Splint boots, polo wraps, and bell boots are all designed to protect the horse’s legs and heels while riding, training, or during turnout.

The common use of a splint boot is to prevent ‘brushing’ which is when a leg or hoof strikes the opposite leg. This can lead to serious injury. Splint boots are used during fast work such as jumping or barrel racing where the horse may accidentally knock its legs together. Splint boots can also be used during training to prevent injury while the horse is figuring out how to use its legs properly while on the ground or under saddle. Boots made with neoprene or boots such as the Iconoclast Equine Support Boot can also aid in the support of the ligaments, tendons, and suspension of the leg.

(photo taken from Pinterest)

Polo wraps are similar to splint boots in that they wrap around the horse’s lower leg and offer protection, but are designed more to protect against minor scrapes and bruises. They also help prevent irritation from arena sand and footing. They are an alternative to splint boots when a horse has a neoprene sensitivity or has minor cuts on his leg that a regular boot would rub.

(photo taken from Pinterest)

Bell boots are used to protect the horse’s front heels from being ‘grabbed’ by his hind hooves. They are also used to help prevent the horse from pulling his front shoes off by stepping on them with his hind feet and can be very helpful outside the arena.

(photo taken from Pinterest)

"The horse knows how to be a horse if we will leave him alone... but the riders don't know how to ride. What we should be doing is creating riders and that takes care of the horse immediately." -- Charles de Kunffy

~ Saddle Up