Professional's Choice

Professional's Choice was built by riders, for riders — and after 40 years of developing performance horse care and tack products, their gear has become the benchmark that other brands are measured against. From the SMB sports medicine boot on your horse's legs to the saddle pad under your seat, Professional's Choice means you are choosing what the professionals actually use.

What Riders Ask About Professional's Choice

Why are Professional's Choice SMB boots so widely used?

The SMB (Sports Medicine Boot) is the product that built the brand's reputation. Developed with veterinary input, the SMB supports the flexor tendons and fetlock joint during high-impact work while allowing natural movement. The 2XCool technology in newer models keeps the leg cooler than neoprene-only designs — reducing the inflammation risk that comes with boots that trap heat. Barrel racers, reiners, cutters, and performance horse trainers reach for SMBs because the protection-to-performance ratio is unmatched at the price.

What is the difference between SMB 2, SMB 3, and SMB Elite?

The SMB 2 is the entry-level version — solid protection for everyday training and turnout. The SMB 3 adds additional fetlock protection and a more secure closure system for high-intensity work. The SMB Elite uses premium materials and more advanced support geometry — it is the choice for horses in demanding competition schedules or rehabilitation from tendon injuries. All three share the core design philosophy; the differences are in material quality, support level, and durability over time.

Are Professional's Choice saddle pads worth the premium price?

For performance horses in regular, intense work — yes. The PC Comfort-Fit SMX Air Ride Pad combines an Air Ride foam core with 100% Merino wool lining to create consistent, pressure-distributing contact that holds up through multiple rides without compression. Riders with horses prone to back soreness or who compete at high levels consistently report that the investment in a quality pad reduces chiro and vet bills that would far exceed the cost of the pad.

Which Professional's Choice fly mask should I choose?

The Comfort-Fit Lycra Fly Mask is the most popular — the Lycra construction moves with the horse's face rather than creating stiff pressure points, and the soft ears are tolerated by horses that resist rigid-ear masks. For horses with ear sensitivity, the no-ear version provides the same face and eye protection without the ear coverage.

The Professional's Choice Lineup

• Sports Medicine Boots: SMB 2, SMB 3, and Elite — the defining product in the equine sports medicine category.
• Saddle Pads: SMX Air Ride, Ortho, and Guy McLean series — premium wool and foam pads for performance horses.
• Fly Masks: Comfort-Fit Lycra in multiple coverage options — soft, flexible, and staying-power tested.
• Western Performance Tack: Hackamores, romal reins, loping reins, and Bob Avila signature bits — built for the competition pen.
• Bell Boots and Leg Protection: Deluxe fly boots, VenTECH bell boots, and turnout boots engineered alongside the SMB system.

Why Professionals Choose Professional's Choice

The brand name is literal — it is the gear used by professional trainers, competitive riders, and equine veterinarians because it performs at the level serious horsemanship demands. At Hooves and Paws, Professional's Choice is one of our most-stocked and fastest-selling brands. Fast shipping on the full lineup.

Further Reading

• Why Do Horses Wear Leg Boots? A Rider's Guide
• Best Horse Sport Boots 4-Pack: A Buyer's Guide