Key takeaways
- Measure the cannon bone. Most makers offer sizes by length (pony, cob, full, extra full). A boot that is too long can press on the knee or fetlock; one that is too short leaves the tendon exposed. Follow the maker’s size chart.
- Fasten from the correct direction. Straps typically fasten in a direction recommended by the maker, usually pointing back and away from the hind legs. Check the manual.
- Snug, not tight. You should be able to slide a finger under the strap. Over-tightened straps can restrict the tendons.
- Keep the inside clean. Grit and dried sweat can rub the skin. Rinse, brush off, and dry boots after use. Never leave boots on for turnout or a long day unless the maker says it is safe.
- Warm days. Heat can build under neoprene. Remove boots promptly after the ride and cool the legs by hosing as your vet advises.
- Wear and tear. Replace boots with cracked shells, flattened padding or stretched closures.
For most jumping horses, a well-fitted open-front boot with a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing inner pad is the best starting point, with Veredus at the premium end, Professional’s Choice in the mid-range, and Eskadron as a lighter, more breathable option for lower-impact schooling. The right pick depends on how high you jump, how your horse moves behind, and how much you want to spend on something that will be knocked around, hosed down and replaced when the foam gives up.
Our top picks
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Boots for Jumping at a Glance
| Boot style | Best for | What reviewers and makers say | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veredus Carbon Gel line (Absolute, Vento, Olympus) | Competition horses jumping bigger fences | Riders on forums praise strike protection, durability and easy cleaning. Veredus is described as the most praised and most expensive brand in one buyer’s guide | Premium tier. A June 2025 open-front impact test reported mild scratching, some permanent internal deformation and a lining split on the Carbon Gel Absolute |
| Veredus TR and TRH-style open fronts | Riders who want the brand’s protection at a lower tier | Listed by retailers as the brand’s more accessible open-front option | Fewer shell features than the top carbon models |
| Professional’s Choice Pro Performance open front | US riders wanting solid protection on a mid-range budget | The maker lists an inner shock-absorbing cushion, a streamlined outer shell and TPU fasteners. Forum owners mention a snug fit and easy hook-and-loop closure | Less independent impact data than the premium brands |
| Eskadron Protection and mesh or Air boots | Schooling, flatwork-plus-poles, hot climates | Reviewers like build quality and breathability of mesh designs. In the June 2025 test the Protection boot placed second overall but sixth for protection | Testers would not recommend it for high-impact work. Neoprene models can feel warm |
| Basic neoprene or PVC-shell boots | Occasional jumping and young horses at low heights | Simple, inexpensive and easy to replace | Thinner padding. Often lack a rigid strike plate |
Treat this table as a map of the market rather than a ranking. Independent impact data on jumping boots is thin, so most claims come from makers, a small number of reviewers and rider discussion.
What Jumping Boots Actually Do
A jumping boot has two jobs. The front boot protects the tendons and the back of the cannon bone from a hind hoof clipping the foreleg, or from a knock against a rail on landing. The hind boot, usually called a fetlock boot, shields the back of the fetlock joint from interference. Neither is a guarantee against injury, and neither replaces correct fitness, footing, fence construction and a sensible training plan. A vet or an experienced trainer can tell you whether your horse has a particular tendency to brush or overreach.
Most jumping boots are built from a hard or semi-rigid outer shell, a shock-absorbing layer such as gel, foam or a branded polymer, and a lining against the leg. The hard shell spreads a blow over a larger area. The inner layer absorbs some of the energy. Makers lean on slightly different terminology, so compare the construction description rather than the marketing name.
Open Front or Closed Front
An open-front boot leaves the front of the cannon bone exposed. The idea is that if the horse hits a rail with a foreleg, it feels the contact and learns to lift its legs higher. Many hunter and jumper riders choose open fronts for that reason, and the style dominates the higher-end jumping market. A closed-front boot covers the front of the leg, which can be useful for cross-country style work or when brushing, but it can also reduce that feedback, and it adds weight and heat.
If you only jump occasionally or school over low poles, either style may be acceptable. If you compete over larger fences, an open-front boot with a firm tendon shell is the more common choice among the sources reviewed here.
Premium Tier: Veredus
Veredus appears again and again in rider discussion and buyer’s guides. One UK buyer’s guide calls it the best jumping boot brand and also the most expensive. Forum owners praise the Vento and Olympus lines for strike protection, durability and the fact that the boots wipe clean. One rider says the Ventos do not overheat the legs.
It is worth keeping a balanced view. In the June 2025 impact comparison of open-front boots, the Veredus Carbon Gel Absolute showed mild external scratching, some permanent internal deformation and a visible split in the lining after testing by that outlet. That does not mean the boot failed, but it is a reminder that even premium boots wear out and that foam which has been permanently compressed no longer cushions as it did new. If you jump regularly, inspect the shell and padding every few weeks and replace boots that show cracks, flattened foam or broken closures.
Who should buy: riders jumping at height, horses with a history of brushing, and owners who accept paying more for a boot they expect to hold its shape. Who might skip it: those with a young or green horse still learning, who may outgrow or destroy the boots quickly.
