To boot or not to Boot??!!!

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fruity

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I never usually boot my horses up for hunting,i've generally thought they cause more harm than good as they can rub and irritate. My new youngster however will at least have to have over reach boots on,she naturally tracks up and if anything tracks up too much and even in the field tonight she's over reached.
I usually have her in either Sports Medicine Boots or the Eskadron wraps,would these be ok to use? I don't want her being rubbed but at the same time she's prone to leg injuries. The wraps cover more of the leg than any normal brushing boot and are very close fitting.

Any thoughts? :crazy:
 
I always put eskradon closed front tendon boots on Lantern's front legs. Never had a problem with them rubbing or anything and i've been glad of them a fair few times :)
 
We always use boots for exercise, schooling and competing, but the only boots I ever put on for hunting is a pair of fetlock boots on the little cob mare as she always brushes when trotting. I don't think I'd want sports medicine boots on for that long, I know they're protective but they heat the legs up so much.
 
i always put boots on all round. The only ones ive ever had any problems with are the premier equine air cooled ones which rubbed badly. I usually use the N.E.W ones and they are really good as can be shoved in the washing machine when you get home and come out as new!
 
In the past I used the woof double velcro brushing boots on the front with pull on rubber over reach boots. (Velcro over reach boots used to come undone in the wet and mud). I have to trim down the over reach boots as my TB's have such flat feet and I don't want them standing on them.
 
I would generally say not to boot, but when it can't be avoided then we use the Prolite Event boots - they don't hold any water so don't get heavy, and the velcro is really good. never had any problems with keeping them on or with rubbing even in Bilsdale's legendary bogs!
 
I always hunt in boots alround and have never had a problem with slipping, I hunt my cob in clarendons and my irish sports horse in NEW which seems to work well!
 
I guess it's totally up to you whether to boot or not!

Everyone's different, but personally I wouldn't hunt without boots. I have a TB & need to protect his legs.
The best boots I've used at the Dalmar 'racing' boots. These are air cooled & literally fit his legs like a glove. When I have taken the boots off at the end of the hunt they've been completely dry - couldn't believe it!! Abosolutely no sweat, rubbing or anything, just his legs!!
Personally I can't recommend these boots highly enough as they've been brilliant every time I've used them.
I've XC'd in them, gone down a water jump (my horse isn't that fond of water) & he 'slid' down the edge of the drop, the carbon fibre protection on the back of the boots - protects the tendons - saved his legs! The boots are now slightly scuffed but just think what would've happened to his legs!

Anyway, sorry this is a bit long but essentially they are the boots I now use for hunting at the legs stay completely cool & don't rub.
 
Thanks for your replies,wasn't saying everyone shoudn't hunt without boots but i've always been led to believe to go without if you can. It wasn't a problem on my last horse as she was very surefooted and native x but this one is very special so will want to save her legs all i can. I've just looked at the Dalmar boot and they look ideal,will order those i think. I was thinking my smb's might make her legs hot after a while,so will keep those for general hacking etc
 
Hi Fruity,

Just to add the Dalmar 'racing' boots are made for TB types legs. My friend has bought some for her 16.2 middleweight hunter & they are a bit short on him. No problem with the length as they are one long strip & you just velcro on, but really too short in length. She's still happy but thought I'd best mention to you incase you have a really big horse with loads of bone?!
 
My horse did get mild boot rubs using prolite/equiflect event boots (very fine skinned TB), but the boots had several marks/scrapes on the outside. Therefore I would rather have the boot rubs than potentially a badly cut leg.

Our other IDx horse has hunted in these boots for years, and they have never moved or rubbed.

Fiona
 
"Thanks for your replies,wasn't saying everyone shoudn't hunt without boots but i've always been led to believe to go without if you can."
my thoughts exactly, I have a TB that goes out with boots all rond and OR boots in front, but a cobby that never wears boots. You know your horse best, does she move close, is she likely to fling her legs around in excitement?
 
Hi Fruity,

Sorry just seen your reply - yes they should fir perfectly!
My horse is a 15.3 Irish TB but he has pretty short cannon bones. They're a perfect fit on him & should be fine for your horse!
 
Can i ask what size you got him? I was thinking the medium for my mare? Have you got the racing boots? I was going to get the eventer ones for fronts and the racing ones for hind.
It's mother day soon ;-)
 
Yes I've got the racing boots - I believe these only come in 1 size. I've only got the fronts, I use the Woof Ultra boots on the hinds. These fit really well but his legs do sweat underneath them. Will have to save up for the Dalmar ones for his hind legs!
 
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