Breathable, Padded Hock Shields for Horses

Friction. Every time your horse lies down, gets up, or rolls, the hock joint presses against the ground. Over time this causes abrasion, raw skin, hair loss, and open sores. Soft bedding helps some horses, but for many it doesn't fully prevent the problem, especially on rubber mats or hard-packed ground.

Yes. If left untreated, hock sores can become infected, cause your horse ongoing discomfort, and potentially lead to complications like chronic inflammation or arthritis in the joint. It's always a good idea to consult your vet about your horse's hock sores, especially if they are deep, not healing, or showing signs of infection.

Most hock shields on the market use neoprene, which doesn't breathe and can trap heat and moisture against healing skin. Happy Hocks are made with breathable rip-resistant fabric that allows airflow for faster healing. Our crossover silicone-sided elastic bands keep the shields in place without putting pressure on tendons and ligaments. The patent pending design was created by a horse owner who tried everything else first and needed something that actually worked.

That was our number one priority when designing them. The crossover silicone-sided elastic straps grip without squeezing, and the shields are shaped to move with the hock joint rather than against it. If you've tried other hock shields that constantly slip down or twist, you'll notice the difference.

Both models use the same padded design, silicone-sided straps, and patent pending construction. The difference is the outer fabric. The Sport uses breathable rip-resistant fabric, which is ideal for warm, dry climates where airflow promotes healing. The H2O uses waterproof rip-resistant fabric, designed for horses in wet or rainy environments where moisture protection is the priority.

We offer three standard sizes: Horse (13" to 14.75", fits most Quarter Horses and Arabians), Large Horse (15" to 16.5", fits most Thoroughbreds), and Draft/Warmblood (16.5" to 17.5"). For ponies, minis, or horses with unique measurements, select "Other Size" at checkout and enter your measurement. Custom orders ship on the same timeline as standard sizes.

Measure the narrowest part of your horse's leg just above the hock joint. Make sure the leg is straight and the hoof is flat on the ground when you measure. If you're not sure which size to pick, contact us with your measurement and we'll help.

For daily cleaning, just hose them off and hang them on a stall rail. They air dry in about 30 minutes. For a deeper clean, Happy Hocks are machine washable. Close the strap attachments before washing to prevent snagging, then air dry.

With daily use, you can expect your Happy Hocks to last several months. Longevity depends on your horse's activity level and how often the shields are worn. Replacement straps are available for $18 per set, so you can extend the life of your shields without buying a whole new pair.

Yes. All orders shipped within the United States include free shipping via USPS. Orders are processed and shipped within 3 business days.

Happy Hocks are handmade by our family using materials made in the USA. Every pair is assembled by the same people who designed them.

Yes, and we offer exchanges if the fit isn't correct for your horse. Simply fill out the contact form on our site including your order number and we will make it right!

For details, please see our return/ refund policy