Polework with young, inexperienced horse - which boots?

[Tash88]

I have an introductory jumping lesson with my 6 y/o later - think it will consist of trotting/canter poles and maybe a little crosspole at the end. I haven't jumped in about 8 months (since I've had him!) so I'm a little rusty; he's done a couple of clear round classes I think but not for a long time, and he is a little nervous of coloured poles. I'm just deciding what boots to put on him for maximum protection - probably a silly question but is it okay to use sports medicine boots for jumping? Just thinking of those because they cover more of the leg than brushing/tendon boots.

 

[Dizzydancer]

I would only use tendon boots and either fetlock or brushing boots behind and prob over reach boots in front. From sounds of it you horse has jumped and your not going to be doing massive heights so i wouldn't panic too much.
I school my dainty ex racer over poles and raised poles in all round brushing boots and over reach boots. He is clumsy but these protect him.

 

[Tash88]

Thanks for the advice! I don't think he's too clumsy so he should be fine - I just need to relax and enjoy my lesson, have butterflies at the moment!

 

[Enfys]

Just curious does anyone NOT use boots at all?

Are boots used as a matter of course now "just in case' or because more horses have bad action and are striking into themselves?

I actually think that it doesn't hurt for a horse to knock himself over a fence - old fashioned view but there you go, perhaps fortunately for my horses I no longer jump.

Basic protection - I'd use brushing boots and maybe over reach boots.

Enjoy your lesson

 

[be positive]

Just curious does anyone NOT use boots at all?

Are boots used as a matter of course now "just in case' or because more horses have bad action and are striking into themselves?

I actually think that it doesn't hurt for a horse to knock himself over a fence - old fashioned view but there you go, perhaps fortunately for my horses I no longer jump.

Basic protection - I'd use brushing boots and maybe over reach boots.

Enjoy your lesson

I often dont use boots, I have a young ISH in the yard that is now unshod he never wears boots for work inc. jumping but will for xc, there are several ponies that again do not wear boots, no reason to they move correctly and should not need protecting from a little bump if they do hit a pole, the only horse that routinely wears boots is older and moves closely so is inclined to hit himself and it is not worth the risk of an injury.

So many horses are now booted at all times inc. when turned out that I feel they can lose self-preservation as they never feel anything that bumps them, most of mine are very careful when jumping and rarely hit a pole, they are also confident so it seems to do them no harm
It also cannot be good for their legs to be kept warm all the time, but thats another issue.