Boots for Eventing (for horse rather than rider!)

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Jul

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I need to get some boots for XC as up until now I've been using the Kieffer wrap-around type and I don't think they offer enough protection (although probably a touch more support than event-type boots?)

I am at a loss as to how to decide which ones to get for the best coverage/protection. A lot of people seem to use the Prolite ones although they look very basic. Or there's the moulded shell types, like the Eskadron cross country boots. Eskadron seem to come up very small though. I have tried Premier Equine's ones but they seem to be very skimpy and leave a lot of the fetlock exposed.
Any recommendations/advice please?
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I would be so grateful.
 
I think there was a recent thread about this, but can't find it to link it for you.

I use Woof Wear Ultimate boots which are tough and non-slip-great double locking system on them too!

Also have prolite which come up large for the bigger boned horse. Again, i like alot-tough, good to chuck in the washing machine and excellent non-slip.

Have no experience of Eskadron xc boots-but do come up small as you say-but with a rigid hard shell as per their sj open tendon boot.
 
I've used NEW, liked them and they seem to be wearing well, but I don't like the old ones with fluff inside. My prolite ones have lasted an absolute age, like them lots. By far my favourite eventing boots are Dalmar Ireland, for the air cooling system coupled with carbon strike pads feature, plus they're really lightweight too and have one velcro strap so they're quick and easy; gosh, I sound like a rep!
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ETS I found the Eskadron ones a bit fiddly..
 
I really like my Style boots. They are very lightweight and have never slipped or rubbed.

I have a pair of Eskadron and NEW (with the fluff) which are also very good.

I have heard people recommend Clarendon but I hated them. They fell apart at the bottom and in deep going or if you caught a fence, the clips undid and boots slipped. Look very smart though!
 
I loathe Clarendon - its too easy to over tighten them and they have no tendon guards plus they absorb water. You never see any pros using them for a very good reason.

I like prolite/NEW for front and leather for hind.

Dalmar can come up a bit small for big horses.
 
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I loathe Clarendon - its too easy to over tighten them and they have no tendon guards plus they absorb water. You never see any pros using them for a very good reason.

I like prolite/NEW for front and leather for hind.

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I agree with Lec, though I use clarendon for hunting as they're the only boots that don't move. (silly design though in my opinion)
 
NEW boots all the way, love their airflow boots behind and the lightweight competition boots infront... i hate it when i see fleece lined boots on the xc- think it traps heat to the legs more than normal boots but can understand it gives more protection
 
I have NEW lightweight competition boots and am very impressed with them. They have a really tough tendon guard, great fit and don't slip (though I do use tape as a precaution(sp?)) - definitely recommend them. Prolites are supposed to be very good and I think the number of pros that use them speaks for itself, they have very strong tendon and fetlock guards.
 
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NEW boots all the way, love their airflow boots behind and the lightweight competition boots infront... i hate it when i see fleece lined boots on the xc- think it traps heat to the legs more than normal boots but can understand it gives more protection

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Actually the opposite is true. Fleece lined boots have proved to result in cooler legs than just having neoprene against the skin. The fleece allows air to circulate (between the fibres) whereas neoprene just traps heated air and causes the legs to heat up.
 
There's been a lot of research done in the endurance world on this subject. Obviously if endurance horses wear boots they have them on for an extended period of time and over heating of legs is a major issue. The research in fact found that use of boots over a period of time (months/years) could cause an accumulation of low grade tendon damage (breakdown of tendon tissue due to over heating) that would eventually result in a significant tendon injury. The best way to protect tendons from internal wear and tear is to not boot or bandage at all... unfortunately as most competition horses are shod and the risk from strike injuries is high (especially in jumping/endurance type sports) booting or bandaging is a necessary evil. Where at all possible though we should let our horses legs go naked - mother nature has developed an incredibly strong tendon/ligament system and a circulatory system that keeps them cool
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It all works marvelously well until we start to interfere with it.
 
Thank you so much for the replies. Loads of really good info.
Dalmar sounds interesting Shaab - will have a look as I haven't come across those before. Although maybe they come up small too, as lec said?
Foxglove - I have been told about Style before but you don't seem to be able to get them any more? All searches I have done came up with a blank.
It looks like Prolite or NEW are the most popular (thanks for the link Patricksmum). I do have other NEW boots (protective exercise) and I like them although I found with the newer design hinds they don't come all the way round so you end up with a gap.
Thanks again to all - much appreciated.
 
Prolites all the way, Style rub some because grit gets caught in the binding around the edge, IMO NEW just arent sturdy enough, love the prolites, they are tough, dont absorb water and have FAB tendon guards in them. Highly recommend them.
 
I have the premier equine air cooled comp boots, they are fab, never move an inch, and certainly provide ample coverage for my 16.3 and I don't even have the largest size! They are almost identical to the NEW ones but half the price. They have a brill strike pad too on the front boots. The design has just been updated too and the newer ones look a lot like the dalmar ones (which you will need a second mortgage for BTW).
 
Equiflect boots are extremely similar to prolites, but the company will do made to measure if the standard size doesn't fit. We got their back boots in a made to measure extra large for our IDx mare. Do a google search for stockists - though if you live in a racing area any tack shop should have them as are v popular in NH circles.

Fiona
 
I've got the Dalmar boots and they only come in one size. Mine are too small really for my mare. They don't offer good value for money IMO
Oh yeah and they ripped first time I used them
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I love my NEW lightweight competition boots. Brilliant, they offer great protection, fit well yet wear extremely well (still look brand new after a wash). The ONLY thing Ive found with them is I cant use the hind boots on my Welsh Cob because they come up too high and push on his chestnuts which make him kick out! But they fit my TB x perfectly and I assume would do on any normal horse (just not short legged ones).
 
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