United States Eventing Association

The Essential Balance: Why Breathability in Horse Boots Matters for Long-Term Health and Performance

In eventing, riders go to great lengths to protect their horses from the demands of competition. Whether it’s the complex terrain of cross-country, the sharp turns of show jumping, or the long hours of hacking and training, every stride places stress on a horse's legs. Protective boots play a key role in guarding against impact injuries and strain—but they can inadvertently trap heat, potentially leading to fatigue, discomfort, and even long-term health issues.

Finding the right boots means striking a balance between protection and breathability. Excess heat buildup around the leg, particularly in the tendons and ligaments, can limit a horse’s natural cooling mechanisms and affect performance and recovery. For this reason, choosing boots with materials designed to allow airflow while providing protection is essential for long-term tendon and ligament health.

Shires Pro Rider Ema Klugman offers insight into why she relies on ARMA boots for all her horses. “When we get dressed for cross-country as riders, we often joke that we are putting on our armor to go to war. We wear body protectors, helmets, and air vests to protect us in the event of a fall,” she says. Like us, our horses need protection, too. “We put studs in their shoes to give them better traction when they are galloping, jumping, and turning. We boot them up with galloping boots and bell boots to protect their tendons, ligaments, heels, and coronary bands from injury—because they can bump a jump, overreach and pull off a shoe, or even just strike themselves while galloping and hurt themselves quite easily. We take our boots very seriously because horses are fragile, and leg injuries can result in serious problems for their careers.”

Ema’s horses are outfitted in ARMA boots, which she uses for every discipline. “For about five years, I have been using Shires ARMA boots to protect my horses’ legs at every level, from beginner novice to 5*,” she shares. "The main reason I was drawn to ARMA was their excellent cross-country boots, but we also use their brushing boots for hacking and flatwork, and their open-front and hind ankle boots for jumping.”

The ARMA Carbon XC boots, in particular, are crafted with a unique blend of lightweight and breathable materials, ensuring protection without sacrificing airflow. With a shock-absorbing EVA foam core and a soft grip, non-slip lining, ARMA Carbon XC boots remain securely in place while still allowing consistent air circulation, which helps keep the legs cool even during strenuous exercise. Ema emphasizes that ARMA has perfected the balance between breathability and protection. Thanks to the non-slip inner material, the boots stay exactly where placed on the horse’s legs, and even after countless starts, they remain securely in place through the finish line.

For those seeking the highest level of breathability, ARMA also offers the Oxi-Zone line, specifically engineered for maximum airflow. This innovative design takes breathability a step further, making it ideal for reducing heat buildup during high-impact activities. With the Oxi-Zone boots, horses benefit from the most advanced ventilation technology in the ARMA range, supporting their comfort and leg health across training and competition.

Whether tackling a challenging cross-country course, training in the arena, or just hacking —breathable, lightweight protection is crucial for your horse's comfort, performance, and health. ARMA’s thoughtfully designed boots offer that essential blend, ensuring every horse has the protection and cooling comfort they need for optimal performance—whatever the challenge.