Bell boots are more than a fashion statement. They’re a statement of health and safety for your horse. As for the color choice… that's where the fashion comes in.
Why Bell Boots?
While a horse’s hoof is naturally protected by the hoof wall, there is a small opening towards the back of the foot where the sensitive heel bulb is exposed. The heel bulb contains the digital cushion, which compresses and expands with each step flattens when the horse steps down and expands when the horse lifts his foot. So, when a horse overreaches his hind foot into his front, that strike can seriously injure the sensitive heel bulb.
This is when using bell boots (also known as overreach boots) can help, whether your horse is a competitive sport horse, barrel racer or even just on turnout. Bell boots provide 360 degrees of protection, covering the horse’s foot from the coronary band down to below the heel. This little bit of added protection can mean the difference between a lameness injury and just a slight bump.
Your horse’s conformation can determine if he overreaches often—long legs and long stride? Compact body composition? Those are the two most popular body types that’ll see more stripped shoes and bruised heels because of the reach of the hind feet striking forward. Overreach boots protect the pastern, coronary band and hoof wall from scrapes and bruises, but can also help prevent the loosening or pulling of front shoes.
Bell boots can come in a variety of styles and are made from a variety of materials. Each style and type has its own advantages for its use:
Rubber Bell Boots
- These come in pull-on or open front styles with hook-and-loop closures
- Made for all-day wear for turnout, training and competition
- Typically less expensive
You see rubber bell boots on breeds of horses that naturally overreach, such as the Standardbred and Saddlebred. Rubber bell boots are an all-weather option for horses to wear all day while in their stall, out to pasture or training. The popular pull-on bell boot isn’t the easiest to apply, but they are the most secure because there isn’t the concern of the hook-and-loop closures getting dirty and not staying on. However, pull-on boots do not allow for any size adjustment, so proper sizing is important!
Rubber bell boots with double-locking hook-and-loop closures function in all-weather conditions like the pull-on, they’re just more convenient to apply. Just be sure to keep the closures clean to insure their secure hold.
Nylon Bell Boots
- Only come with an open front with hook-and-loop closures
- Can include a “no-turn” mechanism in the back or be a simple wrap-around
- Easy to put on and take off and easy to fit to size
Nylon bell boots tend to have more than one thin layer of cushioned material, so there can be more padding for protection. These are commonly seen on performance horses such as barrel racers, reiners, roping horses and some jumpers. Some nylon boot styles have a “no-turn” mechanism in the back of the bell that comfortably fits into the heel of the horse, keeping the bell boot in the proper placement.
These bell boots can be made from a ballistic material, neoprene or nylon that can be dyed to match sport boots for a cohesive look. They can be more difficult to clean than rubber bell boots.
Proper Fit
Because the goal of using a bell boot is to protect the sensitive heel bulb of the horse, properly fitted bell boots should just touch the ground behind the bulb. The top of the bell boot should be loose enough to fit no more than one finger between the boot and the horse's pastern. A boot that is too small will restrict necessary airflow and not provide adequate protection to the back of the hoof.
Bell Boot Care
Prior to applying any overreach boot, make sure the hoof is clean (sole and wall) and any dirt is brushed away from the pasterns. If you’re reusing the boots, make sure those are clean as well—any leftover grime can chafe and cause discomfort for the horse.
If you use nylon boots, always take them off after working your horse and allow them to fully dry. Wash away any built-up dirt and grime from the inside of the boot, paying close attention to the top rim. Keep an eye on the condition of the materials for any tears, dirt build-up or issues that might cause discomfort.
If your horse wears the pull-on boots for long periods of time, make it a habit to rinse off the legs after being worked or being out in a muddy pasture, ensuring that the inside of the boots is clean. Remove the boots periodically to allow the skin to air out.
See the different options of bell boots Tough1 offers here: Tough1 Bell Boots
