3 Best Dressage Boots for Horses Moving Up the Levels

Bad boots can bring your dressage horse to a halt, and not in the good way.

Sport boots are a great way to offer support and protection for your horse’s legs while riding. Each equestrian sport has boots tailored to the needs of that sport, but dressage boots tend to be a more universal type product since the discipline concentrates on flatwork.

That said, dressage boots should protect leg tendons and ligaments and help keep your horse from overreaching and clipping himself with a hoof. 

Three of the best dressage boots for horses include: 

• Woof Wear Sport Brushing Boots (Check price at Amazon)
• SmartPak Sport Boots (Check price at SmartPak)
• Dressage Sport Boots (DSB) (Check price at Amazon)

In this article, we’ll (collected) walk through each of the dressage boots listed above so you can make an informed purchase decision. 

Picking the Right Dressage Boots for Your Horse

The three most important considerations when choosing your next horse dressage boots include:

• Protection (leg tendons, ligaments, etc.)
• Support (absorbs impact, distributes force, etc.)
• Comfort (no rubbing, good circulation, breathable, etc.)

In addition, your boots should be well made and hold up to frequent use. My experience has been that I need to replace my dressage boots annually. (This is a general rule of thumb and varies based on horse/rider pairs and activities.) You may also want to consider how easy it is to clean the boots. I prefer a boot that I can machine wash. 

Luckily, there are quality dressage boots for every budget, and boots with high price tags aren’t always better than economical boots.

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong choosing the boot that’s most comfortable for your horse and offers the necessary support and protection for your unique training program.

Quality boots don’t just help your horse! Check out the 3 Best Dressage Boots for the Perfect Leg Position.

WOOF WEAR Sport Brushing Boots

Most versatile for multi-discipline riders

If you school dressage and other disciplines, or want a solid go-anywhere-do-anything boot, Woof Wear’s Sport Brushing Boots are for you.

They’re constructed out of neoprene, which makes them breathable and lightweight, have Velcro straps that keep them in place, and feature a strengthened foam panel for extra protection.

And, as the name implies, they keep your horse from accidentally brushing against his own legs during work.

Note: These boots are sold in pairs and fit front or hind legs. For many horses, you can simply size up one for hind boots!

They come in a lot of colors, so you can get as matchy-matchy as you like or stick with conservative black or white options.

PROS:

• Versatile for dressage training and everyday riding.
• Extra front padding for protection.
• Does not retain water when wet.
• Wide variety of colors to choose from.
• Ergonomic design fits well around the leg and fetlock joint.  

CONS:

• No extra comfort lining, like fleece.
• Slightly thinner boot compared to other similar styles.

Click to see these boots at Amazon

Learn about 7 Ways to Wow Judges and Improve Your Dressage Score.

SmartPak Sport Boots

Most comfortable for flatwork training

SmartPak is a leading retailer of equestrian goods in North America and a proven brand that can be trusted.

Their Sport Boots are more affordable than many other options and hold up to frequent use.

They come in classic colors (white, black, and navy) and machine wash well. These are sold in pairs or as a value pack with all 4 boots.

PROS:

• Appropriate for everyday use.
• Fleece lining is soft and comfortable.
• Outside shell offers superior leg protection.
• Machine washable.
• Good value for the money.

CONS:

• May need to replace annually, depending on amount of use.
• Outside shell can start to crack over time.

Click to see these boots at SmartPak

New to the sport? Check out our 27-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Dressage.

Dressage Sport Boots (DSB)

Most suitable for serious dressage riders

This popular dressage boot features a plush fleece lining and Velcro straps. Be sure to consult the brand’s size chart to ensure you purchase the right size for your horse.

These boots are available in white, black, black/white, and navy/white–all the conservative color combos dressage riders love! 

PROS:

• Thick fleece lining for extra comfort.
• Vinyl exterior helps withstand wear.
• Has a Coverlite Strike area for extra protection.

CONS:

• Typically a higher financial investment.
• Seams could be more durable. 

Click to see these boots at Amazon

What are the levels of dressage, and how do you know if you’re ready to move up?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to put on horse dressage boots

• Dressage boots generally come in pairs – front and hind boots.
• Most dressage boots have Velcro straps for attaching.
• Make sure the Velcro straps are on the outside of the leg.
• Boots cover the cannon bone (area below the knee), and you will pull the Velcro straps around the back of the leg toward the inside of the leg.
• You want it to be secure around the leg, but not too tight! Having a boot fastened too tightly could cause injury to the leg. If you’re not sure, ask a trusted trainer for help.
• Repeat for each leg.

Q: How to put on horse dressage bandages

• Polo wraps take practice! (If you are new to leg protection, I recommend going with a boot instead.)
• Take a fleece polo wrap and, starting just below the knee, wrap it around the horse’s leg (from outside to inside).
• Work your way down then back up the leg until you reach the Velcro strap to secure it.
• Make sure the wrap is secure, but not too tight to cause damage. (It also can’t be too loose, or it could fall down the horse’s leg and get tangled.)
• Ask someone very experienced to demonstrate and teach you.

Not sure which polo wraps to start with? I recommend the Classic Equine Classic Polo Wraps (available at Amazon).

Q: How to choose a color

Though dressage boots come in a variety of sizes and colors, most riders tend to stick with white or black boots.

But, if you find a pair of hot pink boots you can’t live without, school in them at your home barn!

New to the sport? Check out our 27-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Dressage.

About Jennifer Landers

A well-known equestrian lifestyle blogger and freelance writer, Jennifer has worked in the fashion sector for many years and has translated her eye for the latest trends into equestrian fashion. She has been a dressage rider for eight years and earned her USDF Bronze Medal with her horse Petey. She loves having the opportunity to combine both of her passions, horses and writing.

Learn more at www.velvetrider.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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