Protecting your horse’s legs is one of the simplest ways to prevent avoidable injuries, whether you’re schooling at home or tackling a showjumping course. Tendon boots sit right in the middle of that balance between protection, comfort and feel. Using the Arma Tendon Boots as a real-world example, this guide walks through how to choose, fit and care for tendon boots so your horse stays safe and comfortable every time you ride.
Why tendon boots matter for modern horse riding
The tendons and ligaments in a horse’s lower legs work incredibly hard, especially during jumping and fast work. A misplaced hoof, a knock from a pole or a brushing strike from the opposite leg can cause painful injuries that take months to heal. Tendon boots provide a protective shell around these vulnerable areas, helping to absorb and deflect this everyday wear and tear.
Well-designed boots allow you to school, jump or hack knowing you’ve added a layer of insurance against knocks and scrapes. But not all boots are created equal. The materials, the design of the straps and the quality of the lining all play a role in how effective and comfortable they are in day-to-day use.
Arma Tendon Boots: a practical example of modern design
The Arma Tendon Boots are a good illustration of the kind of design details to look for when you’re choosing leg protection. They’re built with a hard yet flexible TPU outer shell that’s impact-resistant and designed to deflect damage on contact, protecting your horse’s feet and legs from everyday knocks. Inside, a neoprene lining adds shock absorption as well as comfort against the skin.
Open straps allow the horse to feel their way, which many riders like for jumping and more technical flatwork. The design aims to protect the tendons without cutting off feedback from the ground or the poles. Available in a range of colours, they also let you match your existing kit without sacrificing practicality.
If you want an in-depth, hands-on take on how they perform in the school and over fences, you can always read our full review of the Arma Tendon Boots alongside this broader guide.
Key features to look for in tendon boots
Whether you opt for Arma Tendon Boots or another model, the same core principles apply. Here are the main areas to consider when you’re comparing options.
1. Protective outer shell
The outer shell does the heavy lifting when it comes to impact protection. The Arma Tendon Boots use a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shell that’s both hard and flexible, which is a smart combination for jumping and general schooling.
- Impact resistance: Look for materials that can take a direct knock from a pole or hoof without cracking.
- Flexibility: A slight flex helps the boot move with the horse’s leg rather than against it.
- Coverage: Ensure the boot covers the tendon area and fetlock without digging in behind the knee or pastern.
2. Comfort and lining
Inside, the lining should cushion the leg and help manage heat and moisture. The neoprene lining in the Arma Tendon Boots is breathable and shock absorbing, which is ideal for everyday use.
- Cushioning: Enough padding to absorb minor impacts but not so thick that it makes the leg feel bulky.
- Breathability: Helps reduce sweat build-up and keeps tendons cooler.
- Soft edges: Smooth edges and seams reduce the risk of rubs, especially on sensitive-skinned horses.
3. Straps and security
Straps need to hold the boot firmly in place without over-tightening. Open straps, as seen on the Arma Tendon Boots, also allow some air flow and help the horse feel where they are in relation to fences.
- Adjustability: Multiple fastening points let you get a snug fit on different leg shapes.
- Ease of use: Quick to fasten and remove, even with gloves on, makes a real difference on busy days.
- Stability: Once fitted, the boot should not twist or slide down during work.
4. Style and colour
Colour isn’t just cosmetic. Lighter colours make it easier to spot rubbing or heat marks after schooling, while darker tones hide arena stains better. The Arma Tendon Boots come in a range of colours, so you can choose something that fits both your horse’s build and your own sense of style.
Fitting tendon boots correctly
A well-made boot will only protect effectively if it fits correctly. Poorly fitted boots can rub, slip or even create pressure points that are worse than riding without them.
Measure and choose the right size
Start by measuring the length of your horse’s cannon bone and comparing it to the size chart for your chosen boots. While the Arma Tendon Boots follow a typical tendon boot shape, leg length and bone thickness vary between breeds and individuals, so it’s worth checking.
- The boot should sit neatly below the knee and above the fetlock joint.
- The strike area should align with the back of the tendon, where knocks are most likely.
- Avoid sizes that leave large gaps or press into joints.
How tight should tendon boots be?
Fasten the straps so the boot is secure without squeezing. You should be able to slide a finger between the boot and the leg all the way round. On flexible designs like the Arma Tendon Boots, the outer shell will flex slightly while the neoprene lining conforms to the leg.
After your first ride in a new pair of boots, remove them and check for any hot spots, rubs or swelling. That quick check can save a lot of discomfort and downtime later on.
