7 Best Ice Boots And Wraps For Horses (Reviewed by an Expert)

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Looking for the best ice boots for horses?

Ice boots are great for helping reduce leg inflammation and cooling. 

They are more effective than cold hosing and much easier than the old ice water bucket method.

So, with that said, I’ve put together a detailed guide of my favorites to make the search easy.

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Don’t have time to go through my whole list? Check out this quick comparison of my top picks.

Here’s a quick video overview!

7 of the Best Ice Boots and Ice Wraps For Horses

The best ice boots for horses are those that cover the tendons of the lower leg. I say this as this is the area that is most commonly affected by exercise or injuries that benefit from cold therapy.

There is a good choice available so you can pick the best type for your horse and budget.

Let’s dive into my reviews!

#1 Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots (Winner)

I love these ice boots for horses, and use them myself. They are pretty expensive, but a good investment that will last if you look after them.

I find Ice-Vibe Horseware boots really durable and made with high-quality material. They come with inserts that you can either freeze or warm up, depending on what therapy you want to use.

What a really cool key feature about them is the vibration. Whether you’re using cold therapy or hot therapy, all you have to do is press a discreet but to turn on the vibration.

This vibration adds a mild massage effect to the boots which can help with blood flow, which is important for treating inflammation. They are probably the most versatile boot.

Many of the world’s top riders use these boots, including eventer William Fox-Pitt who says “In my opinion, they are the most effective and user friendly way of cooling.”

World Champion barrel racer, Mary Walker says “Ice Vibes are a must have in my program.”

They come in pairs that you can use on both the front and back legs.

Physical Attributes

• Sturdy velcro strap
• Contour shape
• Cold pack
• Neoprene
• Elastic pockets
• Comes with charger
• Massage feature

Measurements & Sizes

• They come in Full and Xtra Full size

Benefits & Drawbacks of Ice-Vibe Boots

Benefits	Drawbacks
Use for both heat and cold therapy	Expensive
High quality ice boot	If you need to ice multiple times a day, you might need to buy extra gel inserts
Contoured shape	Some horses don’t like the vibration, though most get used to it
Easy to use

Learn more about icing a horse’s leg from a vet. Check out the video.

These are one of the most popular ice boots for horses legs amongst equestrians. They are also one of the most expensive options. Many other options do not include the massage feature.

Expert Tip

The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommendation for ice therapy is as follows “Apply ice for approximately 5 minutes at a time, but no more than 10-15 minutes.

A rule of thumb is 5 minutes on, 15 minutes off until heat and swelling are perceptibly reduced.” [1]

What Other Horse Parents Say About Ice-Vibe Boots

This equestrian loves her Ice Vibe boots. Take a look at her review, which also gives you a closure look at how the boots work.

#2 Ice Boot Wrap – Best Budget Friendly Option

If you are on a budget, this is one of the best horse ice boots. You can buy them as a single or in a pair. 

They come in lots of fun colors, like purple and pink. I also like that they are pretty long so you get knee coverage, something that many ice tendon boots don’t have. 

Physical Attributes

• Four flexible straps
• Come in black, red, pink, purple, blue, teal, and blue
• Flexible

Measurements & Sizes

• 17-inches by 17-inches

Benefits & Drawbacks of Ice Boot Wrap

Benefits	Drawbacks
Budget friendly price	Lack durability
Fun colors	No inserts so have to freeze the entire boot
Easy to put on

How it Compares to Others and Why

If you want a cheap ice wrap for your horse this is a good item to have in your tack room. While they are not the most durable, they will do the job if you need something and don’t have a lot to spend.

Expert Tip

Learn more about icing a horse’s leg from a vet. Check out the video.

What Other Horse Parents Say About Ice Boot Wrap

This horse owner is really pleased with her ice wrap – “I am so thrilled to have these on stand by just in case. Nicely made and would work for human injuries as well! Love it!”

#3 Professional’s Choice Full Leg Ice Boot – Best Tall Ice Boot

Knees and hocks can be tricky to ice but these boots provide a great solution. They cover the leg from the fetlock to the top of the knee or over the hock.

They are good quality ice boot and while not the cheapest, the price isn’t too bad.

Physical Attributes

• Extra tall covering the knee or hock
• Hook and loop straps
• Neoprene material

Measurements & Sizes

• Come in standard and large size
• Come in black

Benefits & Drawbacks Professional’s Choice Full Leg Ice Boot

Benefits	Drawbacks
Maximum coverage	Not heat therapy
Easy to put on	Too tall if you want to target a small area
Reasonable price	Difficult to freeze due to size
	Bulky boots

How it Compares to Others and Why

These boots differ from others due to their height. They make it easy to apply cold therapy to a large portion of the leg.

