Tendon Horse Boots

A tendon boot is a protective boot worn on the horse's front legs to protect the cannon bone and the deep digital flexor tendon from hind-leg strikes during jumping. The boot has a hard outer shell over the tendon area and a softer inner lining for comfort. Tendon boots are standard kit for show jumping, eventing show jumping phase, and any work involving fences.

Use tendon boots in any work that involves jumping or fast direction changes where the hind leg might strike the front cannon. Most jumping horses wear them for every fence-work session. They're not usually needed for flatwork on a horse that doesn't strike itself.

Most tendon boots come in pony, cob, full and oversize. Measure cannon bone circumference and check against the brand's chart. The boot should fit snugly, with the tendon-protection plate covering the back of the cannon below the knee, and two fingers' clearance under the strap.

A tendon boot has a hard outer shell specifically over the tendon and a more open shape at the front - it's designed to absorb impact from a hind-leg strike. A brushing boot is more uniformly padded around the cannon for general protection against leg-on-leg knocks. Tendon boots are jumping-specific; brushing boots are flatwork all-rounders.

CWD (Velcro and Buckle Tendon Boots in calfskin and wool linings, plus the Mademoiselle line). Kentucky Horsewear (Tendon Boots Velcro, Bamboo Elastic, vegan sheepskin variants). See boots and bandages for the full range.

Brush off mud and sweat after each use. Most synthetic tendon boots wash cool on a delicate cycle. Calfskin lined boots wipe clean and need occasional conditioning. Inspect the strap and the inner lining regularly for wear.