Lightweight horse boots with the best performance
When selecting horse boots, protection is usually the top concern. However, one often overlooked factor is weight, both in the boot’s dry state and when wet. Scientific research suggest that heavier boots can affect movement, stamina, and jumping performance. Here we explore lightweight horse boots both dry and wet weight.
What the Science Says About Horse Boot Weight
Studies have investigated how added weight affects horses’ biomechanics:
Increased Weight Alters Stride and Movement
A study by Wickler et al. (2004) found that horses fitted with weighted boots (~300g added per limb) showed significant changes in stride length, joint angles, and timing. The added weight disrupted natural motion, potentially increasing strain on tendons and joints. The study concluded that weighted boots could change limb motion, and they require more muscular effort, leading to faster fatigue.
Weighted boots influence performance in show-jumping horses
A study by Jack Murphy looking at weighted boots on show jumpers found that all horses achieved significantly greater hindlimb elevation with the weighted boots, compared with no boots. Although not measured directly, the significantly greater elevation during the jump stride flight phase appears to be a consequence of increased kinetic energy associated with the horses’ hindlimbs.
Weighted boots and the influence on back movement
Josefine Wennerstrand study investigated the influence of weighted boots on the fore- and hind limbs on the movement of the back and found the extra weight increased flexion and extension. Boots also lessened the bend of the spine in the middle around the area of the last rib.
Together, these studies highlight that while heavier boots may enhance specific visual aspects of movement or jumping form, they do so by increasing the physical strain on the horse as well as altering the dynamics of movement.
The Hidden Problem: Water Absorption creating a quick weight change
In independent scientific testing Dr David Marlin tested boots to see how much water they absorbed when fully submerged in water and then left to hang for a 2-minute period.
Boots tested:
Arma Oxi Zone by Shires, Cryochaps Exoskeleton, Eskadron, Equick, Equilibrium, Kentucky Bamboo, Le Mieux Exo Flex, Premier Equine, Stubben Flex, Veredus
Findings suggest that there is no standard weight increase, increases ranged from 17% increase of total weight to 42%, and in actual weight, 40g to 79g. The most important however is how much extra weight is created suddenly, for example after thundering through a water jump. Studies mentioned have shown that an increase in weight is proven to alter the stride length and amount of energy used by the horse. To ensure horses can operate at their peak, having the lightest horse boots both dry and wet, makes logical sense. Exoskeleton by Cryochaps was in the top three for dry weight of tendon boot, Exoskeleton tendon boot only absorbed 42g of water, coming a close second to Eskadron at 40g. Interestingly one of the lightest boots, Equilibrium had one of the highest increases in weight, 56g which was 42% of its dry weight, this high delta change in weight may affect movement more.
Lightweight horse boots the best on Performance (Even When Wet)
Top 2 Lightest Tendon Boots by Weight gained:
- Eskadron Protection – 217g (40g gained)
- Cryochaps Exoskeleton – 245g (42g gained)
Being the lightest dry weight and with minimal increase in weight after water absorption, these boots will have least influence and impact on the movement of the horse, so the least expenditure of energy for the horse.
Heaviest Tendon Boots Wet Weight:
- Arma Oxi-Zone – 343g (largest water absorption at 79g)
- PE Flex Tech Carbon Pro – 321g (water absorption 54g)
- LeMieux Exo Flex – 309g (water absorption 52g)
Conclusion: Choose Lightweight horse boots for the least impact on your horse
Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boots consistently outperform other leading tendon boots when it comes to independent testing. Dr David Marlin put 10 brands of tendon boots through their paces testing them for impact, weight, and insulation and Cryochaps Exoskeleton were consistently in the top two. Dr David Marlin quoted ‘these are probably the best boots I have ever tested’