Expert Tip

Take a look at this professional groom talk about knowing where to ice a horse after exercise.

What Other Horse Parents Say About Professional’s Choice Full Leg Ice Boot

These are great quality according to this equestrian – “The elastic straps with velcro hold the boots firmly in place. And they stay cold for a very long time. And cool the legs off slowly.”

#4 Shires Arma Hot/Cold Relief Boots – Best Tendon Ice Boot

If you want cool wraps for horses that focus on the tendons, they look at these. They are inexpensive and allow you to apply both hot and cold to your horse’s legs.

Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and reduce pain. It is a great treatment for hard working horses.

Physical Attributes

• 3 velcro adjustable straps on each boot
• Gel pack
• Come in pairs

Measurements & Sizes

• One size

Benefits & Drawbacks of Shires Arma Hot/Cold Relief Boots

Benefits	Drawbacks
Affordable price	Only cover the tendon area of the lower leg
Quick and easy to put on	Not as cold as ideal
Durable
Can be used for heat or cold

How it Compares to Others and Why

These boots a great if you want decent cooling boots for horses without the price tag of Ice Vibes. They do not have as much leg coverage as some of the others but you can use them hot or cold

Expert Tip

According to Rick Mitchell, DVM “If you are presented with an acutely swollen, hot limb, ice is never an inappropriate initial therapy,” [2]

What Other Horse Parents Say About Shires Arma Hot/Cold Relief Boots

Ice boots are just great for horses, they are fantastic for mules too – “My molly mule produced some windpuffs 2 days ago. I’ve used these twice a day for the last 3days! Easy to put on and take off and super effective!”

#5 Ice Horse Pair of Tendon Leg Wraps – Best Value

Ice Horse cool boots for horses in a pairs with a set of 4 inserts, which is pretty unique as most of these products come in pairs or as a single.

Like the Shires boots above, these ice wraps for horses are designed for tendon cold therapy. 

Physical Attributes

• Breathable fabric
• Velcro strap closures
• Ice pack

Measurements & Sizes

• One size
• Black color

Benefits & Drawbacks of Ice Horse Tendon Leg Wraps

Benefits	Drawbacks
Comes with a set of 4 ice packs	Not suitable for heat therapy
Good value	Not suitable for heat therapy Only cover the lower leg
Reusable ice packs

How it Compares to Others and Why

Compared to the others these boots come with four cold inserts, while most don’t. This makes them good value for money.

Expert Tip

It’s not only legs that horse riders should ice. Sometimes it is a good idea to ice a horse’s feet. This is particularly important for laminitis.

For laminitis, Del Oeste Equine Hospital tells horse owners to stand the horse “in a wash tub of ice water, deep enough to cover the entire hoof. Keep her in the ice water for an hour or so, a couple of times for each front foot if you have an army of helpers. You can’t really ice them too much — and any amount will help.” [3]

What Other Horse Parents Say About  Ice Horse Tendon Leg Wraps

This horse mom loves these boots – “They’re super easy to use and they stay cold for hours. I highly recommend these boots for icing tendons and ligaments.”

#6 Ice Horse Ice Hoof Horse Boots – Best Hoof Ice Boot

If you’ve ever tried to put a horse’s foot in a tub of icy water, then you know that this doesn’t always go very well!

An ice hoof boot is a good alternative for those who need to apply ice therapy to their horse’s hooves.

While these boots are expensive, they make life much easier!

Physical Attributes

• Rubber sole
• Reusable cooling inserts
• Velcro closure
• Contour shape

Measurements & Sizes

• Come in small, medium, and large

Benefits & Drawbacks of Ice Horse Ice Hoof Boots

Benefits	Drawbacks
Less messy hoof icing method	Expensive
Fits the hoof snuggly	Only treats the hoof
Can use without holding or tying up the horse

How it Compares to Others and Why

These boots are specially designed to fit securely on a horse’s hoof, while the others treat the lower leg.

Expert Tip

Laminitis is a serious condition, that I wouldn’t wish on any horse owner. But it is important to recognize the signs and what to do. Learn more in this video from an expert equine nutritionist.

What Other Horse Parents Say About Ice Horse Ice Hoof Boots

Learn how to use this hoof ice boot and see how easy it is to apply in this video.

