Why breathability in horse boots is important for long-term health and performance

December 4, 2024

The Essential Balance: Why Breathability in Horse Boots Matters for Long-Term Health and Performance

In eventing, riders go to great lengths to protect their horses from the demands of competition. Whether it’s the complex terrain of cross-country riding, the sharp turns of show jumping, or hours of riding and training, every step puts strain on a horse’s legs. Protective boots play a key role in protecting against impact injuries and overuse – but they can inadvertently trap heat, potentially leading to fatigue, discomfort and even long-term health problems.

Finding the right boots requires finding a balance between protection and breathability. Excessive heat buildup around the leg, particularly in the tendons and ligaments, can limit a horse’s natural cooling mechanisms and affect performance and recovery. For this reason, choosing boots with materials that allow airflow while providing protection is critical to the long-term health of tendons and ligaments.

Shires Pro Rider Ema Klugman shares insight into why she relies on ARMA boots on all of her horses. “When we dress for cross-country as riders, we often joke that we are putting on our armor to go to war. “We wear body protectors, helmets and air vests to protect ourselves in the event of a fall,” she says. Like us, our horses also need protection. “We put cleats in their shoes to give them better traction when galloping, jumping and turning. We dress them in galloping boots and bell boots to protect their tendons, ligaments, heels and coronary ligaments from injury – because they can jump a jump, reach too far and take off a shoe, or simply hit themselves while galloping and injure themselves quite easily. We take our boots very seriously as horses are delicate and leg injuries can cause serious problems for their careers.”

Ema’s horses are equipped with ARMA boots, which she uses in every discipline. “For about five years I have been using Shires ARMA boots to protect my horses’ legs at every level, from beginner to 5-star,” she says. “The main reason I was drawn to ARMA was their excellent cross-country boots, but we also use their brush boots for chopping and flat work and their open front and back booties for jumping.”

The ARMA Carbon XC boots in particular are made from a unique blend of lightweight and breathable materials that ensure protection without sacrificing airflow. With a shock-absorbing EVA foam core and a grippy, non-slip lining, the ARMA Carbon XC boots stay securely in place while allowing consistent air circulation to help keep legs cool even during strenuous exercise. Ema emphasizes that ARMA has perfected the balance between breathability and protection. Thanks to the non-slip inner material, the boots stay exactly where they sit on the horse’s legs and remain securely in place even after countless starts to the finish.

For those looking for the highest level of breathability, ARMA also offers the Oxi-Zone line, specifically designed for maximum air circulation. This innovative design takes breathability a step further and is ideal for reducing heat build-up during high-impact activities. With the Oxi-Zone boots, horses benefit from the most advanced ventilation technology in the ARMA range, supporting their comfort and leg health during training and competition.

Whether you’re tackling a challenging off-road course, training at the riding arena or just riding – breathable, lightweight protection is crucial to your horse’s comfort, performance and health. ARMA’s thoughtfully designed boots provide this essential blend, ensuring every horse receives the protection and cooling comfort they need for optimal performance – no matter the challenge.