A Deep-Dive Into The 14 Best Ice Boots For Horses

What are Ice Boots for Horses?

Ice boots are a unique style of leg wrap made specifically to keep the horse’s hind leg cold. To reduce heat and inflammation, the best ice boots for horses lower the temperature of soft tissue after exercise.

Ice boots are beneficial for people as well as horses. The best ice therapy begins with superb ice therapy, and the right ice boot is helpful when it comes to helping your horse’s muscles recover after the activity.

How to Use Equine Ice Boots

Depending on the type of ice boots you choose, you may either fill them with ice or place them in the freezer until they freeze. After you freeze the ice boots, you wrap them around the horses’ legs to provide cold therapy.

You must ensure that you apply the ice boots to your horse’s legs as the manufacturer recommends, regardless of the type of ice boot you choose. Make sure you give the instructions with the boot a read to ensure you are utilizing it correctly.

In addition, you need to make sure that the boots are clean before you use them and after you use them. Since the boots are continually in contact with dampness and are used on multiple horses, they could likely spread bacteria.

Maintaining clean ice boots is possible to ensure that none of your horses get infections from bacteria or other types of germs.

What are Ice Boots for?

The purpose of ice boots is to administer a cold therapy treatment to the limbs of horses either as a preventative precaution or as a treatment for injuries. There are a variety of ice boots available, each with its own set of qualities. For instance, some of these boots can be best for heat therapy, while others can compress or massage the skin.

Our Tip Horse Ice Boot Pick is…

There are many types of horse boots to choose from on the open market, making it difficult to decide which ones are best for you and your horse. This list of the top 14 ice boots for your horse to help you narrow down which boot you need. 

Our top pick is the Ice Horse Single Hock Wraps for Equine Therapy. It is the best as it provides maximum coverage by conforming to the shape of the horse’s legs and maintaining their coldness for more than two hours.

The Best Equine Ice Boots at a Glance

Name and hyperlink of product	Best for case	Coverage	Cold therapy	Heat therapy	Massage
Ice Horse Single Hock Wraps for Equine Therapy	Best overall ice boots for horses	Knee to hoof	Yes	Yes	No
Shires Hot/Cold Joint Relief Boots: Best Ice Boots for Hot and Cold Therapy	Best ice boots for hot and cold therapy	Multiple	Yes	Yes	No
Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots - Full Size	Best ice boots for cold therapy + massaging	Tendon and fetlock	Yes	No	Yes
Professional's Choice Full Leg Ice Boot	Best full leg ice boots	Tendon	Yes	No	No
Roma Ice Boot (Single)	Best ice boots for curing injuries	Knee to hoof	Yes	Yes	No
JackS 985-RE Neoprene Ice Boots 9 Pockets44; Red	Best joint relief boots	Knee to hoof	Yes	No	Yes
Horze Pro Cooling Therapy Ice Wraps for Horses, Quick Cooling Gel Ice Pack with Flexible Straps	Best horse ice boot for reducing inflammation	Tendon	Yes	Yes	No
Intrepid International Horse 6 Pocket Ice Boot	Best pocket ice boots for horses	Knee to hoof	Yes	No	Yes
Professionals Choice Equine Nine Pocket Ice Boot (Universal Size, Black)	Best quality ice boots for horses	Knee to hoof	Yes	Yes	Yes
Classic Equine Ice Boots	Best fit ice boots for horses	Knee to hoof	Yes	Yes	No
Jacks Manufacturing Jacks Cordura Ice Boots Navy	Best ice boots for horses legs	Knee to hoof	Yes	No	Yes
Tough 1 Ice Boot	Best budget ice boot for horse	Tendon	Yes	No	Yes
Dover Saddlery Jack's Ice Boots	Best horse cooling boots	Knee to hoof	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ice Horse Pair of Knee to Ankle Wraps for Equine Therapy - Comes with 12 Ice Packs	Best ice boots with compression	Knee to fetlock	Yes	No	Yes

The Reviews

Ice Horse Single Hock Wraps for Equine Therapy: Best Overall Ice Boots for Horses

Brand: Ice Horse

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s:11 inches (27.9 centimeters)

Recommended use: For legs cooling to relieve pain and relax the horse muscles.

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Ice packs provide maximum coverage by conforming to the shape of the horse’s legs and maintaining their coldness for more than two hours. Ice packs are reusable. When you are through, put the packets back where they came from, in the freezer. You can use them again in a matter of hours after cleaning.