Mid-Range: Professional’s Choice
Professional’s Choice is the more affordable US option that comes up in rider discussion. The maker lists its Pro Performance open-front jumping boot with an inner shock-absorbing cushion, a streamlined outer shell and TPU fasteners. A forum owner says the pair fits snugly and goes on easily with hook-and-loop closures. The weak point of any mid-range boot is the closure: straps and hook-and-loop wear out, and a loose strap can slip down the leg.
Who should buy: riders who want a recognised brand and a rigid shell at a moderate budget, and anyone who wants a matching pair of fronts and hinds in one range.
Lighter and More Breathable: Eskadron
Eskadron gets praise for quality and for mesh and Air designs that breathe. One forum user calls the quality fantastic but pricey. A separate reviewer found the Flexisoft lightweight and easy to clean, but with no ventilation, so the neoprene made her horse’s legs sweat slightly. In the June 2025 test, the Eskadron Protection boot was the cheapest of the boots tested and placed second overall, yet sixth for protection, and the testers said they would not recommend it for high-impact work.
The takeaway is practical. Light, ventilated boots can suit flatwork-plus-gymnastics sessions, warm weather and horses that sweat easily. They are not the same product as a hard-shell competition boot.
Fit, Size and Care
- Measure the cannon bone. Most makers offer sizes by length (pony, cob, full, extra full). A boot that is too long can press on the knee or fetlock; one that is too short leaves the tendon exposed. Follow the maker’s size chart.
- Fasten from the correct direction. Straps typically fasten in a direction recommended by the maker, usually pointing back and away from the hind legs. Check the manual.
- Snug, not tight. You should be able to slide a finger under the strap. Over-tightened straps can restrict the tendons.
- Keep the inside clean. Grit and dried sweat can rub the skin. Rinse, brush off, and dry boots after use. Never leave boots on for turnout or a long day unless the maker says it is safe.
- Warm days. Heat can build under neoprene. Remove boots promptly after the ride and cool the legs by hosing as your vet advises.
- Wear and tear. Replace boots with cracked shells, flattened padding or stretched closures.
If your horse develops swelling, heat or lameness, stop and call your vet rather than relying on boots to protect the leg.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | What you typically get | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Neoprene or PVC boots with a modest shell and basic closures | Thinner protection, shorter lifespan, less independent testing |
| Mid-range | Rigid shell, shock-absorbing liner, replaceable closures (for example Professional’s Choice) | Good balance, but fewer fit options |
| Premium | Carbon or reinforced shells, gel inserts, wide size range (for example Veredus) | Higher cost; still wears with heavy use |
Pick X If You Want…
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Veredus Carbon Gel open fronts | Jump regularly at height and want a boot with a strong reputation among riders |
| Professional’s Choice open fronts | Want a rigid shell and cushion at a mid-range budget |
| Eskadron mesh or Air boots | School in warm weather and value breathability over maximum impact resistance |
| Basic neoprene boots | Jump low, occasionally, or have a young horse that may outgrow them |
| Closed-front boots | Need full-leg coverage for brushing and accept less feedback |
Alternatives to Consider
Several other types of leg protection can fit specific needs.
- Sport medicine boots. Often wrap the whole lower leg and fetlock. Popular for gymnastic and flat work, but warmer.
- Fetlock-only boots. Some riders add these for horses that tap the back of the fetlock on landing.
- Bell or overreach boots. Protect the heel bulbs from being clipped by hind shoes, and are often used alongside tendon boots.
- Brand-specific alternatives. Other UK and European makers produce jumping boots with similar construction. Reviewers sometimes compare them with Veredus and Eskadron, but check the maker’s stated construction rather than relying on the label.
How to Decide
Start with the work your horse does. A horse jumping small courses once a week has different needs from a horse competing over bigger tracks. Next, consider the climate and your horse’s tendency to sweat. Then set a budget and look at the closure design and replacement parts, since a boot with robust fasteners and washable lining will last longer. Finally, try before buying if you can: a well-fitting boot from a lower tier often beats an ill-fitting premium one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all jumping horses need boots?
No rule applies to every horse. Many riders use boots for schooling and competition to guard against knocks and brushing. Some jump bare-legged where rules permit. If you are unsure, ask your trainer or vet what suits your horse’s way of going.
Are open-front boots better than closed-front boots?
Open fronts are popular for jumping because they protect the tendons while leaving the front of the cannon uncovered, which many riders feel gives the horse feedback if it hits a rail. Closed fronts cover more of the leg, which can help with brushing but adds warmth. Neither type is universally better.
How often should I replace jumping boots?
There is no fixed schedule. Replace them when the shell cracks, the padding stays compressed, the lining splits or the closures stop holding. The June 2025 open-front test noted permanent internal deformation and a lining split on one premium boot, which shows that even high-end products wear.
Can I leave jumping boots on after the ride?
Generally no. Remove them soon after exercise, because heat and trapped grit can irritate the skin. Always follow the maker’s instructions, and talk to your vet if your horse’s legs look hot or swollen.
Do I need front and hind boots?
Front boots protect the tendons, and hind boots protect the fetlocks. Many jumping riders use both, but the right setup depends on your horse. A trainer who has watched your horse jump can advise.
Is a more expensive boot always safer?
Not necessarily. Independent impact data is limited, and the June 2025 test ranked boots differently for protection than for overall score. Fit, condition and suitability for the work matter as much as price.
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