Do Hock Boots Really Work?

Everything You Need to Know About Supporting Your Horse’s Hocks

When your horse shows signs of stiffness, swelling, or soreness around the hocks, it's natural to wonder:
"Do hock boots actually help?" 🤔

Let’s break it down and explore how hock boots—especially the Back on Track Royal Padded Hock Boots—can support your horse’s comfort, movement, and recovery.

🐴 What Are Hock Boots, and What Do They Do?

Hock boots for horses are specially designed wraps or padded protectors that sit over the hock joint to provide support, reduce swelling, and encourage recovery. Whether you're dealing with general stiffness, post-work inflammation, or ongoing joint conditions, therapeutic hock boots for horses can be a game-changer.

💡 Do Hock Boots Actually Help with Arthritis or Sore Hocks?

This is the most asked question online—and for good reason.

The answer? Yes, they can—especially when used correctly and consistently.
Hock boots work by:

  • Reducing swelling and fluid build-up

  • Protecting the joint from knocks during float trips or stable rest

  • Encouraging circulation (especially boots lined with infrared fabrics)

  • Easing discomfort from arthritis, capped hocks, or past injuries

The Back on Track Hock Boots for horses take it a step further. With their Welltex® lining, they reflect the horse’s body heat as soothing far-infrared energy—supporting circulation and helping relieve joint tension. It’s a passive, drug-free option you can use daily.

🔍 Which Hock Boots Are Best?

You want a boot that:

  • Stays in place without slipping

  • Is breathable and cushioned

  • Provides real therapeutic benefit

The Back on Track Royal Padded Hock Boots tick all those boxes. Designed with a neoprene outer shell and anatomically shaped inner pad, they’re ideal for horses who need targeted hock support—whether due to age, workload, or injury.

🧷 When Should You Use Hock Boots?

You don’t have to wait for a major issue to benefit from horse hock boots. Here’s when they come in handy:

  • After intense work – to reduce inflammation and stiffness

  • During travel – to prevent knocks or rubs in the float

  • Overnight in the stable – for ongoing recovery or maintenance

  • For chronic conditions – like arthritis or joint swelling

🤔 Common FAQs About Hock Boots

Q: Do I need red light hock boots for results?
Nope! While red light hock boots offer active therapy, Back on Track’s Welltex® lining delivers passive infrared support—no batteries or timers needed.

Q: Can my horse wear them during turnout?
These boots are best for stable use or transport—not turnout—since they aren’t designed to stay in place during movement or rolling.

Q: Will they help an arthritic horse?
Many riders find Back on Track hock boots for horses helpful for managing arthritis, especially when used overnight to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.

Q: What’s the difference between all these names?
Whether you’re searching for hock sore boots, neoprene hock boots, horse hock boot, or therapeutic hock boots for horses—you’re looking at the same category of supportive gear. The main difference is the materials and tech used inside.

🛒 Ready to Try Them?

If you’re after hock boots horse owners swear by, the Back on Track Royal Padded Hock Boots are a trusted choice.

✔️ Designed for recovery
✔️ Trusted for arthritis & swelling
✔️ Safe for overnight and travel use

👉 Shop them now at Top Paddock

TAKE THE HOCK SIZE GUIDE QUiZ