what boots?

[merlins-mum]

Merlin's been doing more jumping recently (my daughter has finally woken up to the fact that it's rather fun!). So far we've been jumping him without boots - he doesn't wear them for any activities - but I wonder if we should get him some.

If you think we should - then what sort should they be? Tendon? Brushing? Overreach?

Sorry - complete boot virgin here - not a clue!

 

[Eira]

I always sj in tendon/fetlocks ... thats only because PC told me too though

 

[Forget_Me_Not]

Depending on the fences - Tendon and fetlock boots are used for show jumps because the open fronts mean the horse feels any poles he touchs and keeps him careful.

For solid fences brush type boots offer more protection.

 

[Nailed]

deos he brush? forge or overreach?

If not why bother with boots? All you are going to do is generate alot of heat around his tendons which can inturn damage and weaken the tendons.


Lou x

 

[Forget_Me_Not]

Over reach boot wise it depends on the horse, if I have a clumsy, green baby especaily with rubbish feet and a record of loosing shoes I won't do anything with out them on!! However most horses don't need them for showjumping but it's still safer to use them for xc and galloping.

 

[merlins-mum]

that's a good point - he's doesn't do any of those, so I'm not particularly worried about him clipping himself, either by way of an overreach or by knocking a fence.
I was just wondering if he needs any additional support for his legs.

 

[VioletStripe]

I agree, you should put him in tendon and fetlock boots for jumping typical show-jumping poles, and if you are jumping cross-country type fences, or sturdier ones, cross-country boots, they offer protection, support, and they can still feel the poles lightly, if they are sturdier ones, which they should be if you are using the cross-country boots. Only if you horse over reaches should he be using over reach, or "bell" boots. For flatwork, hacking and lungeing you should use brushing boots, and ideally even if your horse doesn't normally over reach you should also use over reach, or bell boots while lungeing. Here is a good make of boots: www.woofwear.com they are a very good make, and not too expensive.