn't being pinched underneath the edges or straps.

One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a boot simply because of the horse's height.

A fine 17hh Thoroughbred-type horse can have considerably slimmer legs than a powerful 16hh warmblood. Bone and leg shape matter far more than height alone.

Kentucky Back Boot Sizing

Many of the Kentucky models are available in Small, Medium and Large, while some models use Medium or Full sizing depending on the particular design.

As a very general starting point:

Small – smaller horses, ponies or particularly fine legs
Medium – many average-sized horses and finer full-sized horses
Large/Full – larger-framed or heavier-boned horses

This shouldn't be treated as an exact rule. If your horse regularly sits between sizes in boots, it's worth looking at their individual leg shape rather than simply sizing up.

A boot that's too large can rotate and move. A boot that's too small can create excessive pressure.

Velcro or Elastic: Which Is Better?

Neither is universally better.

Velcro closures

Velcro gives you plenty of adjustment and is extremely quick to put on and remove.
It can be particularly useful for:

• Young horses
• Sensitive horses 
• Horses with unusual leg proportions
• Riders who want maximum control over the fastening 

Elastic closures

Elastic creates a very neat and secure competition fit.
It's useful for:

• Established competition horses
• Riders wanting a close fit
• Horses whose boots otherwise tend to move or rotate 

Double elastic closures

A double closure distributes the fastening across a larger part of the boot and tends to be found on the more substantial competition designs.

Regardless of fastening type, the objective should never be to make the boot as tight as possible. It should be secure without placing unnecessary pressure around the horse's fetlock.

Do Higher Back Boots Make a Horse Jump Differently?

You'll sometimes see higher hind boots described in relation to the horse's hind-leg action. 

Different boot shapes can certainly feel different to a horse, particularly as the height and
structure around the fetlock increase. However, fit, protection, comfort and competition legality should always come before trying to create a particular reaction from a boot. 

A boot should fit correctly and comfortably; it shouldn't need to be excessively tightened to achieve a particular effect.

For young horses in particular, always select a model that complies with the rules applicable to the class you're entering.

Don't Forget Competition Rules

This is an important one. A boot being suitable for general showjumping does not necessarily mean it is permitted in a young horse class.

For example, Kentucky specifically lists models such as its Young Horse Fetlock Boots, Vegan Sheepskin Young Horse Boots and Deep Fetlock Boots Air for young horse competition, while the Moonboots Air and Moonboots Air X are described for international competition excluding young horse classes.

Rules can also be updated, so when competing under FEI or national federation rules, it's always worth confirming the current regulations for your horse's age and class.

Read FEI Rules here

Read SJI Rules Here 

Still Not Sure Which Pair Your Horse Needs?

The easiest way to choose a back boot is to start with three questions:

1. Is the horse competing in young horse classes?
   This immediately narrows your options.
2. Does the horse simply need fetlock protection, or do they need more coverage?
   For basic protection, look towards a traditional young horse or fetlock boot. For greater coverage, look towards the Deep or Moonboot ranges.
3. What does your horse actually find comfortable?
   Some horses are perfectly happy in a standard TPU-lined boot, while particularly sensitive horses may suit the Vegan Sheepskin Kentucky boots or CWD's soft leather and calfskin design better.

There is no single "best" hind boot for every horse. The best choice is the one that provides the right level of protection, correct fit and appropriate competition specification without adding unnecessary bulk.

And if you're caught between two models or two sizes, simply get in touch with the Equijump team. We can help you narrow down the most suitable option for your horse.