Andrew Hoy putting a Zandona Tendon boot on his brown horse, wearing a Kep Italia Helmet

How to Choose the Right Horse Boots for Show Jumping, Dressage & Cross Country

Protecting your horse’s legs is essential — whether you’re jumping over show jumps, perfecting your dressage test, or galloping across a cross country course, the right horse boots will help protect your horses legs against unwanted injuries.

At EquiZone, we stock a wide range of premium horse boots from top brands like Zandona, Stübben, and eQuick — trusted by professionals worldwide for their innovation, fit and protection.

In this guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect boots for your discipline.


1. Understanding the Different Types of Horse Boots

Before selecting boots for your horse, it’s important to understand the main types and their uses:

  • Tendon Boots – Designed for show jumping, tendon boots protect the horse’s front legs from strikes caused by the hind hooves when jumping or working on the flat.

  • Fetlock Boots – Shorter boots that protect the fetlock joint on the hind legs, popular in show jumping and young horse classes, they help prevent knocks and brushing injuries.

  • Bondbeschermers – Versatile boots for everyday flatwork and hacking, preventing knocks between the legs.

  • Overreach Boots (Bell Boots) – Protect the heels from overreaching injuries and from shoe pulling.

  • Cross Country Boots – Lightweight yet extremely tough boots offering 360° protection during high-impact gallops and jumps over solid fences.


2. Choosing Boots by Discipline

Show Jumping

Show jumpers need boots that offer maximum strike protection without adding bulk, whilst remaining highly breathable. Look for open-front tendon boots paired with fetlock boots to comply with competition rules.

  • Zandona – Known for their ergonomic designs and shock-absorbing materials, Zandona’s carbon-fiber-reinforced boots combine lightweight performance with exceptional protection.

  • eQuick – Famous for their patented eFluidgel technology, eQuick boots reduce impact force while remaining breathable and flexible — ideal for horses with sensitive legs.


Dressage

While dressage horses don’t need the same strike protection as jumpers, they benefit from boots that support the tendons and prevent brushing injuries during lateral movements.

  • Stübben – With a heritage in craftsmanship, Stübben’s dressage boots are soft, anatomically shaped, and lined with breathable materials to keep legs cool and comfortable during training and competition.


Cross Country / Eventing

Cross country boots must be tough, water-resistant, and secure at speed. Look for designs that won’t hold water and have strong strike guards for solid fence impacts.

  • eQuick – Offers advanced cross country boots with strike-proof protection and lightweight breathability for long gallops.

  • Zandona – Delivers boots built for extreme sports, with high-resistance materials and reinforced tendon guards.


3. Fit & Sizing Tips

  • Measure the cannon bone length and circumference to select the right size.

  • Boots should be snug but not tight, allowing space for a finger between the boot and the leg.

  • Always ensure fastenings are secure but comfortable to prevent rubbing.


4. Materials & Features to Look For

When comparing boots, consider:

  • Impact Protection – Carbon fiber, TPU, or strike guards.

  • Breathability – Mesh vents, perforated lining or natural fiber such as sheepskin or wool.

  • Weight – Lightweight designs help reduce fatigue.

  • Lining – Neoprene, sheepskin, or gel for comfort and protection.


5. Caring for Your Horse Boots

  • Rinse mud and sweat after each ride.

  • Use mild soap for deeper cleaning.

  • Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

  • Use the Kentucky or One Equestrian Boot Spray to make your boots look like new again in seconds! 

6. Top Brands for Horse Boots at EquiZone

  • Zandona – Italian-made, high-tech protection for elite performance sports.

  • Stübben – Traditional craftsmanship with modern anatomical designs.

  • eQuick – Innovative gel technology for ultimate shock absorption and comfort.


Final Thoughts

Choosing the right horse boots is about balancing protection, comfort, and style. Whether you’re tackling a triple combination, dancing through a dressage test, or flying over a solid cross country fence, brands like Zandona, Stübben, and eQuick offer the best in modern equestrian protection.

Shop Horse Boots at EquiZone and give your horse the comfort and protection they deserve.

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