Equine leg protection has come a long way from the days of using nothing but a set of polo wraps. As Western horse sports have progressed in the quality of horses that compete in them, the amount of money to be won, and the value of good horses goes up, the technology and design of sports medicine boots (commonly referred to as splint boots) and bell boots have progressed right along with them. The materials have become more supportive, breathable, durable, and offer greater protection to the horse.

With so many options available, we want to make sure you are picking the right boots for your horse, so here are some basics about our collection of splint boots and bell boots as we dive in and explore the evolution of equine leg protection in the world of Western horse sports. NRS will help you discover the latest advancements in splint boots and bell boots, along with insights into top brands like Professional's Choice, Relentless by Cactus, Classic Equine, Iconoclast, and leather options. In doing so, we can help you find the perfect leg gear to ensure your horse's safety and performance, all while shopping a wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns at NRS for the ultimate equine protection.

The Basics

The basic function of a splint boot is to support the legs of a horse by protecting the cannon bones and fetlock joints. These protective boots also provide support for the tendons that surround these joints through compression and padding to protect against the horse injuring itself by knocking its legs together or from any other type of contact that may occur in many performance horse disciplines. Front boots will often have some type of sling system to cradle the fetlock but not restrict movement. Hind boots sometimes come with a skid cup around the fetlock to protect against heat and injuries that can occur during sliding stops, spins, and other maneuvers. Hind boots with a skid cup are referred to as skid boots.

Bell boots, also called overreach boots, have the sole purpose of protecting your horse from stepping on themselves. Overreach happens when a horse is going full speed and the hind leg extends forward to clip its own front foot. Overreaching can result in the pulling of shoes, which can also take off part of the hoof, or worse, lacerations of the heel bulb. Horses are also susceptible to stepping on themselves when performing lateral movements of spins when the front legs come into close contact. Bell boots are a cheap piece of protective gear to help give you some peace of mind and keep your horse sound.

Many companies build a protective leg gear system of splint boots that are meant to be paired with a bell boot they offer. These manufacturers often have patented designs or technology to provide maximum protection, comfort, and range of motion within their product offerings. That being said, when you pair one brand of splints with another brand of bells, you may not be receiving the best protection for your horse.

The OG of Splint Boots

The original sports medicine boot (splint boot) design that we think of today debuted in 1990 and was released on the market by Professional’s Choice. Professional’s Choice was formed in 1986, and through the use of many scientific and clinical studies, they were able to release their neoprene orthopedic sports medicine boot four years later. The Professional’s Choice SMB paved the way for them to be on the cutting edge of technology and allowed them to stay at the forefront with boots like the SMB II’s and their latest introduction to the market, the 2XCool’s.

#Relentless

One of our most popular lines of splint and bell boots is the Relentless by Cactus Gear collection. Relentless protective gear was designed in collaboration with 26x PRCA World Champion Cowboy, Trevor Brazile. The Relentless line acts much like taping an ankle on a basketball or football player, adding consistent compression and support to the entire area covered. They are made from a durable, yet flexible, material that has been tailored to allow the horse to move naturally and uninhibited when paired with a Relentless Strikeforce Bell Boot. Trevor takes great pride in the products that carry the Relentless logo, and you can be sure that they have been rigorously tested to bring you one of the most durable and effective products on the market.

#PlayToWin

The tagline of Classic Equine, the company with arguably the most comprehensive list of endorsees that spans the largest cross-section of Western performance horse disciplines, isn’t just a slogan, but the mindset of the entire company. Classic Equine is one of the technological leaders in the equine leg protection industry. From their Legacy™ boots to the ClassicFit™ line to their AirWave boots, Classic Equine is in constant pursuit to improve their existing leg gear and provide a better product for future generations of horsemen and women.

Multiple lines allow Classic Equine to fit the individual needs of a wide variety of horse people, from NRCHA trainers to PRCA athletes, and everyone in between. The Legacy™ line’s main features are a suspensory rib to ensure proper boot alignment, along with their Exclusive Fetlock Cradle System. The ClassicFit™ boots are easily put on, and their laminated jersey lining is designed for a close fit to keep dirt out, prevent bunching and rubbing, and provide extra support with a suspensory sling. And a favorite among trainers, the AirWave boots are perforated to draw heat away from the leg, while being easy to put on, providing great protection, and staying clean. If these lines don’t suit your needs, you can also check out the other lines Classic Equine has to offer.

Breaking the Mold

Iconoclast bills themselves as “The Ultimate Equine Support Boot,” and many cutting and performance horse trainers are inclined to agree. Iconoclast classifies themselves as more than a splint boot, but a support boot. Iconoclast support boots were designed by trainers and veterinarians. These support boots offer 360° protection of the suspensory and sesamoidial regions of the leg through the incorporation of their patented Double Sling Straps into their support boots. Besides offering the Double Sling Straps, Iconoclast support boots are also available in extra tall, making them a great choice for OTTB and other performance horses that need upper suspensory protection.

Old School Protection

Leather splint boots are a bit old school but can be a great choice for working cowboys or specific conditions where a splint made of neoprene fabric may not be ideal. NRS offers leather splint boots made by Tod Slone, Cactus Gear, and Classic Equine. Each boot has a leather outer with a type of padding on the inside to ensure a form fit, all held in place by a buckle closure attached to a durable elastic.

NRS Has You Covered

We have highlighted several specific brands and styles of splint boots and bell boots for you, but we have a very large selection of equine protective leg gear to meet the specific needs of you and your horse. Not only are we confident we can meet those needs, but we also offer a wide array of colors and patterns to match your personality. We invite you to shop our entire collection to find the right boots for you and your horse.