Help - boots for an eventing?

[tobiano1984]

This year I'm going down the owner path and my 4yo TB is starting his eventing career with a really great local rider. So now I have the fun bit of shopping for him! Unfortunately his rider's other horses are all massive warmbloods and he's a 15.3 lightweight TB, so they can't share much.

So I'm looking at boots and think I need to get some event/XC boots, and also some nice white boots for schooling/dressage warm up, and do I need boots for jumping as well or do most eventers use their XC boots?

And what brands do you recommend for a little TB? Currently he's barefoot but will be shod before his first event. So at the moment boots aren't that essential for schooling and jumping, but he does sometimes brush at the front. As someone with barefoot horses I'm a bit paranoid with overreaching when they have shoes on, do many people event with overreach boots?

His rider favours Dalmar event boots, which look good, but not sure what else is out there.

 

[LeannePip]

Not many will use the same boots for both phases, XC mainly have carbon protection/ strike pads - showjumping is generally open fronted tendon boots.

i don't usually XC in over reach boots and would never xc in rubber over reach boots - reason being that if a horse lands with its hinds on the front over reaches (especially with the rubber ones) they are likely to fall flat on their face because they cant get their front feet out the way which can be dangerous for both horse and ride - yes i have seen this happen to a horse jumping a novice course and also to a small pony at a hunter trial. if i think the going is such that over reach boots would be required i use non/rotatable nylon ones (think mine are mark todd)
http://www.rideaway.co.uk/mark-todd-competition-over-reach-boots

The dalmar ones are good too and have a carbon/metal strike pad so no chance of getting the boots stuck under the hinds.

I use the LeMieux XC boots find they fit skinny legs better - the PE ones slipped and twisted on my horse, but they do fit others, worth trying a few before you buy if you can.

Mark todd or LeMieux also do nice white schooling/warm up boots

http://www.horsehealth.co.uk/horse-wear/lemieux-boots/lemieux-work-boots/lemieux-schooling-boot1
http://www.equestrian.com/p/brushing-boots/mark-todd-exercise-boots/885004/

 

[georgiegirl]

If you have a search on here there are some real horror stories about the Dalmars which have caused horrid injuries. Shame as they look to be smart.

I use prolites and have never had a problem - very protective. I also like the look of the Boyd Martin Magyk Equipe ones which Shadow Horse stock

 

[PorkChop]

I use the prolite boots - open fronted fronts for sj, and then their xc boots all round. Always been pleased with them, if I had to be critical I would like them to be lighter.

 

[Rosesandhorses]

I believe the issues with Dalmars may have been with the old types- I used them all last season and had some bashes and they were brilliant. The draw back of them is that they have a tendency to rub. I have seen Premier Equine ones used on skinny TB legs and I think they used the size small. I have a pair which I like but am going to have to tape them as they slip. As for over reach boots I won't jump without them- in fact the only time I take them off is when I do my dressage test as my horse over tracks. Most people use different boots for show jumping and cross country- I don't as find they do the job for both and one less thing to hassle with. I use air cooled boots to stop legs from over heating and put cold water boots on as soon as I'm finished cross country. Hope this helps!

 

[gunnergundog]

If you have a pro riding your horse, can I suggest that you may be better off getting what he/she prefers in the appropriate sizing for your horse rather than posting on H&H ? Have also not had a problem with Dalmar.

ALL boots for XC should be taped, regardless! Yes, I am old school.

 

[tobiano1984]

If you have a pro riding your horse, can I suggest that you may be better off getting what he/she prefers in the appropriate sizing for your horse rather than posting on H&H ? Have also not had a problem with Dalmar.

ALL boots for XC should be taped, regardless! Yes, I am old school.

??? I haven't got a pro riding him, she's the 20yo daughter of my instructor. If you read my OP I said they favour Dalmar but only used them on big chunky warmbloods and haven't had a lightweight TB before, hence posting on H&H..! I want what fits/works for my horse best and I've heard that some boots slide and rub on little TB legs

 

[gunnergundog]

??? I haven't got a pro riding him, she's the 20yo daughter of my instructor. If you read my OP I said they favour Dalmar but only used them on big chunky warmbloods and haven't had a lightweight TB before, hence posting on H&H..! I want what fits/works for my horse best and I've heard that some boots slide and rub on little TB legs

You said that you were going down the owner route...that IMPLIES that you are having a professional, or at least, someone better than you riding the horse.

Age is not a determinant of skill; there are many professional 20 year olds competing successfully in various disciplines.

You did NOT say that your rider had not previously had a lightweight TB before. Suggest you pay more attention to detail before getting on your high horse.
Obligatory smiley!

 

[criso]

I found the premier equine ones worked really well on my tbs and didn't slip, I have the air cooled ones.
The mediums fit both 16.3 chunky boy and 16.2 lightweight so I would say small for a skinny 15.3.

They have them on 40% discount at the moment.

 

[MILLGREENLADY]

Premier equine xc work fantastic on both my Irish sports horses but then again they have a bit of bone ! Open tendon boots and fetlock boots for sj and woof wear brushing boots for general flatwork. I think over reach boots are a personal preference I do xc and I'm glad I have seeing the strike marks and rips in them after xc. Shopping the best bit

 

[Rosesandhorses]

Oh dear someone seems a little grumpy! Good on you for asking- better than buying and then finding they're not suitable as boots are pricey (especially Dalmars). I've NEVER taped my boots and so far have never had a problem! Good luck with your horse

 

[[59668]]

Wow OP what have you done to anger gunnergundog?!

Saw the other thread on your horse and he looks fab. You must be local to me so will keep an eye out for your progress and might see you out and about this year!

Re the boots, I know some people hate them but I really rate Clarendon.

 

[tobiano1984]

Wow OP what have you done to anger gunnergundog?!

Saw the other thread on your horse and he looks fab. You must be local to me so will keep an eye out for your progress and might see you out and about this year!

Re the boots, I know some people hate them but I really rate Clarendon.

No idea, never come across them before and not going to rise to it..! But some good pointers from others who are actually trying to be helpful, all worth bearing in mind.

I think his first event will hopefully be Chilham Park....

I've used Clarendons in the past for hunting and they were good and didn't rub after a full day - not seen XC/event boots from them but will take a look!

 

[[59668]]

Hopefully will be mine also if all goes according to plan!

 

[only_me]

Claredones have gone out of fashion due to heating legs etc. and the buckles.

I use dalmars behind and eskadron in front for xc, and rubber over reach boots, the cheap ones.
Cheap ones are good as the break off when the horse stands on them so safe imo. But need to make sure that not too low, I trim mine before using to fit

I always tape xc boots, taught by old school trainer

Personally I don't like prolites, woof wear and premier equine as I find they slip & turn, the NEW boots don't do enough protection for me but the dalmar ones are great and have never moved