Open Front Tendon Boots for Jumping Horses: Buying Guide
If your horse works over fences, cross-country, or in a jumper ring, protecting the tendons from a rail strike or overreach is non-negotiable. Open-front tendon boots are designed exactly for this — they guard the vulnerable tendon and ligament structures on the back of the cannon bone while leaving the front of the leg exposed, so your horse can feel a rail and adjust rather than knocking it down blind. Understanding how these differ from splint boots or full-wrap support boots will help you pick the right protection for your discipline.
What are open-front tendon boots used for?
Open-front tendon boots are built for jumping and other high-impact work where sensitivity to contact matters as much as protection. Unlike closed splint boots, which wrap all the way around the cannon, tendon boots leave the front of the leg bare. This is intentional: a horse that brushes a rail with the front of its leg learns to lift higher and be more careful, which is a big part of safe, educated jumping. The back and sides of the leg — where a horse is most likely to strike itself with the opposite hoof or take a hit from a rail — stay padded and shielded. Ventilated designs, like mesh or perforated backing, also matter here, since jumping generates heat and sweat buildup that can lead to rubs, filling, or skin irritation if the boot doesn't breathe.
How to choose the right tendon boots for your horse
Fit is everything with this type of boot. Look for a snug-but-not-restrictive fit around the cannon bone, adjustable hook-and-loop or buckle closures, and enough length to cover from just below the knee to the fetlock without interfering with joint movement. Materials matter too: neoprene and PVC-backed boots are easy to hose off after a muddy schooling session, while breathable mesh panels help prevent overheating during summer shows. Sizing is usually based on horse height and cannon bone circumference, so measure before ordering rather than guessing off a "horse size" label. A well-padded strike zone at the back of the leg, reinforced stitching, and secure closures that won't slip during a gallop are the details worth checking before you buy.
For riders who want a reliable, no-fuss option, the Jeffers Uniquely English Open-Front Tendon Boots, sold as a 2-pack for $49.99, hit the key marks: a ventilated design that keeps air moving, solid tendon-area padding, and an open front that preserves your horse's natural jumping instincts.
Are open-front tendon boots worth it for schooling and showing?
If you jump regularly — whether at home, in lessons, or in competition — tendon boots are one of the cheapest forms of insurance against a costly injury. A single hard rail strike without protection can cause bruising, swelling, or a soft tissue injury that sidelines a horse for weeks. Many riders keep one pair for schooling and a cleaner-looking pair for shows, since boots take on scuffs and dirt over time. If your horse only hacks or does light flatwork, a simpler brushing boot may be enough, but for any horse jumping height or working at speed, open-front tendon boots are considered standard equipment by most trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do open-front tendon boots protect against overreach injuries?
They primarily protect the tendon area from strikes and interference from the hind feet, but they don't cover the heel bulbs, so pair them with overreach or bell boots if your horse tends to grab its front heels.
How do I know what size tendon boots to buy for my horse?
Measure your horse's cannon bone circumference and overall height, then check the brand's sizing chart, since tendon boots typically run in small/medium/large/extra-large rather than a universal one-size fit.
Can I use tendon boots for turnout or only for riding?
Tendon boots are designed for ridden work like jumping and schooling, not turnout — for turnout protection, look for boots specifically labeled for that purpose since they're built to handle longer wear and rougher movement.
Shop the Jeffers Uniquely English Horse Tendon Boots, 2-Pack — $49.99 →