Cryochaps Exoskeleton Tendon Boot – Top Results in Scientific Testing

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Categories: Exoskeleton Tags: , , , ,

An independent study led by renowned equine scientist Dr David Marlin and his team at Animalweb has conducted a first-of-its-kind test, revealing the Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boot as one of the top-performing equine horse boots on the market.

Unlike rider safety equipment such as helmets or body protectors, there are currently no official standards for the design, performance or testing of tendon boots. To address this gap, Cryochaps commissioned a rigorous scientific evaluation, independently designed and led by Dr Marlin. The study tested ten of the most popular open-front tendon boots, chosen based on feedback from thousands of horse owners through an Animalweb polling survey.

Tendon Boots tested included:

Arma Oxi-Zone, Cryochaps Exoskeleton, E-Quick, Equilibrium Tri-Zone, Eskadron Protection, Kentucky Bamboo Shield, LeMieux Exo Flex, Premier Equine Flex Tech Carbon Pro, Stubben & Evolution, Veredus Carbon Gel Absolute.

Independent Testing Parameters

Each horse boot underwent four key performance tests designed to reflect real-world conditions

  • Dry weight
  • Water absorption
  • Thermal insulation (R-value)
  • Impact protection

These factors are critical in assessing whether horse boots support or compromises a horse’s comfort, safety, and performance.

Key Tendon Boot Results

  • Lightweight Build – The Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boot ranked among the lightest of horse boots tested, weighing just 204g – far below the FEI’s 500g limit. Lightweight horse boots reduce strain and help preserve natural movement, especially during longer sessions.
  • Minimal Water Absorption – After submersion in water at 15°C for five minutes, Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boot absorbed only 42g, placing it second-best in terms of water retention. Excess water weight can lead to fatigue, especially in disciplines like cross-country.
  • Outstanding Heat Dissipation – One of the most significant risks associated with tendon boots or any horse boots, is overheating and the potential damage this can cause to tendons. Despite widespread marketing claims from many manufacturers, only one horse boot in the study demonstrated excellent thermal performance.
    Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boots recorded the lowest R-value (a measure of insulation) of all ten products, indicating superior heat dissipation. According to Dr Marlin’s team, ‘this makes the Exoskeleton an ideal choice if you are worried about tendon heat build-up’.
  • Exceptional Impact Protection – The horse boots were tested using a standardised impact from a weighted horseshoe travelling at realistic speeds, replicating common strike injuries. Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boot ranked second overall for impact protection, offering one of the highest levels of safety in the group. In addition, after 20 repeated impacts, there was only minor evidence of damage to the horse boot.

At Cryochaps, we’ve always put science and equine welfare above marketing,” said the company’s founder Tricia Palmer Lewis. “This independent study validates the principles behind our Exoskeleton tendon boot design, prioritising lightweight performance, heat management and impact protection based on real data, not claims.”

Dr David Marlin added: “If the Cryochaps Exoskeleton tendon boot had performed any better, the results would have been unbelievable. This is what we need more of, products tested independently, under fair and scientifically valid conditions To help owners make more informed choices and to encourage improvements in the quality, function, and performance of products across the industry.

Animalweb will publish the full test results and further analysis via its website and social media platforms over the coming weeks. Riders, trainers and equine professionals are invited to follow along and review the findings in detail. You can see these at AskAnimalweb.com and on the Cryochaps.co.uk website.

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Editor Notes:

Cryochaps
Cryochaps as a company has developed over the years to bring horse owners products that are developed, tried, tested and backed by science. Products are scientifically proven and, the team work with professionals to produce published studies and validate results.

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