Quadrispan anti-migration fabric is in use in the production of Ice Horse Hock Wraps. The equine ice wraps stay on the horse’s leg, and the ice stays squeezed against the area under treatment, thanks to their one-of-a-kind breathable fabric.

Velcro fasteners strategically positioned throughout the garment ensure a secure and comfortable fit every time. The removal is simple, as there is no need to yank or jerk on the tabs to undo them.

They developed cool boots for horses with the hock joint in mind specifically. The ice packs will conform to the shape of the horse’s leg to provide the greatest possible coverage. They can maintain their chilly temperature for at least two hours. The cloth is breathable, and the Velcro closures ensure a good, snug fit.

You can use these boots to treat an injury to the hock or cool down after an exercise. This product is from the United States and is available for individual purchase.

Key Features

• Available sizes include those for horses and ponies.
• You should freeze the three ice packs before inserting them into the boot and applying them to the leg.
• The hock joint is the covered area.

Benefits

• For the therapeutic cooling off your horse’s hock, a set of specialized fabric wraps keeps the cold inserts compressed and in place.
• Inserts for Cold Capsules offer cooling for more than two hours and conform to the horse for optimal covering.

Pros

• Excellent molded fit.
• Targets a high-risk area.
• Compatible with various boots.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Having only one purpose (hock-use only).

Shires Hot/Cold Joint Relief Boots: Best Ice Boots for Hot and Cold Therapy: Best Joint Relief Boots

Brand: Shires

Item form: Gel

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black 

Size/s: 11 inches (27.9 centimeters)

Recommended use: For legs

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Both hot and cold therapy are viable applications for these multipurpose boots. A bonus? They can work on any leg joints, including the knees, hocks, and fetlocks. The flexible neoprene and cutouts in the ergonomic product design allow for ease of movement. You may remove the gel packs and wash the neoprene by hand.

These boots are particularly versatile because you may use them both to prevent injuries and cure those that have already occurred. Items are selling in pairs. When you are handling the gel packs, make sure to exercise extreme caution so that you do not tear them.

Key Features

• The healing of wounds.
• Help the body heal after intense exercise.
• Reduce edema and inflammation.
• Reduce the pain that comes with arthritic diseases.

Benefits

• It helps in muscle therapy.

Pros

• Affordable.
• Presented for purchase in pairs.
• Use either warm or chilly.
• Excellent for all of the joints.

Cons

• Only applicable to horses.

Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots - Full Size: Best Ice Boots for Cold Therapy + Massaging

Brand: Horseware

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: 12 inches (30.5 centimeters)

Recommended use: Before or after exercise or during recovery

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Although they come with a steep price tag, these boots are all you could want in a pair of boots and more. You can cool or heat the implants, allowing for either warm or cold therapy administration. 

In addition, these boots come equipped with a massage treatment component, which helps to improve circulation, accelerate the healing process, and lessen muscle soreness. A button that toggles between on and off and an automated timer can help to activate the massage function.

These boots help to avoid injuries and treat those already sustained. Customers comment that not only are they sold in pairs, but they are simple and quick to use. To use them, remove any inner packs that need heating or cooling before use. Utilize the on/off button and the programmed timer to activate the massage feature.

However, combined with massage does not restrict the blood flow completely; this maintains oxygen to tired and damaged tissue, allowing for a better recovery. The boots cool the tissue via cold packs and slow down the blood flow to reduce inflammation.

Key Features

• Before or after exercise or during recovery, you can employ portable massage boots with hot/cold inserts for creating warm or cold circulation treatments.
• Cold therapy slows the inflammatory process by reducing blood flow.
• To properly treat sprains, ligament damage, and tendon damage, combine the effects of chilling with massage therapy.
• The massaging effect’s movement might encourage the lymphatic system to flush out any existing irritation.

Benefits

• The boots cool the tissue via the cold packs and slow down the blood flow to reduce inflammation.

Pros

• Simple to use.
• Stretchy pockets make it simple to insert or remove panels.
• Slip-resistance Velcro fasteners are secure. 

Cons

• It is pricey.

Professional's Choice Full Leg Ice Boot: Best Full Leg Ice Boots

Brand: ‎Professional’s Choice

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: Joint therapy

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

These boots are wonderful because they cover the entire leg, from the hock to the knee. The interior has a nylon coat to reduce the possibility of skin harm caused by direct contact with ice, while the exterior is of neoprene and is simple to clean. 

Because the ice pockets construction is right into the boot, you only need one to freeze the entire thing. What’s the catch? These boots are quite large and might use a lot of storage space. This item is available for purchase in sets of two and can help avoid injuries or treat those that have already occurred.

