Dalmar Event Boots - New type

[littleindiana]

Hi all, I bought the Dalmar Event boots at the end of the summer last year, I have used them about 3-4 times at events out xc. I happened to come across some old topics on this about the carbon causing awful injuries to tendons. Just want to know if the new type of these boots still have problems with the strike protection and whether they restrict the horse or not? They haven't caused problems for me yet and they don't slip, I am just wary now of using them again in case the horses get a bang out xc!

 

[Red-1]

I think all you can do is minimise risk. Charlie horse struck into himself at an event when wearing Prolite boots, also with the Polycarbon shields. It was in a combination, in the rain, and in the time between walking the course and running it the ground had become deep. I felt him stumble in the deep going, but as he was in a one stride combination he jumped the second part, felt fine, so we continued, and he finished sound. The next day the tendon damage was obvious from the swelling, and confirmed by scan by the vet. When I examined the boots the shield had shattered in the boot, also damaging the internal blue Prolite lining.

I was a bit cross as I felt the shield had maybe done the damage to the tendon fibres, but then I don't know what the damage would have been without them.

I have since swapped to TriZone XC boots. They are a lot cheaper than most, have air flow, in fact the holes are big enough that even water drains straight out. BUT, they have a more solid area at the tendon area, so I think they are quite protective. Are they safer? I don't know. I suspect if a horse strikes into its tendon area with any boot it is liable to damage it. I am guessing that for a moderate strike the polycarb shields are best. I think for a severe strike where they actually shatter they may not be the best.

When I was a kid the eventers wore leather and felt polo boots. They were fab, and very protective, but an absolute pain to look after.

Then there is the balance between protection and heat in the tendons.....

XC is just not foolproof to make safe!