Travel Boots - Recommendations please for 'first timer'

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Spangles

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Thermatex have been recommended as they are soft and have no seams and breathable. Any experiences ?

Any other brands worth considering. Horse has never worn travel boots before and I don't really want to bandage every time we travel - want on and off the lorry asap.
 
I don't use anything. I was on a yard with a transporter who was very precious about his own horse but didn't use boots as felt that they caused to many accidents. So I don't and haven't had an issue.
 
Ah - one of those many things that splits the horse world! Personally I always use some form of protection and have never found a horse who would not accept boots or bandages. I've seen too many transport accidents over the years not to want something on their legs. Boots designed for riding in just do not protect the limb. That said - if you are transporting internationally it is better not to use anything because of the length of time the horse would be wearing them. And on the one occasion I shipped a BS pony on sale from Surrey to Scotland I used bandages not boots as I could be more sure of the tightness / fit. Mostly we don't travel for more than 6 hours without a break and removing boots etc.

My preference is for travel boots - but that might be borne out of the fact that until the last 2 years we have mad BS Competition ponies and kids can't over tighten boots. (Or get kicked as easily fitting them...). I have never had a problem putting boots on a recent import for the first time; but if you have reason to be concerned opt for the soft wrap around type. Thermatex are great - but very pricey. I've not seen anything to suggest they protect any better than the cheaper options. Cottage craft do them, and several others I think. (Although I confess I do have the thermatex - but to dry hunter's legs in transit back to the yard.)

Do bear in mind that if the horse is a novice traveller as well as a novice boot wearer the risks that he will stand on himself or cause other injury are higher. Ideally you want more protection rather than less.
 
I have Shires budget travel boots for mine. Given that we didn't like even brushing boots on our back legs when she first arrived (transported her home with no boots!) she has accepted them very well. She didn't even funny walk much when she first had them in and doesn't do it at all in them now, so think they must be soft and comfortable.

If it's a short journey for a hack though she just wears her knee boots so she's ready to roll straight away at the other end.
 
I use Amigo travel boots on mine. Only three straps so don't have lots of faffing around putting on/taking off, but I don't have any issues with getting them to sit snug.
 
I use Rambo travel boots. Quick and easy to put on/take off. The insides can be wiped clean if they get muddy or you can put them in the washing machine. If you're going to use travel boots I'd suggest getting your horse used to wearing and walking in them before you travel in them for the first time.
 
I’m in the less is more camp. I cannot stand the big full length travel boots.
If you want some protection then I’d opt for stable boots or brushing boots with over reach and knee boots as optional extras.

I will generally put something on the shod working ones. But unshod young/broodie/retired go naked
 
If your horse is new to boots, I'd use brushing boots (or sport/support boots) to start with, even though you might want to swap later.

Personally I don't use full travel boots as horse won't stand for them - she kicks all the way in them but doesn't move in Normal boots. I use the sports medicine style boots (from Le Mieux) with overrreach boots all round. I'd add hock boots if I could but she freaks if she has to move in them.

I've also seen some nasty accidents from horses standing on the big travel boots and panicking, shouldn't happen if they are the right size and fitted tight enough, but not worth the risk imho.
 
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