Shires ARMA Horse Protection
The Shires ARMA range covers everything you need to protect and pad your horse from leg to back: over-reach, brushing, tendon and fetlock boots, anatomical girths, fly turnout socks, headcollars, saddlecloths and travel boots. Prices start at £5.40 for the Shires ARMA Lead Rope, with over-reach boots from £7.20 and tendon boots from £21.60. If you just want the short answer: for everyday schooling most riders start with a pair of brushing boots and over-reach boots, then add tendon boots for jumping.
In a hurry?
- Cheapest way in: Shires Arma Pull On Over Reach Boots at £7.20.
- Best all-rounder brushing boot: Shires Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots at £20.70 — lightweight and breathable.
- For jumping: Shires Arma SupaFleece Tendon Boots from £23.40.
- Comfort girth: Shires ARMA Memory Foam Anatomical Girth at £50.40.
- Fly season: Shires Arma Fly Turnout Socks at £23.40.
Which ARMA boot do I need?
| Boot type | What it protects | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-reach (bell) boots | Heels & the front of the hoof from the hind toes | Turnout, schooling, jumping | £7.20 |
| Brushing boots | Inside of the lower leg & fetlock from knocks | Everyday flatwork & general riding | £13.30 |
| Tendon boots | Front-leg tendons from over-reach strikes | Jumping & cross-country | £21.60 |
| Fetlock boots | Hind fetlocks, paired with tendon boots | Jumping (worn behind) | £18.00 |
| Travel boots | Whole lower leg from knee/hock to coronet | Transport & loading | £63.00 |
Why put boots on a horse?
Horses can knock one leg against another (called brushing), or catch a front heel with a hind toe (over-reaching), especially when working in circles, jumping or moving on uneven ground. ARMA boots add a padded, shaped barrier that helps absorb those knocks and reduce rubbing. The Shires Arma Neoprene Over Reach Boots at £12.60 are a popular pull-on choice, while the Armatouch Close Over Reach Boots at £9.90 use a touch-close fastening for quick on and off.
What about the higher-spec tendon boots?
If you jump, a stiffer strike pad matters. The Shires Arma Carbon Tendon Boots at £50.40 add a carbon-effect strike guard, and pair naturally with matching Shires Arma Carbon Fetlock Boots at £31.50 on the hind legs. For a fleece-lined comfort option, the SupaFleece Tendon Boots start at £23.40.
Which ARMA girth should I choose?
ARMA girths span budget to fully anatomical. The ARMA Braided Girth at £17.10 is a simple everyday option; the Shires ARMA SupaFleece Contour Girth and Shires ARMA Anti-Chafe Anatomical Girth both sit at £36.00; and the shaped Shires ARMA Memory Foam Anatomical Girth at £50.40 uses heat-responsive memory foam that moulds to your horse's shape. An anatomical (curved) girth can help free up the elbow, but always check your existing girth fits before sizing up or down.
What else is in the ARMA range?
Beyond legwork, the range includes turnout and yard basics: the ARMA Adjustable Headcollar at £11.70, fly protection with the Shires Arma Fly Turnout Socks at £23.40, and cooling support with the Shires Arma Cool Hydro Therapy Boots at £38.70. For transport, the Shires Arma Air Defence Travel Boots at £63.00 wrap the whole lower leg.
Shires ARMA FAQs
What is the cheapest Shires ARMA product?
The Shires ARMA Lead Rope is the lowest-priced item at £5.40. Among protective boots, the Shires Arma Pull On Over Reach Boots start at £7.20.
Should you put boots on your horse?
Boots help protect the legs from brushing and over-reach injuries during turnout, schooling and jumping. They should be fitted snugly but not tightly, and removed after use so heat and moisture do not build up underneath. If your horse has an existing injury or swelling, speak to your vet before choosing protective boots.
What is the difference between brushing boots and tendon boots?
Brushing boots wrap the lower leg to protect against a horse knocking one leg with the opposite hoof, and suit everyday flatwork. Tendon boots have a reinforced strike pad down the back of the front leg to guard the tendons during jumping. Many riders use tendon boots in front and fetlock boots behind for jumping.
How do I size ARMA boots and girths?
Boots use pony, cob, full and extra-full sizing, so match to your horse's build. Girths are measured in inches — the quickest guide is to measure your current girth from buckle end to buckle end. If you are between sizes, our team can help you choose.
Do fly turnout socks really help?
Fly turnout socks cover the lower legs to help protect against biting flies and midges in the field, which can support horses prone to leg irritation over summer. They are a physical barrier rather than a treatment, so use them alongside your usual fly-control routine and check the legs regularly.
Do you offer free delivery and returns?
Yes — we offer free UK delivery on orders over £50 and 90-day returns, so you have time to check sizing and fit at home.
Free UK delivery over £50 · 90-day returns · Expert help — our team rides too, so if you are unsure which ARMA boots or girth to pick, just ask.
Last reviewed 2026-07-13 by the Just Horse Riders team.