2021 Hind Boot Rules: What You Need to Know

The FEI rules pertaining to the hind boots have been a contentious topic since the most recent changes were first announced in 2018. The original rule release from the FEI left many confused over what was and was not allowed in competition and in turn, created a lot of stress and animosity within the showjumping community. Ahead of the final implementation of these rules, the FEI has since clarified them and they now read very simply as to what showjumpers may use.

The amended boot rules came into effect in a staged manner, initially being implemented for Pony Riders in 2019, followed by the Juniors and Young Riders in 2020. As of January 1st, 2021, the rules will be applicable for Adult competitions, meaning one ruleset across all age categories. While some of the confusion from the original rule change still remains, changes to the wording at the start of 2020 and a descriptive table released by the FEI have helped clarify any uncertainties.

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The above table gives a simple breakdown of the maximum length permitted for hind boots as well as the number of straps allowed, whether or not they are permitted to be elasticated, and the type of fasteners permitted. The boots are separated into two categories, Young Horse and other. The YH category is very limited in the type of boots permitted and competitors may only use boots with a maximum length of 16 cm and a single, non-elastic velcro strap with a minimum width of 5 cm. Boots that have a velcro strap that loops through and fold back upon themselves are not permitted in young horse competitions. The boot must have a smooth inner lining with no pressure points whatsoever, but sheepskin linings are permitted.

For the non-young horse competitions, all hind boots may have a maximum length of 20 cm whether they are inside protection only or double-shelled. ‘Double-shelled boots’ refer to boots that wrap around the back of the leg and have a hard outer shell and protective elements on both the inside and outside of the fetlock, while ‘inside protection’ boots have a hard shell to protect the inside of the fetlock only. Various fastening mechanisms are allowed, but each has its own ruleset accompanying it. For velcro straps (once again, not allowed to double back on themselves), a single strap must have a minimum width of 5 cm, while dual straps must be a minimum of 2.5 cm each. Stud and hook-type fasteners must have a minimum strap width of 2.5 cm and must be elasticated. Elasticated straps on velcro-type boots, however, are only mandatory if the boot is double-shelled. As with young horse boots, the inside of the boot must be smooth and may not have any pressure points at all. On these boots, straps may not wrap around the entirety of the boot, and may only be one-directional. Young Horse boots are also allowed for these competitions.

Fetlock rings remain allowed in competitions for all categories whilst pastern straps are not permitted at all. Pull-backs, buckles, and click-in-place boots are not permitted for any category and should only be considered as display items going forward.

For the full breakdown, with additional pictures, of hind boots allowed at various competitions, be sure to refer to the relevant FEI documentation. Boot rules can be found in the FEI Jumping Rules under Article 257.2.4 and Article 257.2.5, and the table above can be found in the FEI Stewards Manual Annexes.

With the FEI clamping down on boot regulations, it seems the best possible long-term solution is to use a simple hind boot such as the Veredus Carbon Gel instead of the old-fashioned buckled leather boots which nobody likes anyway. Alternatively, if possible, do away with your boots entirely.

-The JumpOff-

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