When to use tendon boots
Tendon boots are versatile, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all answer for every ride. Think about your horse’s workload, tendencies and the footing you use most often.
- Jumping and poles: This is where tendon boots like the Arma design really come into their own, deflecting knocks from poles and careless landings.
- Flatwork: Useful for horses that brush or move with a narrow gait, offering protection without over-bulking the leg.
- Hacking: Helpful on rough ground or narrow tracks, though some riders prefer lighter brushing boots for longer rides.
Whatever you choose, remove boots as soon as you’ve finished your session so legs can cool down and dry off properly.
Caring for tendon boots: making them last
Looked after properly, a good pair of tendon boots will handle daily schooling and regular jumping without complaint. Neglect them, and even quality materials will start to degrade far sooner than they should.
Cleaning after each ride
A quick clean is often enough to keep neoprene-lined boots in good shape. Sand and grit trapped inside can cause rubbing, so get into the habit of rinsing or brushing them off after use.
- Wipe off sweat and dirt with a damp cloth.
- Rinse neoprene linings with cool water if they’re particularly sandy.
- Allow the boots to air dry naturally away from direct radiators or intense sunlight.
Deep cleaning and storage
Once in a while, give your boots a more thorough wash using lukewarm water and mild soap or a specialist tack cleaner. Pay attention to the creases around the straps and the edges of the TPU shell on models like the Arma Tendon Boots, as grime can build up there.
Store them in a dry, ventilated space. Hook-and-loop straps should be fastened when not in use to prevent them collecting hair and arena debris, which can weaken the grip over time.
Knowing when it’s time to replace them
Inspect tendon boots regularly for signs of wear:
- Cracks or splits in the outer shell.
- Frayed or stretched straps that won’t stay tight.
- Compressed, hard or misshapen neoprene that no longer cushions the leg.
If you spot any of these, it’s time to think about a replacement pair. For more insight into how long a pair of Arma Tendon Boots can realistically last under regular use, you can take a look at our detailed Arma Tendon Boots review.
Open-front vs closed tendon boots
The Arma Tendon Boots are an example of an open-strap design that gives the horse more feel while still protecting the tendons. Deciding between open-front and closed boots depends on your discipline and what suits your horse best.
- Open-front boots: Popular for showjumping and training with poles, as they let the horse feel a light knock and encourage careful jumping, while protecting the back of the leg.
- Closed boots: Offer more all-round coverage, often preferred for cross-country or horses that brush badly.
Whichever you choose, prioritise fit and comfort. A slightly less fashionable boot that fits beautifully will always be kinder to your horse than the latest trend that pinches or rubs.
Comparing tendon boot alternatives
While the Arma Tendon Boots are a strong all-round option, it’s worth looking at similar models to see how they differ on design details like shell coverage, lining thickness and strap configuration. In most cases, you’ll find alternative tendon boots at similar price points that tweak one or two of these features to better suit certain horses or disciplines.
Some alternative boots put extra emphasis on ventilation, incorporating mesh panels or perforated linings for horses that run hot. Others may opt for thicker, more cushioned linings to maximise comfort on sensitive legs, with a slightly softer outer shell. Those differences can be subtle on the page, but very noticeable in day-to-day use, so it pays to consider your horse’s individual needs when you’re deciding which route to go down.
If you’re torn between the Arma Tendon Boots and another similar model, think through these questions:
- Does my horse tend to overreach, brush or interfere?
- Am I mainly jumping, hacking or schooling on the flat?
- Do I need maximum ventilation, or more robust all-round coverage?
- How easy do I need the boots to be to clean and dry between rides?
Answering these will quickly narrow your options to the style and construction that suit you and your horse best.
Final thoughts: choosing the right tendon boots for your horse
Good tendon boots don’t have to be complicated, but they do need to be well thought out. A protective, flexible shell, a comfortable breathable lining and secure, easy-to-use straps are the foundations of a pair you’ll reach for every day. The Arma Tendon Boots offer a clear, practical example of this balanced approach, protecting vulnerable areas without unnecessary bulk or discomfort.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, the final decision often comes down to how they feel in the hand and on the horse. Try them, check the fit carefully and pay attention to how your horse goes. For a closer look at how one well-designed option performs in real riding conditions, you can read the full Arma Tendon Boots review and use it as a benchmark when assessing other models. With the right pair and a bit of routine care, your horse’s legs will be far better protected, ride after ride.