About This Video
Olympic equestrian David O’Connor discusses the various types of horse boots, their uses, how to fit them and how to clean them. Horse boots are used for protection and to prevent injury in a wide range of disciplines.
Show jumping boots are the first type of boot that O’Connor covers. They are open-front boots, so they don't go all the way around the leg, and they have hard plastic on the outside to protect the horse’s sesamoid bones and the side of the fetlock as that is where horses can hit themselves. O’Connor recommends checking that your show jumping boots are permitted at a competition, as some boots are prohibited. O’Connor also shows how to properly fit boots, with the straps always going to the back.
When it comes to eventing, cross-country boots provide additional protection to the back of the horse’s front leg, so that they do not injure their tendons. For the hind boots, that protection is over the cannon bones. Cross-country boots do not absorb water, preventing them from becoming heavy while competing. Meanwhile, dressage boots offer the most support below a horse’s fetlock, providing flexibility and an increased range of motion. Bell boots protect horses’ coronary bands in case of a mistake or a horse striking its own foot. Make sure that no part of the bell boot touches the ground when fitted. Lastly, O’Connor covers everyday training boots, which are flexible all the way through and provide overall protection without hard surfaces.
About The Expert
O’Connor, a decorated Olympian, is no stranger to US Equestrian. O'Connor represented the USA for 20 years as an athlete, earning individual gold and team bronze medals in Eventing at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and a team silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.
O’Connor joined the USEF team in his current role in October 2022. He is responsible for working with the Executive Team on the overall international and national sport support of the Strategic Plan initiatives including sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. Additionally, he provides oversight of the international and national sport operations, ensuring that the Sport Department’s short-term and long-term strategic plans align with USEF’s priorities. He also focuses on strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups, such as the USOPC, FEI, and USEF's Recognized Affiliates.
David served as USEF President from 2004 to 2012, and he currently serves on the FEI Board of Directors. In 2021, he was presented with the USOPC’s General Douglas MacArthur Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his continued service and commitment to equestrian sports within the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
