Swiss Galopper users - question

[Baroque]

I know there are some users of the Galopper boots here and I would appreciate some input from you please.

I see that they are claimed to have some concussion-dampening by virtue of a sole with some give in it. I currently use Renegade Vipers, which suit my mare well, but can't use pads in them. Given that my pony is driven, it is her fate to do rather a lot of roadwork at trot and I would love to find a way to reduce, if only a little, the concussion she must experience.

Is the give in the sole of the Galopper sufficient to offer some cushioning do folk think?

 

[bluehorse]

I use galoppers, to be honest the sole doesn’t seem that different to a normal boot to me although they do seem to have a more gel like substance inset into the sole which is the orange bits if you have a look online. If your horse needs pads I don’t think it’s enough to make that much of a difference really. Although they’re not designed for pads I actually use carpet pads in mine. I can just about get away with it without compromising the fit.

 

[Brownmare]

I use 6mm easycare pads in mine, or will do once I find a way to stop them rubbing the most sensitive mare on the planet 🙄 Having used renegades on another horse previously I would say the galoppers probably have better shock absorption.

 

[Baroque]

Thank you both for your input, it's very helpful. I'm glad to hear that there may be room for some padding anyway, if it's needed.

 

[FFAQ]

I'm currently trialing gallopers with the view of becoming an ambassador for them if I like them. It's early days but so far I'm impressed! I was given 4 pairs of boots to trial and allocated them to different breeds, sizes and work type/load. At the moment I've found that they are easy to get on and off, will hold a pad, and don't twist. However, I have heard that for other people there have been problems.

 

[Baroque]

Interesting FFAQ! Do you think they are enough like Vipers that if my mare gets on with the Vipers, the Galoppers will suit?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Following with interest, FFAQ do you think you could let us know how you get on please. My boy is in Renegades all round but once they wear out I am thinking of changing to Gallopers as the fixing mechanism looks so much easier. I do love the Renegades but they are a pain in winter when they get wet and muddy.

 

[Baroque]

I'm resurrecting this thread to ask if there is anyone with Galoppers who would be willing to take a picture for me of the breakover please. I've never seen the boots in person and I can't find a single picture online that shows the position and degree of breakover they offer. Can anyone help?

 

[flying_high]

I am using them and can probably do pictures. I’ll see what I’ve got. Hmm too large to attach

 

[Baroque]

Thanks for trying FH

Are you happy with them? How do you feel they compare with other boots you may have used in the past? I've used Cavello Simples which are good but clumpy and Renegade Vipers which I love, but I'd like to be able to come away from the cable system if I can. I'd really appreciate any thoughts you can offer on the Galoppers please.

 

[flying_high]

Hi,

I have only had them 9 days. So rather new. I bought in desperation when my horse turned out not to fit any of the planned borrowed Cavallos (we’d measured over shoes and thought get away with cavallo treks 4 / 4 slim / 5 slim).

So bit the bullet and ordered 4 next day delivery.

I bought them as they were practically only thing work on a 135mm wide, 150mm long foot. I bought them in long size, from Horse Boutique who were only next day UK stockist. The measurements on website a bit confusing, as show long as same size as standard but the H heel captivator piece is 10mm longer allowing either extra heel height or length.

I am using on a thin soled, little digital cushion rehab horse.

He lost them the first day, in stable (threw tantrum when field mates turned out), on the way down to field (more tantrums), and in the field when galloping about. He lost all four during a long reining accident. Other than that have stayed on in field / long reining / handwalking.

My horse isn’t being ridden at the moment, so not a true test.

But are staying on now I have got sorted out, and seem to stand up to 8 hours in a big field, and galloping in field.

I am using with pads in. I find need pastern strap tighter than instructions. I also put 3 plaiting bands over Velcro strap on pastern strap to help secure it. Comes with 2 rubber bands per strap which I use on other side.

I also put a strip of duct tape over each side of pastern strap to help secure it. (Whenever have lost a boot it is the pastern strap that have come undone). And I put breathable extra large over reach boots over the top.

I think I am relatively pleased with them. I think the initial losing them was me figuring out how best to use them. He’s worn them 8 hours a day for 9 days, and not rubbed (I do use heel cushions that came free with boots, but not pastern wraps. The pastern strap doesn’t seem to rub. Whereas heels do rub without heel cushions. Are pretty easy to put on.

I don’t think the grip at bottom is as good as some boots I’ve had, re slipping and wet or slick ground.

I think they fit my horse better with pads (as means the tension part is on the foot / heel and not the pastern).

I cant yet comment on them as performance boots.

If you want me to send you some photos / landing videos PM me your email address, but are not very exciting.

 

[flying_high]

PS Hoof boutique offer 2 weeks hire to trial them?

 

[Baroque]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this info FH, it's very, very useful. It's a little daunting to shell out their cost with the scant information available on a google search.

I remember the trouble I had keeping the Vipers on until I worked out the perfect adjustment for the heel captivator, my guess is I shall have some of the same difficulty with the galoppers but I think I shall go ahead with the purchase all the same. I note your comments as to grip...hopefully they will be fine on the road and gravelly tracks, which are the only places I'll be using them. I will also take heed of your input when setting up and hopefully avoid rubbing and whatnot. So thanks again, order going in today!