Young Horse Fetlock Boot Rules: ESNZ and FEI Requirements Explained

Choosing the correct fetlock boots for show jumping is no longer simply a matter of deciding which style offers the best protection. For riders competing in ESNZ Age Group classes or international FEI Young Horse competitions, the construction, length, fastening system and fit of the hind boots must all meet specific regulations.

These rules were introduced with horse welfare in mind, helping to prevent the use of hind boots that create excessive pressure around the fetlock or artificially influence a horse’s jumping technique. ESNZ phased its national hind-boot regulations in to align New Zealand show jumping with the standards established by the Fédération Équestre Internationale.

For riders looking for a straightforward, high-quality solution, the Veredus Young Jump fetlock boots have been specifically developed to meet the dimensional and fastening requirements applied to Young Horse competition boots. Veredus describes its Young Jump range as complying with FEI regulations for Young Horse categories.

ESNZ versus FEI Young Horse age groups

The main structural difference between the national ESNZ rules and the international FEI rules is the age of the horses covered by the Young Horse boot restrictions.

 

Under current ESNZ Jumping Rule 257.2.6.1, the specific Young Horse hind-boot requirements apply to competitions for four, five, six and seven-year-old horses.

Under the current FEI Jumping Rules, international Young Horse boot requirements apply to five, six, seven and eight-year-old horses.

This means an eight-year-old horse competing in a normal national ESNZ class is not automatically governed by the ESNZ Young Horse clause simply because of its age. The horse must still comply with the general ESNZ hind-boot rules applying to all jumping competitions.

What makes a fetlock boot legal for an ESNZ Young Horse class?

For ESNZ four, five, six and seven-year-old show jumping classes, a compliant hind boot must meet the following requirements.

1. Protection on the inside of the fetlock only

The boot must have a rounded protective element positioned on the inside of the fetlock. A traditional double-shell hind boot, with rigid protective elements on both the inside and outside of the leg, is not permitted in an ESNZ Young Horse class.

Both sides of the boot must be sufficiently flexible to bend around the horse’s leg without effort.

2. Maximum internal length of 16 centimetres

The protective boot may have a maximum interior length of 16cm.

A soft, pliable pastern protector extending below the rounded internal shell may be permitted. This soft extension is not included when measuring the internal length of the rigid boot.

3. A fastener at least 5cm wide

The fastening system must be at least 5cm wide.

Young Horse boots generally achieve this either through one broad Velcro fastening area or two non-elastic Velcro straps that together form the required closure.

4. Non-elastic Velcro fastening

Only non-elastic Velcro or Velcro-type fasteners are permitted in ESNZ Young Horse classes.

The following are not permitted:

• Elastic straps
• Stud fastenings
• Hook-and-eye fastenings
• Buckles
• Clips
• Fasteners that wrap completely around the leg

The fastening must travel directly from one side of the boot to the fastening component on the other side. It must not double back or wrap around the entire fetlock.

5. A smooth, non-abrasive lining

The inside of the boot must be smooth, even and non-abrasive, with no pads, blocks or raised areas capable of creating pressure points against the horse’s leg.

Stitching used to attach the lining is permitted, and sheepskin linings are also allowed, provided the finished inner surface remains smooth and compliant.

6. No inserts or additional pressure-producing elements

Nothing may be inserted into or added to the boot to increase pressure or alter its effect.

Lightweight Vet Wrap or similar bandaging may be used beneath a hind boot, although a steward may require it to be removed and reapplied in their presence.

7. Equipment must remain within the weight limit

Under ESNZ rules, the total weight of equipment added to an individual leg—including single or multiple boots and fetlock rings—must not exceed 500g, even when the equipment is wet.

Do the same requirements apply in FEI Young Horse classes?

The FEI Young Horse rules follow the same core welfare principles. Hind boots must be short, smooth inside, protective on the inside of the fetlock only and secured with a suitably wide, non-elastic Velcro-type fastening.

The principal difference for New Zealand riders to remember is the age range:

• ESNZ: four to seven-year-olds
• FEI: five to eight-year-olds

For an international event, riders should always check the current FEI Jumping Rules and the FEI TackApp or Tack, Equipment and Dress Database before competing. The FEI TackApp provides searchable information about tack and equipment classified as permitted or prohibited at FEI events.

Can Young Horse fetlock boots be used in other classes?

Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of investing in a good pair of compliant Young Horse boots.

The current ESNZ rules state that boots meeting the Young Horse requirements of Article 257.2.6.1 are also permitted in all other ESNZ jumping competitions. General classes may allow additional styles - including certain double-shell boots up to 20cm long - but a correctly fitted Young Horse boot remains an accepted option. 

