User:Shelmor

What Are Brushing Boots?
Brushing Boots are used to protect a horses legs during exercise, especially when they are in fast work, or if they are jumping or eventing. Brushing injuries are more common from the fore legs, when one hoof catches the other leg, or when the fetlock or cannon bones bash into each other. This can cause a serious injury on the horses legs, especially if the horse is wearing shoes, and causes complications further down the line. As the saying goes 'no foot no horse', so brushing boots are used to prevent these injuries from happening. Brushing boots may also be placed on horses in the field to protect them if they get excited, fight or gallop around a lot. Poor conformation can often be related to brushing, due to the way the horse moves. Other reasons include young or unfit horse which may be excitable and step on themselves, or they may stumble more if they are tired.

Materials & Structure
Brushing boots usually attach by a velcro fastening which is pulled around the leg, although they can also be pushed through a ring and be fastened back upon themselves, making them more secure and less likely to slip during exercise. They can have between 1 and 5 straps, with front leg boots usually having more straps. Some boots may have buckles, although these can be quite fiddly if your horse will not stand still or if you fingers are cold. They have a protective padded area on the side of the boot which is on the inside of the horses leg, protecting the cannon bone and fetlock. they are usually made out of a synthetic material such as neoprene, or leather. Neoprene is often used because of its quick drying preoperties, its easiness to clean and for its softness, as it folds around the horses leg easily and comfortably. The boot is usually placed onto the horse with the straps facing towards the rear on the outside of the leg, although if they double back through a ring or have double vecro fastenings they may face towards the front. To ensure there is even pressure around the leg when putting the boot on, fasten the middle strap first, then the top strap before doing the rest. This will help to prevent the boot from being too tight and effecting the horses circulation.

Care for your boots
Many boots are now machine washable, although this may drain the colour from the boots fairly quickly. Ensure any loose straps are secured before placing them into the machine to avoid them getting caught, and make sure they are fully dry before putting them away again. After and before each ride your brushing boots should be checked for any stones or dirt which may irritate your horses legs, and the stitching should be checked to ensure it is not worn and likely to break while you are riding. Leather boots can be cleaned in the same manner as other tack, using saddle soap, and other boots may just need to be rinsed underneath a tap or dunked into a bucket of water to remove any grime.

Selection
There are many different styles and colours which can be chosen depending on your budget. Try to select a boot which you find easy to fit and is the correct size for your horse, as incorrectly fitting boots will be uncomfortable and can cause rubbing and soreness, as well as impeding your horses movement. Boots should not be worn for too long periods as this can uncomfortable for the horse, especcially if the boots get wet or dirty which may cause irritation and sores. Sizes include pony, cob, full, or they may come in 1, 2, 3, and 4, but these details should be explained to you when buying the boots so you can be sure your getting the right size.

Useful References
Brushing Boots

Q&A Brushing Boots

Choosing the Right Boot

Reputable Retailers
Robinsons Equestrian

Woof Wear Boots

Clarendon Brushing Boots

Hunky Horse Equipment