How to Choose the Right Horse Boots 🤔
Choosing the right work boots for your horse isn't just a matter of style — it's all about protection, comfort and durability. From the different models (disciplines, fastenings, materials, with or without sheepskin) to care and maintenance, every detail counts. OHLALA is here to help you see things more clearly and find the boots that suit your horse best.
Why does the choice of boots matter?
Every rider has asked themselves the question: which boots should I choose for my horse? 🤔
The choice depends on several factors: your horse's conformation, ground conditions, the discipline, and your own preferences in terms of aesthetics and care. The goal? To combine effective protection with optimal comfort — without compromising on style 😉
Essential protection: spotlight on showjumping boots 🔥
Easy to fit and highly effective, showjumping boots protect the inside, outside and back of the legs. Their job? To absorb impacts, particularly on landing when the tip of a hind hoof can strike the front tendon.
Their distinctive feature is that they are open at the front — a design that allows the horse to feel the pole if it touches it, and therefore to correct itself at the following fences.
Your top 3 showjumping boots:
Veredus - Olympus Vento Black Open-Fronted Boots x2
Lami-cell - Elite Black Open-Fronted Boots x2
Norton - XTR Flex Button Open-Fronted Boots Black
Closed boots up close: dressage vs cross-country ✨
While open-fronted boots reign in showjumping, closed boots come into their own in other disciplines — particularly dressage and cross-country.
✨ Closed boots for dressage
In dressage, the priority is above all the protection and comfort of the horse during suppleness, engagement and collection work.
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They fully wrap around the leg, which reduces the risk of rubbing or injuries caused by lateral movements.
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They also help maintain good freedom of movement, without interfering with the precise locomotion required by the discipline.
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Neoprene models or those with a sheepskin lining are very popular for their comfort and elegant appearance in the arena.
👉 In short: they protect against minor knocks and rubs, while offering a clean and elegant look.
Our top 3 picks for dressage:
LeMieux - Motionflex Dressage Closed Boots Black
Veredus - Absolute Velcro Black Closed Front Brushing Boots x2
Back on Track - 3D Mesh Soft Boots Black x2
🚀 Closed boots for cross-country
In cross-country, it's a different story! Here, closed boots need to be ultra resistant and breathable.
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They must protect the tendons and fetlock against hard impacts (branches, logs, fixed obstacles).
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Cross-country specific models are designed not to retain water and to dry quickly, to avoid any added weight after a water jump.
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Technical materials (such as carbon or Solimbra) are often preferred to combine strength and lightness.
👉 In short: in cross-country, closed boots are true "light armour" — offering real protection for the legs during intense, sustained effort.
But what does that look like in practice? 🐴
Button or velcro closure: which to choose?
It often comes down to personal preference, but also practicality:
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Velcro fastenings: adjustable, quick to put on and suited to all leg shapes ✨
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Button fastenings: more durable in all weathers and better at standing the test of time 🔥
Leather, carbon or Solimbra: which material to go for?
Each material has its advantages:
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Leather: chic, supple, elegant and with excellent shock absorption.
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Carbon: lightweight, sturdy and exceptionally protective.
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Solimbra: modern, easy to care for and very lightweight.
Your choice will depend on your style, but also on your everyday use (training, competitions, hacking) 😉
Boot care: a step you shouldn't skip
Good care will extend the life of your boots:
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For leather: two applications of specialist oil (which may darken the colour), followed by regular cleaning with glycerine soap and a weekly conditioning.
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For other materials: a machine wash at 30°C is sufficient, but always use a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent rubbing.
OHLALA tip: absolutely avoid the tumble dryer — it could damage your boots! 🥰
Sheepskin boots: a firm favourite
Hard to resist the charm of sheepskin boots! Not only are they elegant, but they also offer extra comfort 🧡
At OHLALA, we love sheepskin boots… but not all year round! Day to day, we prefer a classic, easy-care pair, and save the sheepskin styles for competitions — avoiding the warmer months when they might make legs overheat ☀️
Conclusion
Choosing the right work boots means finding the perfect balance between protection, comfort, style and practicality. Whether you prefer leather, carbon or sheepskin, the important thing is to select protection that suits your horse's specific needs… and your riding routine 💪
So, which pair will you fall for?
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