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What footwear do horse safety guides recommend when working around horses?

Boots or hard-toed shoes.

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  1. Flip-flops
  2. Bare feet
  3. Boots or hard-toed shoes ✔

Why: A horse weighs about half a ton, and a stepped-on toe can be badly hurt. Sturdy boots protect your feet. Riding boots also have a heel that helps keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup.

Huh, didn't know that: Mississippi State says never to wear tennis shoes, moccasins, or no shoes around your horse.

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References

Answer: Boots or hard-toed shoes. A horse weighs about half a ton, and a stepped-on toe can be badly hurt. Sturdy boots protect your feet. Riding boots also have a heel that helps keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup.

  1. Basic Horse Safety (Publication 852), Mississippi State University Extension 4h.extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/P852.pdf
    When working around your horse, wear boots or hard-toed shoes to protect your feet.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Basic Horse Safety (Publication 852), Mississippi State University Extension 4h.extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/P852.pdf
    Never wear tennis shoes, moccasins, or no shoes.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Basic Horse Safety (Publication 852), Mississippi State University Extension 4h.extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/P852.pdf
    wear boots with proper heels to prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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