Veredus Carbon Gel Vento STS Tendon
$439.95
Tendon Boots
Browse tendon boots that sit on the cannon so a strike or brushing blow lands on a pad instead of the flexor tendons.
They are part of our wider Boots collection.
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What Is a Tendon Boot?
A tendon boot is a guard strapped over the cannon bone so the strike pad, not the tendon, takes a blow from a rail, stud or opposite limb.
It is not a wrapping bandage and it is not a fetlock cup. Coverage stops around the fetlock so the joint can still flex. Typical parts are:
- A harder strike plate over the back of the cannon.
- A lining that sits against skin or hair.
- Straps or elastic that must stay put without rotating.
Are Open-Front Tendon Boots Different from Closed Ones?
Open-front tendon boots leave the front of the cannon exposed so the horse can feel a rail, while closed tendon boots wrap more of the cannon for schooling.
Jumping and showjumping riders often choose open fronts on the fores. Closed bodies trade that rail feel for more brushing cover. Do not treat them as the same boot with a different name.
Tendon Boots vs Fetlock Boots
Tendon boots protect the cannon and tendon; fetlock boots protect the hind fetlock from brushing.
A common jumping setup uses tendon boots in front and fetlock boots behind. Putting a tendon boot on a hind fetlock leaves the joint you meant to cover exposed. If you need wrap support instead of a shell, compare horse bandages.
How Strike Pads, Linings and Closures Change Heat
A stiffer strike pad spreads impact, but a closed neoprene lining holds more heat and sweat against the tendon than a ventilated shell.
Hook-and-loop and elastic closures should land in the same place after a circle. A boot that rotates will rub even if the size name looks right. Replacement straps and inners sit in horse boot accessories, not in a new pair unless the shell is cracked.
When Should You Use Tendon Boots?
Use tendon boots for jumping, harder schooling, or horses that strike the cannon. Leave them off for light hacks if grit and heat are a bigger risk than a strike.
They are not turnout boots. Sand packed inside a lining will abrade skin faster than working bare-legged for a quiet session. Heel-bulb cover still belongs on bell boots or overreach boots. A pad from our saddle pads range does not replace this coverage.
How to Care for Tendon Boots
Rinse sweat and sand after work, dry linings fully, and follow the maker's wash instructions. Heat and a washing machine can warp foam and closures if the label does not allow it.
Check the strike plate and straps before the next ride. A cracked shell is a replacement, not a reason to pull the straps tighter.
How Should Tendon Boots Fit?
A fitted tendon boot sits still over the cannon without rotating, pinching the tendon, or dropping onto the fetlock. The horse must still flex the joint freely.
Pony, cob and full labels are not shared across brands. If the strike pad gaps or the boot creeps down, change size or style rather than stacking extra wrap over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do tendon boots protect?
Tendon boots protect the cannon bone and the flexor tendons from strikes and brushing. A strike pad sits over the back of the cannon so a rail, stud or opposite limb hits the boot instead of bare tendon. They do not cover the hind fetlock or the heel bulbs. Those jobs belong to fetlock boots and bell or overreach boots.
Should jumping horses wear open-front tendon boots?
Many jumping horses wear open-front tendon boots on the forelegs so the cannon can still feel a rail, with a harder pad over the tendon. Closed tendon boots wrap more of the cannon and suit schooling or horses that interfere. Hind legs usually need fetlock boots instead. Follow your discipline rules and the horse's way of going.
Are tendon boots the same as brushing boots?
Not always. Some closed tendon or exercise-style boots are sold as brushing boots because they wrap more of the cannon. A true open-front tendon boot is built around a strike pad and rail feel, not all-round brushing cover. Match the boot to the blow you expect, not the marketing name on the tag.
Can tendon boots be used in the paddock?
Usually no. Tendon boots can fill with dirt, rub, or catch on fences if left on at grass. They are made for ridden work, not overnight turnout. If the horse overreaches at grass, a bell or overreach boot is the usual paddock choice, and even then it needs checking so it cannot snag.
