Shipping boots are an easy thing to ignore in the rush of getting a horse ready to load into the trailer, but it's just not worth the risk.
Horses trailering without shipping boots can hurt themselves if they kick, scramble during the trip or have trouble loading or unloading, resulting in skinned legs and coronet bands or worse.
Remember that some horses may do better wrapped in standing bandages for travel if they tend to stock up or just need more support than shipping boots can offer. Shipping boots are really for protecting the legs, not for actual leg support.
A Good Boot
We found a few things that make a successful shipping boot. We like the hook-and-loop closures, such as Velcro straps, that all the shipping boots had on them, but we don't want too many of them. Three bigger closures, like the ones on Weaver Leather's boots or that Dover Saddlery Pros, hold the boot together and are easy to use.
Also, we like hoof guards, also called scuff plates or striking plates. Hoof guards are basically just a section of tough-wearing Cordura nylon, vinyl, or leather that cover the hoof at the base of the boot. Without them, though, shipping boots can get caught as the horses move and won't offer as much protection for coronet bands and hooves.
With the guards, your horse's feet look better at the end of the ride, as he's had more protection throughout. These guards, or scuff plates, also protect the bottom of the boot from urine and manure.
Fleece is a traditional lining for shipping boots, and it's certainly cozy for the horses. It keeps legs warm and alleviates any fears of rubbing. However, fleece catches so much bedding and dirt that it's not ideal for lining a shipping boot, which is constantly exposed to these things.
Nowadays, the nylon linings used in some shipping boots offer just as much warmth and comfort as fleece, so we don't think it's worth the extra cleaning. If you're a fleece-lover, however, a stiff brush works pretty well for cleaning off debris and dirt.
Most shipping boots can be hosed off adequately for routine cleaning. If the boots are machine washable, be sure you close the hook-and-loop straps before putting them in the washing machine.
