Brushing boots for hacking...or not?

[uphol]

Choice between brushing boots or not for hacking. Seems the terrain could justify boots, but I've heard they heat the legs, which is not a good thing? My horse gets knicks on his fetlocks occasionally in the field. Is it like all things with horses, weighing up the pros and cons? He's an Arab who used to do endurance, and they had front boots on him. Thanks for advice.

 

[ihatework]

I’m generally a yes if the are shod or prone to brushing if unshod. Or no if straight moving and unshod

 

[doodle]

I do. I don’t think it heats up legs to the point it’s an issue and it saves from knocks and potential issues.

 

[milliepops]

totally personal decision based on your preferences and the horse's movement.
I hack mine in boots, I'd be annoyed to pick up an injury when out for a trundle. One in particular can cut himself on a grain of dust so the only place he wears no boots at all is the stable.

I try to use lightweight boots and keep them really clean.

 

[teddypops]

If your horse brushes then yes, use brushing boots. Don’t use them if horse doesn’t need them.

 

[doodle]

Robin wears over reach boots all the time. I am too lazy to take off for riding so they just stay. A couple of days ago for back from a hack and he had a really nasty scrape down one over reach boot. It would have been a nasty cut if it wasn’t for the boot and I wasn’t even aware of him catching himself.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I hack in brushing boots. Mine brushes a bit in the back and he isn't the most attentive of where his feet are. I use the Shires Arma Air Motion Brushing Boots. I find that they dry quicky, and his legs are usually dry and not hot underneath them. They have a decent strike pad too.

 

[Micky]

Entirely a personal choice and as said previously, depends on your horses way of going..mine dishes, though can go straight when worked properly, he used to wear over reach boots all the time and brushing boots for xc..he’s now not worn them for 5 years plus..grassy and rocky and tarmac terrain, made no difference to him, no cuts or nicks..so it’s really up to you..

 

[BBP]

I use them purely because I’m paranoid about the potential for loose dogs to bite at legs. Other than for protection from that I wouldn’t bother. His legs have to look after themselves with all his crazy field activities so a hack is usually more controlled.

 

[PapaverFollis]

Yes and it depends. MrT always wears front brushing boots because he has splints I don't want him to knock. He has hoof boots and knee boots for road hacks too. The Beast is booted all over (hooves, knees, front and back brushing) for road hacks but if we were going off road it would just be front hoof boots for stoney bits.

 

[[59668]]

I hack in knee boots and over reach boots. I don't think I would bother with brushing boots for hacking....