Sep 10, 2023 | Super Equestrian
Well, well, well, it's time to give your horse the protection they need with a pair of bell boots. But if you've never fitted them before, you might be feeling a bit lost in the saddle.
Don't worry, we've got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide on "How to Fit Bell Boots on a Horse" that will have your horse strutting in style and safety in no time!
Before we saddle up and hit the trails, let's first talk about the importance of properly fitting bell boots on our horses. These protective boots serve a vital role in preventing injury and discomfort to our equine friends.
But if not fitted correctly, they can do more harm than good. So, let's take a closer look at why it's crucial.
Bell boots are designed to protect your horse's hooves from injury and damage caused by overreaching or interference. A properly fitted bell boot is comfortable for your horse to wear and won't cause any irritation or rubbing.
Additionally, a good fit ensures that the boots won't twist or slip during use, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
On the other hand, an improperly fitted bell boot can slip down or twist around the hoof, which can cause your horse to trip or stumble.
Moreover, bell boots that are too tight can restrict blood flow, causing discomfort, as well as, those are too big won't provide the proper protection for your horse's hooves and can leave them vulnerable to injury.
Now we know why it’s crucial to fit bell boots properly. Let's dive into how to determine the correct size of bell boots for your horse.
The first step is measuring the horse's hoof. Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your horse's hoof at its widest point. Make sure to measure both front and back hooves, as they may differ in size. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters. [check this video on how to measure horse’s hoof for boots]
The second step is understanding the sizing chart. Bell boots come in different sizes, typically ranging from small to extra-large. Check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer and find the size that corresponds to your horse's hoof measurement.
Some sizing charts may also include the height of the boot, so be sure to take note of that as well.
Here we provide you a bell boot sizing chart:
Bell boots size | Small | Medium | large | XL | XXL | XXXL |
Ballistic overreached boots | BB251 | BB252 | BB253 | BB254 | BB255 | BB256 |
Horse height(in hands) | 13-14 | 14-15 | 15-16 | 16-17 | 17-17.2 | 17.2+ |
Pastern circumference | 8” | 8.5” | 9” | 10” | 11” | 12” |
Boot height | 4.25” | 4.25” | 4.5” | 4.75” | 4.75” | 4.75” |
Bottom boot circumference | 13” | 13.5” | 15” | 15.5” | 16.5” | 17.5” |
Note: ballistic overreached should have no overlap when applying them to the hoof because of the no-turn knob.
The third step is to consider the purpose of bell boots. It can also affect the size you choose. For example, if you're using them for turnout or trail riding, you may need a larger size to adapt to any movement or slipping.
However, if you're using them for performance or training, you may need a snugger fit for maximum protection and support.
And, the final step is to try them on. If possible, try the bell boots on your horse before purchasing. Make sure they fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose.
So, we know the first stage of fitting bell boots on a horse properly, which is determining the correct size. Now we're going to delve into the second stage, which is putting on bell boots correctly.
But how do you do that? There are a few tips and tricks to ensure that. So, let's dive in and explore the steps for putting on bell boots correctly!
However, there are some common mistakes we should avoid when fitting the bell boots on our fellow equine.
Such as choosing the wrong size without measuring or determining the size, putting them incorrectly, neglecting to check the fit, using them on for too long, or using them as a fix for other issues. Avoiding these can prevent additional hooves or leg issues.
Finally, the next stage of how to fit bell boots on a horse is checking them if they fit properly. Here's a guide on how to check if bell boots fit properly:
Signs of a proper fit of bell boots:
Signs of an improper fit of bell boots:
Making adjustments if the boots don't fit properly:
Check out this video how they fit bell boots on a horse Fitting over reach/bell boots
Well readers ! Here we are. Everything you need to know about how to fit protective bell boots on your horse. From understanding why fitting is important, how to determine the correct size to how to put them on correctly and few tips to check if they fit properly.
Please let us know in the comments below if you found this article helpful. We’d love to hear from you!
Q: Can you ride a horse with bell boots on?
A: Yes, you can ride a horse with bell boots on. They provide added protection to the hooves and fetlocks.
Q: When should a horse wear bell boots?
A: A horse should wear bell boots during riding or turnout if they overreach or interfere with their own hooves.
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