Key Features

• Full-height boots.
• Neoprene exterior.

Benefits 

• Non-removable gel pockets that keep the patient’s body temperature lower for longer.

Pros 

• Elastic hook and loop straps for an easy, secure application.
• Nylon lining to protect your horse’s skin.

Cons 

• It is pretty expensive.
• Large and might use a lot of storage space. 

Roma Ice Boot (Single): Best Ice Boots for Curing Injuries

Brand: Roma

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Red

Size/s: Standard 

Recommended use: For curing injuries

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

This boot is among the best options due to its positive feedback from customers (they adore it!) in addition to its affordable price range. You may adjust this boot to fit your needs, and it is ideal not to move around. In addition to this, it is popular for its longevity.

This substance is not only effective in curing injuries, but it also has applications in the prevention of further harm. Individually packaged, this is a popular choice to have on hand (ready to use) if an injury occurs or a particularly difficult workout is complete.

Benefits

• Multiple ice cells that have the flexibility to conform to the contours of the horse’s leg for optimal cooling make up the Roma Ice Boot. 
• Also fantastic for cyclists! The boot stays in place with hook-and-loop fasteners.

Key Features

• Re-freezable and completely mess-free.

Pros 

• It brings down the temperature of the horse’s leg and helps reduce edema.
• Additional flexibility for enhanced comfort levels.

Cons 

• It is pricey.

JackS 985-RE Neoprene Ice Boots 9 Pockets44; Red: Best Ice Leg Wraps for Horses

Brand: JackS

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Red, blue

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: For cooling

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

All performing horses can benefit from this simple-to-use, extremely effective cold therapy. Made of neoprene, which provides insulation and maximizes cooling. The lower leg, including the fetlock region, will quickly recover from the damaging effects of heat and swelling thanks to the boot’s design with elastic pockets for crushed ice. 

A secure fit is possible by reinforced places where cloth hook and eye adheres and cloth hook and eye closures. 

Benefits 

• Help the horse to recover from the damaging effects of heat and swelling quickly.

Key features

• Made of neoprene.
• Has elastic pockets.

Pros 

• Simple to use.
• Provides maximum cooling.

Cons 

• It is pricy.

Horze Pro Cooling Therapy Ice Wraps for Horses, Quick Cooling Gel Ice Pack with Flexible Straps: Best Horse Ice Boot for Reducing Inflammation

Brand: Finn-Tack

Material: Heavy denier nylon shell

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: For quick cooling

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Even after removing from the freezer, the 24 gel pouches in the Horze Finn Tack ice boot maintain their malleability. This is another option that won’t break the bank, although boots never sell in pairs. It is a universally applicable design.

These are among the best cooling boots for horses. Thanks to the four fasteners, a tailored fit, and adjusted compression are possible. This is a fantastic choice if you require ice boots for “just in case” rather than for scheduled use, and they are available in four different colors.

Key Features

• Durable construction.
• One size fits all.

Benefits 

• Treat injury and swelling.
• Effective cooling.
• Secure and customizable.

Pros

• Affordable.
• Material of high quality.
• Quick-freeze.

Cons

• One unit at a time for sale.

Intrepid International Horse 6 Pocket Ice Boot: Best Pocket Ice Boots for Horses

Brand: Intrepid International

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: For joint therapy

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Leg ice boots with six pockets for horses on most horses extend from the Coronet band to just below the knee. The footwear has six touch tape straps. 

It has a neoprene interior with nylon pockets and a nylon shell. One sale includes one boot and Ice packs are not available, although most grocery stores and convenience stores sell them. If you need to go above the knee, go for the 9-pocket boot.

Key Features

• Adjusts to the size needed.
• Neoprene material.
• 6 pockets for ice.

Benefits

• Joint therapy.
• Tissue therapy. 
• Swelling control.

Pros 

• Injury recovery. 
• Pain relief.

Cons 

• It is bulky.

Professionals Choice Equine Nine Pocket Ice Boot (Universal Size, Black): Best Quality Ice Boots for Horses

Brand: Professional’s Choice

Color: Black

Unit pair count: 1

Size/s: Universal size 

Recommended use: For therapy

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

The goods sold by Professional’s Choice consistently have a high level of functionality while being affordable. This boot has a height of 23 inches (58.4 centimeters) and a length of about 2 feet (0.6 meters), making it suitable for usage on the entire lower limb. 

The pant’s nine pockets design enables its wearer to utilize it from above the knee/hock or down to the pastern. Even though they have such a long circumference, the pockets and fasteners allow for a tailored fit to ensure that the boots remain securely on your horse. 

