Bell Boots: Protective Gear for Horses
As horse owners, keeping our animals safe and healthy is a top priority. In addition to regular exercise and proper nutrition, it’s important to invest in protective gear.
Bell boots are a type of protective equipment that can help guard your horse’s hooves against injury. In this article, we will discuss what bell boots are, why you might use them, the types of bell boots available, and how to put them on.
What are Bell Boots? Bell boots are protective gear worn around the pastern and coronary band of a horse’s front or hind hooves.
They are designed to protect the hoof wall, heels, and pastern from damage caused by shoe pulling, overreaching, interference, and other types of trauma. Why might you use Bell Boots?
There are a variety of situations where you might choose to use bell boots for your horse. One common reason is to protect against shoe pulling, which occurs when a horse’s foot steps on the opposite shoe, causing it to loosen or come off.
Bell boots can help prevent this from happening, saving time and money on having a farrier replace the shoe. Another reason to use bell boots is to prevent overreaching, which happens when a horse’s hind foot strikes the heel of its front foot.
This can cause injury and discomfort, particularly in horses that are jumping or performing other intense activities. Bell boots can help reduce the risk of injury to the hoof and pastern caused by overreaching.
If you are lunging your horse or hauling it in a trailer, bell boots can also provide additional support and cushioning for the pastern. Shipping wraps can be used for the same purpose, but bell boots are often more durable and easier to put on and take off.
Types of Bell Boots and Common Materials
Bell boots are available in a range of materials, including rubber, neoprene, nylon, gum rubber, and carbon-fiber. Depending on your horse’s needs, you may prefer one material over another.
Rubber and neoprene are common choices as they are lightweight, durable, and waterproof. Gum rubber and carbon-fiber are also popular due to their impact protection capabilities.
Velcro Boots
Velcro boots are a popular design for bell boots and are easy to put on and take off. They have a Velcro strap that wraps around the pastern and can be adjusted to provide a secure fit.
While Velcro boots may seem like a convenient option, there is a risk of them coming undone during exercise or activity, which could put your horse at risk.
Pull-On Boots
Pull-on boots are trickier to put on, as they do not have any straps to help secure them in place. It requires patience and care, and there is a risk of putting them on inside out or not fitting properly.
However, once they are on, pull-on boots offer a more accurate fit around the pastern and a lower risk of coming loose.
In Conclusion
Bell boots are an effective and affordable way to keep your horse’s hooves and pasterns protected against injury. There are many types of bell boots and materials available, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
It’s essential to find the right bell boot for your horse’s needs and to ensure it fits correctly to avoid any issues during exercise or activity. With proper care and maintenance, bell boots can provide your horse with the protection it needs to stay healthy and happy for years to come.
3) Frequently Asked Questions
Leaving Bell Boots On
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding bell boots is whether it is safe to leave them on for extended periods. The general rule of thumb is to remove them periodically to allow air to circulate and prevent irritation and bacterial infections.
Extended periods of use may lead to chafing and hair loss. It’s essential to monitor your horse’s pasterns and hooves for any signs of discomfort or irritation and remove the bell boots if necessary.
Remember to clean and dry the boots after each use to maintain their functionality and prevent any buildup of dirt or bacteria.
Exercise Boots
Exercise boots can provide additional protection to your horse’s legs during exercise or activity. These boots typically feature a Velcro design for easy on and off and can be adjusted to fit the horse securely.
One of the most common concerns with exercise boots is that they may loosen during use, causing discomfort or potential injury. It’s important to ensure a proper fit and to check the boots periodically during exercise to ensure they remain secure.
Some exercise boots may have wiggle room built into their design to allow for movement during exercise, so it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
Using Bell Boots on Back Legs
While it is less common, some horse owners may choose to use bell boots on their horse’s hind legs to prevent overreaching. Overreaching is when a horse’s hind foot strikes its front foot, which can cause injury and discomfort.
Using bell boots on the back legs may be helpful in preventing this type of injury. However, it’s important to note that not all horses require this additional protection and that the same rules for fitting and monitoring apply.
Putting on Rubber Bell Boots
Putting on rubber bell boots can be a bit trickier than other types of boots, as they don’t have any straps or fasteners to secure them in place. The best way to put on rubber bell boots is to turn them inside out and place them over the bottom rim of the hoof.
Then, using your fingers or the toe of the hoof, flip the bell boot right side out and position it over the pastern. Ensure that the boot fits snugly, but not too tight, to avoid any discomfort or rubbing.
4) Parting Thoughts
Bell boots are an essential accessory for any horse owner, providing protection in a variety of situations, including shoe pulling, overreaching, and other types of trauma. Bell boots come in a range of styles, materials, and price ranges, making it easy to find the right boot for your horse’s particular needs.
It’s essential to fit the boots correctly, monitor them for signs of discomfort or wear, and care for them properly to ensure they remain functional. Investing in bell boots is a small price to pay for the safety and protection of your horse’s hooves and pasterns.
In conclusion, bell boots are essential protective gear for horses, guarding against injuries caused by shoe pulling, overreaching, and other types of trauma. They come in various materials and styles, and it’s essential to fit them correctly and monitor them for signs of discomfort, wear, and tear.
To ensure the safety and protection of your horse’s hooves and pasterns, invest in the right bell boots, and maintain them properly. Here are some FAQs about bell boots to help you gain a better understanding of the topic:
– Is it safe to leave bell boots on for extended periods of time?
It’s best to remove them periodically to allow air to circulate and prevent irritation and bacterial infections. – How do I ensure exercise boots stay securely on my horse?
It’s essential to ensure a proper fit and to check the boots periodically during exercise to ensure they remain secure. – Can I use bell boots on my horse’s hind legs?
While less common, bell boots can help prevent overreaching injuries in the hind legs. – How do I put on rubber bell boots?
Turn them inside out and place them over the bottom rim of the hoof, then flip them right side out and position them over the pastern, ensuring a snug but not too tight fit. Always remember that bell boots serve a crucial role in protecting your horse, and investing in the right ones and maintaining them properly can make all the difference.