#7 Tough1 Ice Therapy Tendon Wrap – Lowest Price

This flexible, soft ice wrap for tendons is one of the cheapest options I’ve found. It fits snuggly around the lower leg and isn’t too bulky.

It is great to have one or two of these on hand if your horse has any inflammation in its lower leg.

Physical Attributes

• Soft gel ice cells
• 3 adjustable straps

Measurements & Sizes

• Comes in mini, horse, and draft size

Benefits Tough1 Ice Therapy Tendon Wrap

• Great price
• Not bulky
• Helps reduce inflammation

Drawbacks Tough1 Ice Therapy Tendon Wrap

• Only sold as a single
• Only covers the tendons

How it Compares to Others and Why

If you have a limited budget I recommend considering this boot. It is affordable and will help cool your horse’s leg injury.

Expert Tip

There are different types of cold therapy for horses. Learn about them in this helpful video.

What Other Horse Parents Say About Tough1 Ice Therapy Tendon Wrap

“These ice boots helped immensely in the recovery of my rescue horse after he bowed a tendon.” That’s a great review from a user. Plus these are good value for money.

Get it With:

READ MORE: 7 Best Soaker Boots for Horses

Why Do Horses Need Ice Boots?

Ice has long been used for both humans and horses. In the days before ice boots, applying this therapy was pretty challenging. Ice boots make it so much easier; all you have to do is strap the boot on.

Using ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation and bring tendon temperature back down quickly after exercise. 

The benefits of ice boots for horses are for every breed, but they are particularly popular for equine athletes, just like human athletes. They can help with soft tissue damage, suspensory injuries, tendon injuries, and arthritic joints.

Equestrians from every discipline use ice boots. If you are looking for different types of boots take a look at the best horse boots for barrel racing.

Types Of Ice Boots For Horses

There are several types of boots for horses such as joint boots and those that focus on soft tissues.

• Tall boots – These are the tallest ice boot you can get. The cover from the top of the hoof to over the knee or hock
• Tendon boots – These boots cover the lower leg, including the canon bone, suspensory tendon, and other leg ligaments.
• Hock wraps – These boots are shaped to fit securely over the hock
• Knee boots – These boots are designed to fit over only the horse’s knee
• Hoof boots – The boots have a hoof shape so that they can easily be secured around the horse’s goot.

Check out this guide to learn more about horse boots types.

How To Use Ice Boots For Horses?

Ice boots for horses are really easy to use. All you have to do is keep the inserts in the freezer until you are ready to use them. If your boot style doesn’t have inserts, stick the whole thing in the freezer.

When you need the boots, attach the inserts to your outer boot. Some will velcro in while others will have individual pockets. Slip the boot into place and secure the velcro straps.

Remember, you must put the boots on the same way you would tendon boots or stable wraps. That means that the straps should point towards the back of the horse.

What To Look At When Buying Ice Boots For Horses?

Ice boots for horses are pretty simple, so there are only few things to consider when choosing what one to buy.

1-Treatment Area

Decide what area of the horse you want to treat. The most common part of the horse to ice is the lower leg. If you are just starting out, I suggest starting with tendon ice boots. 

You can then add to your collection with more specialized ice boots for the knee, hock, or hoof over time.

2-Your Budget

The price of ice boots varies greatly. The best ones are the most expensive, but you can still get a pair of ice boots that will fit into a smaller budget that does the job.

3-Size

Unfortunately, some boots only come in one size. This could be a problem for ponies, smaller horses, or draft horses as ‘one size’ boots might not fit.

So, always measure your horse’s leg and compare it to the sizes of the boots on offer. And you may also think of homemade ice boots for horses.

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope you found the best ice boots for horses in my guide. I included a good range of types and prices to suit every horse owner.

What are your favorite ice boots for horses? Please share below!

References

1. Cold Therapy & Ice Bandages | AAEP. aaep.org. Accessed May 12, 2022. https://aaep.org/issue/cold-therapy-ice-bandages#:~:text=Apply%20ice%20for%20approximately%205
2. Conrad SE. Ice, Ice, Baby. Published November 2015. https://www.usdf.org/EduDocs/The-Horse/Ice_Ice_Baby.pdf
3. How To Ice Your Horse’s Feet. Del Oeste Equine Hospital. Published October 24, 2016. Accessed May 12, 2022. https://deloeste.vet/how-do-i-ice-my-horses-feet/