The FEI also restricts hind boots throughout international show jumping, rather than only in Young Horse classes. Its rules for all international Jumping Events permit specified boot constructions, including boots meeting the Young Horse criteria.

In practical terms, this means a suitable pair of FEI-compliant Young Horse fetlock boots can be used well beyond a horse’s age-group classes. They provide a versatile option for local ESNZ competition, national championships and international FEI show jumping, subject to correct fitting and any current class-specific requirements.

Why choose Veredus Young Jump fetlock boots?

The Veredus Young Jump range has been purpose-designed around the rules governing hind protection for Young Horses.

Rather than adapting a conventional fetlock boot, Veredus has developed the Young Jump collection with dimensions, weight and closures intended to comply with FEI Young Horse requirements. The range includes models such as the Veredus Young Jump Vento and Veredus Young Jump Absolute.

The Veredus Young Jump Vento fetlock boots feature:

• An anatomical, shock-resistant polyurethane shell
• Protection positioned around the inside of the fetlock
• Breathable Aerox neoprene padding
• Three-dimensional mesh channelled fabric
• A waterproof construction
• A wide double-Velcro closure

These features provide everyday protection and breathability while retaining the simple, non-elastic fastening system required for Young Horse competition.

For competitive riders, this removes much of the uncertainty around choosing ESNZ-compliant hind boots. The Young Jump design is easy to recognise, straightforward to fit and suitable for horses continuing beyond the Young Horse divisions.

How to fit Young Horse fetlock boots correctly

Even a compliant boot must be fitted and used correctly.

When putting on your Veredus Young Jump boots:

1. Position the rounded protective shell over the inside of the fetlock.
2. Make sure the lining sits smoothly against the horse’s leg.
3. Fasten the non-elastic Velcro firmly enough to secure the boot, without overtightening it.
4. Check that the closure travels directly across the leg and does not wrap around the entire fetlock.
5. Do not add pads, blocks, inserts or additional liners beneath the boot.
6. Remove sand, arena fibre and grit from the lining after use.
7. Regularly inspect the Velcro and shell for wear or damage.

Remember that the boot’s design, orientation and fit may all be checked by a steward. A permitted model can still be questioned if it has been altered, fitted incorrectly or used with an unauthorised additional component.

Frequently asked questions

Are Veredus Young Jump boots FEI approved?

Veredus identifies its Young Jump fetlock boots as compliant with, or specifically approved for, FEI Young Horse competition. Riders attending an international event should still confirm the exact model in the current FEI TackApp and check for any recent rule changes.

Can I use Veredus Young Jump boots in a normal ESNZ class?

Yes. ESNZ rules allow boots meeting the Young Horse specification to be used in all jumping competitions, provided they are correctly fitted and have not been altered.

Are elastic fetlock boot straps allowed in Young Horse classes?

No. ESNZ Young Horse classes require a non-elastic Velcro-type fastening. Elastic straps may be permitted on certain hind boots in general classes, but not under the specific Young Horse boot rule.

Are double-shell fetlock boots allowed in Young Horse classes?

No. In Young Horse classes, the rigid rounded protective element must be on the inside of the fetlock only. Some correctly designed double-shell boots are permitted in general ESNZ and FEI jumping classes, but they do not meet the more restrictive Young Horse specification.

Does an eight-year-old horse need Young Horse boots in New Zealand?

Not solely because it is eight years old. The ESNZ Young Horse rule applies to four, five, six and seven-year-old classes. However, the general ESNZ hind-boot rules still apply to an eight-year-old horse in any ESNZ jumping competition.

Do these rules apply to front tendon boots?

The rules discussed here relate specifically to hind boots or fetlock boots. Front tendon boots are a separate form of leg protection and should be checked against the rules applying to the particular event and class.

Shop Veredus Young Jump boots in New Zealand

For a high-quality, competition-ready option, explore the Veredus Young Jump fetlock boots at Canterbury Saddlery.

Designed around FEI Young Horse requirements, they offer reliable fetlock protection, breathable materials and a rule-compliant non-elastic Velcro closure - making them a versatile choice for both young and established show jumpers.

Shop online or visit Canterbury Saddlery in Christchurch to view our Veredus show jumping boot collection.

Competition regulations can change. This guide is intended to assist riders but does not replace the current ESNZ or FEI rulebook. Riders remain responsible for checking that their tack and equipment comply with the rules applying to their particular event.