Wearing boots/ bandages etc just for the look?

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starry94

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Just a random post.. Do you/ anyone you know put tack/ accessories (boots or bandages etc) on your horse just for the sake of it? When I'm horsey shopping I like to look at everything but my horse who is a native doesn't need any boots for protection or stable bandages etc but sometimes i wish he did need them (just to give me an excuse to buy more... ;) )
 
I did many years ago 'til I grew out of that sort of thing, I don't even bother with travel boots now. Many, many people do put things on their horse for the sake of it and it's worse now than it's ever been simply because there's so much more stuff available.
 
I use bandages for schooling as my pony tends to get rubs off boots. I like to match with my saddlecloth when I can because it looks smart- not strictly necessary but no harm done by it!
 
I think unnecessary tack is one thing but boots and bandages is another.
Boots and bandages (correctly applied) do no harm to the horse at all, but unnecessary tack can be detrimental to the horse.
If you like your horse to look smart when off for a lesson or a hack then why not add matching boots and saddlecloth, as I said does no harm at all. I think it just shows that you are proud of your horse and want them to look smart and well looked after.
I sometimes match boots and cloths but all the gear no idea springs to mind, especially when people see me ride lol! but who cares, I'm happy, horse happy :)
 
I never boot or bandage with the exception of someone who has offered me a lift requesting I do. Rode in bandages for my last dressage lesson as we were so late and actually it kept her windgalls right down but wouldn't normally put them on.

I do however pop a breastplate on her for dressage comps purely because it is more visually pleasing breaking up her hulk of a frame and I seem to get better marks!
 
swampdonkey said:
If you like your horse to look smart when off for a lesson or a hack then why not add matching boots and saddlecloth, as I said does no harm at all. I think it just shows that you are proud of your horse and want them to look smart and well looked after.
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One person's smart might be another's tacky ;)

Show horses aren't permitted to wear boots or bandages in the ring, do they not look smart and well looked after? I would say they look smarter than most :)
 
I was at a "fancy" yard not long ago, and every single one of the owners horses had it's legs bandaged at night in the stables,including there shetlands. When asked why,she curtly replied "To keep them looking smart, why else?". I didnt agree with it personally...i noticed they would end up with various indentations from lying down etc even though padding was used.

I use brushing boots out on longer hacks for my shire x, as he's a bit of a clutz and ends up with his legs going all which ways sometimes. xD
There the only boots we have ever had and have never had reason to get anything else along side. :3
 
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Haha I know what you mean! I don't put anything but overreaches on normally but I do think matching boots and saddlecloth looks smart and with dressage I think white boots/bandages would help even out the optical effects of socks etc so the legs all look even :-)
 
Mine arrived with a flash noseband and a set of boots. While I've never used the boots, I took off the noseband when I realised he wasn't doing anything to warrant it - and personally I like to see more of his face, so I don't get that 'fashion' ;) I think I'd stick boots on for hunting, but in schooling and jumping he's never needed anything, and there's always that argument (I kinda believe) that if they catch themselves, they won't learn it's not a good idea if they can't feel it!

He's probably roughing it a bit now, with one rug that stays on day (field) and night (stable) and the odd bit of mud repellent once a week. But it's not killing him, and since I don't think he used to get winter turnout, he's probably better off!

When I win the lottery and don't have anything better to do then I'd LOVE dressing him up in bandages and swapping his rugs around - so I don't hold anything against people who can do this! But while it's unnecessary and I'm mucking out in the dark with a head torch - tough :D

EDIT: Also, I don't know how to do exercise bandages so it's a good job he's got fairly even white socks!
 
Yes and no - I often float without boots and ride without boots, but I do put boots on for longer trips, to keep them clean before an event and for new /bad travellers.

I also put boots on when they are jumping, just in case they knock from behind, but again only at events, often not at home.

My daughter likes to put boots on whether the pony needs them or not, but they do no harm.
 
I try not to use unnecessary tack, just as I hate feeding anything other than hay to most things. But as long as it's not harming, I see no... well, harm!

I do think white or matchy boots or bandages look smart for lessons, and help the instructor see the horse's legs better, but the trouble with boots and bandages is that they do harm. My boy is a total idiot and regularly cuts his legs because he moves so close, so he is booted. I'd far prefer not to though as he always comes back with hot legs. He was also ridden with a flash before we got him, but I have no idea why as he doesn't do anything without it. He has a martingale on because he throws his head when he gets stressed, and it unbalances my novice mum. It also keeps his reins safe when he runs off across the field fully tacked... :rolleyes:

I think I use too much tack, but other people are far worse! But I don't care what others do as long as they aren't harming their horses :)
 
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