Overreach boots are made from either rubber or neoprene which is stiffer. The shape may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but the principle is all the same; the boot is there to protect the bulbs of the heel from injury. Most people go for ‘cheap and cheerful’ in the field as they can trashed or even lost in a large enough area or in deep muddy gateways. Use bright colours and then you can see from a distance if they are still in place on the horse. Unnecessary equipment on the horse can present its own hazard; it needs to remain securely in place without rubbing or chafing and it should not be able to be partially or wholly dislodged during exercise or turnout as this can prove to be a real danger causing tripping or stumbling. These boots provide superior protection for my horse’s heels while also offering exceptional comfort and durability. These classic style bell boots provide the best protection against overreach injuries, making them perfect for training or trail riding.

The traditional rubber bell boot is completely circular so it is not so significant if this boot rotates although clearly, you would like to keep the straps at the front and the clear rubber in the heel area for protection and to minimise the chances of the horse pulling the boot off. Other styles feature a sheepskin collar to cushion the effect of the neoprene or rubber. Usually, faux sheepskin is used as this is actually easier to keep clean and less likely to go into lumps and clumps when it dries than real sheepskin. Some horses only wear them when the occasion demands, for example, a young horse on the lunge who could exhibit some excitable or unpredictable behaviour or an event horse going cross-country. The Benefits of Using Overreach Boots Some event riders use them but trim the boot down so it is a shortened version; it is easier to try and do this with rubber rather than neoprene although Woof Wear sell a Kevlar overreach boot which is designed to be trimmed to create a customised fit.

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Overreach boots offer protection to the soft bulbs of the heel on the horse’s front feet. However, the general rule of thumb is to only fit equipment that the horse really needs. If you watch the horse walk, you can see that at a point within the step, the overreach boot will momentarily lower protecting the bulbs of the heel without reaching the ground. If the boot sits too low then the horse could tread on it when he moves and this creates the potential for stumbling or tripping and a far worse injury than an overreach.

Pulling a shoe is annoying and inconvenient and can result in a secondary injury if the horse treads on one of the clenches. Overreach boots offer protection to the horse during ridden work and on occasion, during turnout. The term ‘overreach’ describes both the action and subsequent injury when the hind foot strikes into the heel of the horse’s front foot. Injuries can vary from a minor graze to a significant strike wound.

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PS of Sweden® Bell Boots – “Bell boots with soft, artificial sheepskin around the top for increased comfort. These boots are fastened with sturdy Velcro straps and provide great protection for your horse. Designed to shield against injury, these bell boots are durable yet comfortable. Machine washable at 40°C.” Some horses wear overreach boots all the time, this may be because they are shod with a bar shoe or perhaps because they are just very prone to that type of injury. The Woof Wear Faux Sheep Pro Over Reach Boots are suitable for all aspects of ridden work, including competition use. They are both stylish and functional, offering superb protection against overreach injuries. The high-quality materials used in these boots, such as the 7mm neoprene base with an additional 3mm insert to protect the bulbs of the heel, showcase their commitment to durability and protection. After trying these boots on my horse, I am pleased to report that they not only look great but also provide excellent protection and flexibility.

In addition to their functional features, these fur-trimmed overreach boots also boast a super smart design. The elegant fur trim and stylish appearance make them a fashionable addition to my horse’s gear, allowing us to look our best during competitions and events. Overreach boots are sometimes worn in the field to protect from overreach injuries or to prevent your horse pulling his shoes off. Boots worn in the field are more likely to get damaged as they are worn for a longer period of time. Choose a pair that have a secure fastening, don’t absorb moisture and are easy to clean. You’ll need to weight up how long they’re likely to last with how much you’re willing to spend. How do you fit overreach boots?These overreach boots provide excellent protection and comfort while adding a touch of style to our riding gear. Overreach boots should be a snug fit; a boot that moves too much will actually rub around the pastern area and could create sores. The boot should cover the bulbs of the heel but should crucially also have 1cm of clearance when the horse is in halt on a hard, flat surface. These overreach boots from Rhinegold have a high natural rubber content for more flexibility, offering durability with less likelihood of rubbing. They are trimmed with fleece for extra comfort around the leg and have an easy touch tape closure. These overreach boots are versatile and suitable for a range of activities. Whether you’re taking your horse out for exercise or turning them out in the field, these boots will help keep them safe and protected. They’re also great for horses who tend to overreach or clip their heels, as they offer an extra layer of protection against this kind of injury.