In addition to having a warranty that lasts for the first six months, these are in pairs rather than as individual items. These boots do not include frozen inserts because of their size and design; they have ice, and your horse can wear them on either the back or the front legs.

Benefits

• It covers a large area.

Features 

• Nine inner elastic pockets.
• Hook and loop fasteners.
• Black.
• Presented for purchase in pairs.

Pros

• If ice is accessible, there will be no freezing time.
• It covers more area.
• Reasonable pricing.
• Warranty for six months.

Cons

• Bulky.

Classic Equine Ice Boots: Best Fit Ice Boots for Horses

Brand: Classic Rope Company 

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: Small, medium, large, x-large

Recommended use: For protection and shock absorption

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

 One of the manufacturers of horse tack and riding gear for various types of riders is Classic Equine. Classic Equine saddle pads offer greater protection and shock absorption while avoiding compression. 

No-turn bell boots, Western pads, and straight cinches are further pieces of tack. Traditional horse boots reduce the possibility of damage to the feet and legs. Men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes are available for their clothing goods.

Benefits 

• After use, you can return the inserts to the freezer because they are reusable.
• The fasteners enable a snug and secure fit.
• Simple approach to delivering the advantages of cold therapy.

Pros 

• Comes in various types and sizes.

Cons 

• It is bulky.

Key Features

• Removable gel ice pack.
• Neoprene shell.
• Set of 2.
• Comes in small, medium, large, and x-large.

Jacks Manufacturing Jacks Cordura Ice Boots Navy: Best Ice Boots for  Horses Legs

Brand: Jacks

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Green

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: Reduce discomfort on bruises and sprains

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Your horse will be more comfortable thanks to the silky nylon lining used in the ice boots. The outside sponge can keep an ice pack cold for a long time. You can hold the ice packs in place and keep them compressed using straps that feature four extended hooks.

The effectiveness of the cold therapy will increase once you freeze the horse leg ice wrap for eight hours.

Benefits 

• Ideal for stocking up on when you have an impact or acute injuries that cause swelling, joint bruises, or swollen hocks.

Pros 

• Durable.
• Comfortable.

Cons 

• It is pricey.

Key Features

• Special design

Tough 1 Ice Boot: Best Budget Ice Boot for Horse

Amazon’s Choice in Horse Care Boots by Tough 1

Brand: Tough 1

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: ‎Black

Size/s: Small, large

Recommended use: Treat injuries to tendons

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

The quality of these boots well exceeds what one would expect to pay for them. They use gel inserts, which help to keep the leg cool. Customers have unanimously agreed that this is a simple product to operate. The wrap’s velcro closures are long-lasting and prevent it from sliding around; overall, this product is very secure.

These boots are available in three sizes: little, horse, and draft. Freeze the entire boot before placing it on the lower leg as the instructions direct. The tendon is the area that it covers (below the knee to the fetlock)

Key Features

• The application of cold therapy in a simple and practical manner.
• You can adjust the leg’s compression degree using the four straps with a “quick-grip” design.
• Shell made of heavy-duty nylon denier.

Benefits 

• Beneficial in treating arthritic joints.

Pros

• It maintains flexibility even when frozen, enabling it to take the shape of the horse’s leg. 

Cons 

• Expensive.

Dover Saddlery Jack's Ice Boots: Best Horse Cooling Boots

Brand: Dover Saddlery

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Forest green

Size/s: Large

Recommended use: For cooling off after rides

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Heavy-duty, 600-denier nylon is in use in the construction of Jack’s Ice Boots, which have an easy-access zip design. The suspenders hold the boots in place so that you can adjust them.

The side zippers make it simple to put on and take off.

Dover Saddlery has been an industry leader for over 40 years, and they pride themselves on providing the highest quality horse and rider supplies to customers throughout the United States.

Benefits 

• This boot is simple to use and efficient for cold therapy for injuries or cooling off after lengthy rides. 

Pros 

• Simple to put on and take off.

Cons 

• It is expensive.

Key Features

• Assist in easing discomfort.
• Boost blood flow to aid healing.

Ice Horse Pair of Knee to Ankle Wraps for Equine Therapy - Comes with 12 Ice Packs: Best Ice Boots with Compression

Brand:‎Ice Horse 

Unit pair count: 1

Color/s: Black

Size/s: Large

Benefits: Equine therapy

Recommended use: For treatment of injuries

Front legs, back legs, or both: Both

About This Item

Ice Horse packs contour to the horse’s legs for optimal covering and maintains their freezing temperature for more than two hours. Ice Horse packets are reusable. When you are through, put the packets back where they came from, in the freezer. You can use them again in a matter of hours after cleaning.

