Equilibrium Stretch And Flex Training Wrap - worth the money?

[WestCoast]

Bree is a big four year old and a little clumsy. She already has overreach boots but I think it might be safer for her to have some other boots for training, particularly in the round pen.

I like the look of Equilibrium Stretch And Flex Training Wraps, but they are eye wateringly expensive.

Anyone got them, are they worth it? What are their limitations. She is only doing flatwork and hacking out at the moment - she will start some jumping when she is five next year but nothing major.

Any other suggestions? - gotta be quick and easy to put on and off, hard wearing and come big enough for a horse with 25cm bone at the back.

Paula

 

[mcnaughty]

They are very good for flat work schooling and light hacking but anything faster/wetter than that and they do have a tendency to end up down round the fetlock!

 

[Noodlebug]

I've had my for years; school and hack out in them and they are great.

 

[Orchardbeck]

I find the same as mcnaughty, but it was probably because they were a touch too large. I am now using them on my mums slightly larger gelding and they are ok. Prefer the schooling wraps to the training wraps though, just less of a faff. Now using woof wear dressage wraps on my mare instead.

 

[Eriskayowner]

I use them on Jazz - they're brilliant. Give him tendon and fetlock support without a huge amount of bulk. I've never had them slip or move although his legs are sometimes a bit warm under the boots if they've been on for a while.

 

[rhino]

Personally I don't think neoprene has any place on a horse's leg - it's very good for retaining heat (thus its use in wetsuits) but why on earth would you want something with that property on your horse?

Scientifically, boots and bandages can help lessen the effect of strikes and knocks. They really don't support tendons, ligaments or anything else they claim to do, from a physiological point of view that is impossible! They may provide some support for a joint, but at a risk of reducing flexibility.

I'm not anti-boots, but I certainly wouldn't use these I would use something that does not conform to the horse's joints, so a simpler 'brushing boot' design, and preferably not neoprene. I use a mix of the NEW furry lined boots for my sensitive chap, and old fashioned leather ones!

 

[kirstie]

I have them but bought them at half price, which is the main reason I bought them.
They don't wash well and you have to do then by hand.
I'm not convinced they are that amazing.
Save yourself some money and buy some brushing boots.

 

[BlackRider]

I like the NEW brushing boots too, and they look more likely to absorb a knock compared to the equilibrium boots.

 

[WestCoast]

I've had a chat with the staff down the yard and we've decided brushing boots are my best bet as we want to protect against knocks rather than provide support. Main problem now is finding out sizes as she's 21cm at the front and 25cm at the back. Not really a delicate little flower. She's fine when she's behaving, but watching her having a bit of a fit over a scary pile of killer grass today she needs a little more protection.

Paula