Thank you for choosing EQU StreamZ Coolboots.
Designed to provide convenient, reusable cooling therapy for your horse's legs, Coolboots are a simple and effective addition to your horse's recovery routine. Whether you're using them after training, competition, travelling or everyday exercise, a few simple tips can help you get the very best results.
We've put together this handy guide to answer some of the most common questions we receive, explain how Coolboots work, and share a few useful care and usage tips to help keep your boots performing at their best.
One important thing to remember from the outset: Coolboots are designed to cool the legs, not freeze them. If your horse's legs don't feel ice cold after use, don't worry – that's completely normal and exactly what we'd expect. We'll explain more about this later in the guide.
✔ Repair when something goes wrong.
✔ Prevent problems before they occur.
✔ Perfect their daily routines.
Top Tips
✔ Apply to clean legs
✔ Fasten securely but comfortably. Try not to tighten too much; this only traps more heat!
✔ For everyday cooling: use without ice packs, directly after exercise for cool down period (10-20minutes maximum)
✔ For therapy/injury cooling: use with ice packs, follow instructions but in most cases leave on for up to 20 minutes with ice packs. Remove ice packs, soak-and-shake, and get them back on for another 10-15 minutes.
✔ Clean them regularly
✔ Suitable all year round (usage times vary according to many variables)
✔ If you have access to a freezer; we recommend you freeze the packs for any unexpected situations which may arise.
⚠️ Learn about the difference between Ice Boots and Coolboots, read our article The Real Difference Between Icing and Cooling a Horse’s Leg.
Before First Use
Before applying your Coolboots, ensure your horse's legs are clean of debris and free from excessive mud.
The webbing is hypo-allergenic and antibacterial so is suitable on sensitive skinned horses.
For best results, make sure the boots are vigorously shaken before attaching around the leg. They should sit comfortably without being excessively tight; too tight and heat will get trapped.
Always check straps and fastenings before each use and ensure they are not in contact with the horse.
Understanding Coolboots: Cooling vs Ice Therapy
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"Why don't my horse's legs feel cold after using Coolboots?"
The answer is simple:
Because Coolboots are designed to cool the leg, not freeze it.
Many horse owners are familiar with ice boots and naturally expect the leg to feel ice cold after treatment. Coolboots work very differently and are a more advanced approach than simply sticking ice packs against the leg.
The purpose of Coolboots is to help draw excess heat away from the leg whilst maintaining a safe, comfortable temperature range. This is not achieved by 'shocking' the legs with a sudden drop in temperature (ie, with ice); the Coolboots wick heat away from the leg providing a continuous a deeper cooling effect within the leg than from simply cooling the surface of the leg.
The goal is not to leave the leg feeling frozen or numb as this creates the opposite effect internally within the leg; a response known as the hunting response.
In fact, after removing the boots, it is completely normal for the leg to feel:
- Comfortable
- Natural to the touch
- Cooler than before application, but not ice cold
If the leg feels normal after use, this does not mean the boots have not worked. In most cases, it means they have done exactly what they were designed to do.
Want to know more about the differences in Cooling boots versus Ice boots? Check out this article today: The Real Difference Between Icing and Cooling a Horse’s Leg.
How Long Should I Use My Coolboots?
Usage times can vary depending on the horse, workload and environmental conditions.
For routine post-exercise recovery, follow the recommended application times supplied with your Coolboots.
Longer application periods are not always better. Cooling should be controlled and consistent.
Check out this article which looks at the impact the Coolboots have using thermal imaging at 15, 30 and 45 minute intervals: Ultimate Guide To Icing & Cooling Times
After Exercise
Coolboots are ideal following:
- Schooling sessions
- Hacking
- Travel
- Competitions
- Fast work
- General exercise where excess heat may build within the lower limbs
Applying the boots promptly after exercise will typically provide the best results. This is when our horses are 'in recovery mode'.
Caring For Your Coolboots
Like any equestrian equipment, a little care goes a long way.
To maximise the lifespan of your Coolboots:
- Allow boots to dry naturally after use, do not machine dry
- Remove excess dirt and debris regularly
- Store in a clean, dry location
- Avoid leaving boots exposed to excessive heat for prolonged periods
Regular cleaning will help maintain performance and appearance.
Final Thoughts
The biggest misconception surrounding cooling therapy is that a horse's legs should feel cold afterwards.
With Coolboots, this is not the goal.
Your Coolboots have been developed to help manage excess heat safely and effectively while keeping your horse comfortable. If the legs feel normal after use, don't worry—that is often exactly what we would expect.
Thank you again for choosing EQU StreamZ Coolboots.
Ever wondered what the impact of cool boots on a horses leg using thermal imaging? These were taken after 30 and 45 minutes of Coolboot application (without ice packs) on a mild day in the UK.
👉 Articles of interest:
If your horse is recovering from injury, read our complete guide to Rehabilitation & Recovery for Equine Injuries (Repair).Prevention is as important as cure. With this in mind, read our guide to How to Prevent Injuries in Horses (Prevent).
To go beyond prevention and optimise long-term soundness, explore Optimising Performance in Horses (Perfect).
Frequently Asked Questions
"The boots don't feel freezing cold. Is this normal?"
Yes. Coolboots are designed to cool safely rather than create extreme cold temperatures.
"My horse's legs don't feel cold afterwards."
Again, this is completely normal. The objective is heat reduction, not an ice-cold leg.
"Can I use Coolboots on all four legs?"
Yes. Many owners choose to use Coolboots on both front and hind legs after work.
"Do I need to soak or prepare the boots before use?"
Please follow the specific instructions supplied with your Coolboots model.