6 Horse Over Reach Boot Types Explained That Prevent Common Issues

You hear that tell-tale "thwack" from the pasture and your stomach drops. A quick check confirms it: your horse has pulled a front shoe again, likely by stepping on it with a hind foot. This common and frustrating problem, known as over reaching, can lead to lost shoes, bruised heels, and even serious coronary band injuries. Investing in the right pair of over reach boots, or bell boots, is one of the simplest ways to prevent these headaches.

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Why Over Reaching Happens & How Boots Can Help

Over reaching is when a horse’s hind hoof strikes the heel bulb or back of the front hoof. This can happen for a few reasons. Some horses are built for it, with a short back and long hind legs that naturally create a longer stride. Young, unbalanced horses or those working in deep, heavy footing are also prime candidates.

The impact can do more than just pull a shoe. It can cause painful bruises to the sensitive heel bulbs or cut the coronary band, which is responsible for hoof growth. A serious injury here can affect the hoof for life.

Bell boots act as a simple, effective shield. They fit around the pastern and flare out like a bell to cover the entire heel area. When the hind foot comes forward, it strikes the durable boot instead of the horse’s flesh or shoe, absorbing the impact and deflecting the blow. It’s a small piece of gear that prevents big problems.

Davis Rubber Bell Boots: The Classic Turnout Staple

If you need a basic, no-frills boot for everyday turnout, the classic Davis-style rubber bell boot is your go-to. These are the workhorses of the bell boot world. Made from a single piece of molded rubber, they are tough, affordable, and incredibly easy to clean—just hose them off and you’re done.

They come in two main styles: pull-on and Velcro. The pull-on version is famously difficult to get on but is nearly impossible for a horse to get off, making it perfect for the dedicated pasture escape artist. The Velcro style is far easier to manage daily but can become less effective when caked with mud or as the Velcro wears out over time. Their simplicity is their strength, offering reliable protection against scrapes and shoe-pulling in the field.

Professional’s Choice Ballistic: No-Turn Design

There’s nothing more annoying than a bell boot that spins around, leaving the back of the heel exposed at the exact moment of impact. The Professional’s Choice Ballistic bell boot solves this with a simple but brilliant "no-turn" knob. This soft bump fits into the hollow at the back of the pastern, anchoring the boot in place.

This feature ensures the reinforced, "ballistic" nylon exterior is always positioned at the back to take the brunt of any strike. This makes them a top choice for performance activities like jumping, reining, or cross-country, where a secure fit is non-negotiable. The no-turn design provides peace of mind that the protection is exactly where it needs to be, when it matters most.

While excellent for riding, their fabric construction and Velcro closures might not hold up to the rigors of 24/7 muddy turnout as well as a simple rubber boot. They represent a step up in technical design, prioritizing stability during work over pure, rugged simplicity.

LeMieux Sheepskin Bell Boots for Sensitive Skin

Some horses have skin as delicate as a flower. For these animals, a standard rubber or neoprene boot can cause rubbing and sores around the pastern, trading one problem for another. LeMieux and other similar brands address this with boots lined with soft, genuine sheepskin.

The natural fleece provides a luxurious cushion against the pastern, wicking away moisture and preventing friction. This makes them the undisputed champion for sensitive horses that need to wear boots for extended periods. The outer boot is often made of a durable, leather-like synthetic, so you aren’t sacrificing protection for comfort.

The tradeoff, of course, is maintenance. Sheepskin requires care. You’ll need to brush out debris and wash them carefully to keep the fleece fluffy and effective. They are also not the best choice for a horse living in a swampy field, as constant wetness can ruin the sheepskin. Think of them as a great option for riding or for horses in drier turnout conditions.

Woof Wear Pro Overreach for Maximum Durability

When your horse’s middle name is "Destruction," you need a boot built to withstand a beating. The Woof Wear Pro Overreach and similar heavy-duty models are engineered for exactly that. They often feature a tough outer shell, sometimes with a carbon-fiber effect, designed to deflect serious impact.

These boots are all about robust protection. Many have a reinforced strike plate at the back and use high-density neoprene that won’t tear easily. The closures are typically a secure, double-locking Velcro system that stays put even during the most demanding activities, like galloping through a cross-country course.

This level of durability makes them a fantastic choice for high-impact sports or simply for the horse that is notoriously hard on its equipment. They are an investment in longevity, saving you from replacing cheaper, less-sturdy boots every few months.

Italian Pull-On Bell Boots for Ultimate Security

For the Houdini of horses who can get out of any boot you put on him, the Italian-style pure rubber pull-on is your last resort and best hope. These boots are made from an exceptionally pliable, stretchy rubber that has no seams or closures—the ultimate weak points.

Their defining feature is their security. Once you get them on, they are not coming off by accident. Horses can’t catch a strap on a fence or rip open Velcro with their teeth. This makes them the absolute best choice for 24/7 turnout for a known boot-destroyer.

However, that security comes at a price: they are incredibly difficult to put on and take off. Most people have to soak them in hot water to make them more pliable or use a bit of hoof oil to help them slide over the hoof. They are not practical for daily removal, but if your primary goal is a boot that will still be on your horse tomorrow morning, nothing beats them.

Equilibrium Tri-Zone: Added Impact Protection

For those seeking the highest level of protection, particularly for a high-performance athlete or a horse recovering from an injury, the Equilibrium Tri-Zone boots offer a technological edge. These boots are designed less like a simple shield and more like modern body armor, using multiple layers of advanced materials.

The goal of the Tri-Zone design is to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact, not just block it. They are rigorously tested for their ability to reduce concussion, protecting the delicate structures of the heel and pastern from significant blows. They are lightweight, breathable, and shaped to avoid impeding movement.

This is a specialized piece of equipment. It comes with a higher price tag and is best suited for intense work like jumping or eventing, where the risk of a hard, fast strike is greatest. It’s probably overkill for simple turnout, but for competition, it provides an unparalleled level of engineered safety.

Choosing the Right Boot Fit for Your Horse’s Needs

No matter the brand, a proper fit is crucial. The bottom of the bell boot should just touch the ground behind the heel when your horse is standing squarely. The top opening should be snug enough to prevent debris from getting inside but allow you to comfortably slip a finger between the boot and the horse’s pastern to prevent rubbing.

Making the right choice comes down to matching the boot to the situation. There’s no single "best" boot, only the best boot for a specific job.

• For 24/7 Turnout: Your priorities are durability and security. Davis Rubber or Italian Pull-Ons are excellent, cost-effective choices.
• For General Riding & Training: A no-turn design offers a big advantage. The Professional’s Choice Ballistic is a reliable and popular option.
• For High-Impact Sports: You need maximum protection that stays put. Look to the Woof Wear Pro or Equilibrium Tri-Zone boots.
• For a Sensitive Horse: Comfort is key to prevent rubs. LeMieux Sheepskin boots are the clear winner here.

Many of us end up with a couple of different pairs in the tack room—a rugged set for the muddy months and a more technical pair for riding. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type, you can make a smart choice that keeps your horse safe, sound, and fully shod.

Ultimately, over reach boots are cheap insurance against expensive vet bills and lost training time. Taking a moment to assess your horse’s conformation, workload, and environment will guide you to the perfect pair. The right boot is a simple tool that solves a common, and often costly, problem on the farm.