Quadrispan anti-migration fabric is key in constructing ice horse knee to ankle Wraps. The wraps stay on the horse’s leg, and the ice stays squeezed against the area under treatment, thanks to our one-of-a-kind breathable fabric.

Velcro fasteners strategically positioned throughout the garment ensure a secure and comfortable fit every time. The removal is simple, as there is no need to yank or jerk on the tabs to undo them.

Benefits 

• The wraps stay in position, keeping the ice in place.

Pros 

• Simple to remove.
• Ice Horse packets are reusable.

Cons 

• They are bulky.

Key Features

• Secure and comfortable fasteners.

Our Equine Ice Boot Buyers Guide

Budget

When buying the best horse ice boots, it is essential to consider your budget. You should buy one that is within your budget.

Sizing

The majority of boots come in small/pony, medium/cob, and large/full sizes. Naturally, much of this depends on the horse’s leg’s circumference, also called its “bone.” While a magnificent thoroughbred may benefit from a small boot, a large-boned horse may prefer to wear a medium size.

It’s important to remember that traditional leather boots and many contemporary plastic-based counterparts may mold each horse’s leg for a snug fit and to eliminate pressure areas. For this reason, it makes sense for each horse to have its boots.

In the same way that your shoes are right or left, boots are also. More and more bootmakers provide helpful “L” and “R” markings to guide you in placing the boots correctly, but if there isn’t one, keep in mind that the closing straps should always face the horse’s back.

Frequency of use

Also, remember to consider how frequently you use ice boots. For instance, your horse will require more ice therapy if it regularly participates in a race or competition. To determine the limitation of icing, it is preferable for horses with leg or muscle issues to visit an equine veterinarian.

Additional Functionality

The main function of a horse boot is to cushion blows to the horse’s lower leg or hoof. This may happen to oneself while exercising, such as when a horse smacks a pole while jumping. They also assist in supporting the tendons and ligaments in the legs, which protects your horse from strains and other ailments.

Questions From Our Readers

How Long Do Horse Ice Boots Last?

Horse ice boots have a two-hour maximum cold retention time, but your horse should only wear them for 20 minutes. Before attaching the ice boots to your horse’s legs, you can soak the boots in a bucket of ice-filled water for an added chill.

If you take care of your ice boots, they should last you several years. By introducing them gradually, without any ice, and for only five minutes at a time, you can get your horse used to them. Give him his preferred treat as a reward. 

How Do You Make Ice Boots for Horses?

Here is a quick DIY fix to avoid spending money on a pair of ice boots or finding yourself in a hurry. What’s best? You can take one as a cool treat because it uses freezer pops. Once you freeze the pops, take a sheet and wrap it over your horse’s leg (this works best around the cannon bone). 

After 20 minutes, remove the pops by covering them with a leg or polo wrap. You can freeze the pops again for later usage if necessary.

How Long Do You Leave Ice Boots on a Horse?

In general, you should apply ice three times a day for roughly 20 minutes each time. You should use ice sparingly or too long because it can harm the skin. Make sure your ice boots are comfortable and don’t impede blood flow. It is best to wrap your horse’s leg if you are wearing traditional ice boots so that the ice does not touch the horse’s skin.

How Long Do You Ice a Horse with Laminitis?

Since cooling may slow down inflammatory processes and inhibit enzymatic activities connected with the degeneration of the laminar attachments, the use of ice boots is frequently ideal in situations of acute laminitis. Some veterinary professionals recommend chilling a horse’s feet for up to 72 hours.

Ice, whether applied to the foot or the hoof, might result in frostbite in the frog and sole. Therefore, you must see a veterinarian before choosing this therapy for your horse.

Wrapping Things Up

Ice boots are most effective after a chore or exercise to prevent horse injuries. You will lessen the stress on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Keeping ice boots on horses for around 20 minutes is ideal.

Ice boots can assist in lessening swelling and discomfort after catastrophic injuries. However, it is not best to use ice boots on open wounds; instead, contact a nearby veterinarian. Ice boots are excellent for horses’ legs because they speed up the healing process after injuries and keep the legs from becoming sore and achy after a strenuous ride.

It can be easy to choose the best ice boots for your horse; you need to consider your budget and the style of ice boot you desire. 

Posted in boots and tagged ice boots, horse therapy boots, cold boots for horses, therapy boots, and therapy boots for horses. We recommend the Ice Horse Single Hock Wraps for Equine Therapy. It helps reduce pain and relax your horse muscles.