Bell Boots Horse

A bell boot (also called an overreach boot or hoof boot) is a rubber or synthetic boot that wraps around the horse's pastern and covers the back of the front hoof. It protects the heel bulb from being struck by the hind shoe when the horse "overreaches" - lifts the hind leg far enough forward to clip the front foot. Used in jumping, fast work and any horse that overreaches.

Use bell boots on horses that genuinely overreach (you'll see scuffed front heels or hear an audible clip during work) and as a precaution in fast or jumping work. Some horses wear bell boots in turnout to protect against pulling shoes. Don't fit them tighter than the horse's stride needs - too tight rubs the pastern.

Most bell boots come in pony, cob, full and oversize. The boot should clear the ground when the horse is standing square - if it touches the ground, it's too long and will trip. Pull-on rubber bell boots stretch to fit; Velcro-fastened bell boots adjust precisely.

Bell boots cover only the back of the front hoof. Tendon boots protect the front cannon bone and tendon from hind-leg strikes during jumping. Fetlock boots protect the inside of the fetlock joint where one leg might brush the other. Most horses jumping at any level wear a tendon-and-fetlock pair plus bell boots - all three protect different points.

Kentucky Horsewear (sheepskin leather, leather, Air Tech overreach), Agrihealth (pull-on overreach), and One Equestrian Hoof Bands Rubber. See the boots and bandages parent collection for the broader range.

Hose off mud and bedding after use. Most rubber and synthetic bell boots wash machine-cool with the rest of the boot kit. Leather overreach boots wipe clean with a damp cloth and condition occasionally. Inspect the inner lining for chafe damage and replace before it rubs the pastern.