Why do dressage people use white boots or bandages?

[flyingfeet]

Stupid question maybe, but you are not allowed to compete in boots so why do dressage bods use white boots or bandages?

 

[carthorse]

We never bother, well we did at the winter champs[ bought white ones especially] and found them a pain and she wantwed them off about 5 mins before going in as she didn't want him standing around for the last few mins.
Think it is the ones that want to flash round and impress, unfortunately they are supposed to impress the judge not other riders.lol

 

[flyingfeet]

Ah ha - so they are in fact to give any helper that get dragged along something to do!!!

Oh for one of those, even the temptation of the cakes at Hunters won't tempt my folks!!!

 

[milliepops]

I don't use boots for dressage (so clearly not a proper dressage person!

) but I do have a silly bright colour schooling whip to warm up for BE dressage - so I remember to drop it before starting my test. If I used boots I would probably use white or coloured boots to remind me/groom to take them off before going in! Black ones aren't so noticeable and could easily be forgotten.

Sure that's not the real reason though...

 

[Baydale]

I guess it's so that you can focus on the placement or positioning of the horse's legs when training, so of no use to the rider unless the trainer is there spouting forth.

 

[help1]

No flipping idea why - determined not to do it - thier washing days must be a nightmare

 

[Jane_Lou]

We always use boots for warm up as numpty pony an find it all a bit exciting and has a habit of kicking himself when doing rapid sideways movements. I bought white ones after he was about to go up the centre line before I noticed they were still on!
They do look very smart as well!

 

[flyingfeet]

Or maybe its a cunning plan as you use a white saddle cloth (also why???) and maybe its white bandages so you can put them in together rather than do 2 washes.

 

[Jane_Lou]

^^^^^ you got it in one! Mine have just come out of the wash!

 

[help1]

Ha so thats it but when I used to compete admittely SJ (years ago when poles were wooden) white accesories were a bit frowned on??

 

[Saf]

Because it makes her look pretty

Joking

 

[Baydale]

She looks pretty without them though.

 

[carthorse]

You don't need white boots to make her pretty. lol. I hear there is no Aldershot for us this year so straight to Windsor?

 

[beh]

[ QUOTE ]
Because it makes her look pretty

Joking

[/ QUOTE ]

No but seriously, they make most horses look a lot more flashy. I'm sure people just buy them for the "fashion statement" (me included

)

 

[BroadfordQueen]

I think they are silly, unless being used for an advertising photo. The white enhances the legs, so if the horse has a big flashy stride, it highlights that, which would be good when selling horses.

 

[only_me]

when we are selling horses that are dark coloured we put White boots on to make them look flashy

and on grey horses we have black boots

 

[druid]

Have you tried riding a movement and flicking a quick look at the mirrors to check a leg position/reach without light (not necessarily white!) boots/bandages? Much harder and you tend to forget to ride the horse!

Gratuitous pic

 

[Saf]

I have not heard this noooooo, why no Aldershot?

 

[spookypony]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you tried riding a movement and flicking a quick look at the mirrors to check a leg position/reach without light (not necessarily white!) boots/bandages? Much harder and you tend to forget to ride the horse!


[/ QUOTE ]

Thankfully, the spooky pony has cute little tennis socks on both hind feet, so I can see them very well in the mirror! If he didn't, I might use the hi-viz leg bands. Less work than bandages, and, well, even more hi-viz in the mirror!

 

[flyingfeet]

Oh so this little fellow may have an advantage? He is my bargain buy dressage star (has a wonky leg though.....)

 

[Saf]

Dam just seen the web site, have booked A/L too

 

[druid]

Yes, to both of you - a decent amount of white markings means bandages are not necessary for my purpose. Then I'd just use bog standard boots!

 

[Saf]

Wow going to be flashy

no white boots and bandages to wash but lots of white hair to wash

 

[michaelj]

I thought they were to protect the legs when doing stuff like the half-pass and stuff.

 

[spookypony]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh so this little fellow may have an advantage? He is my bargain buy dressage star (has a wonky leg though.....)



[/ QUOTE ]

Aww, he's so CUTE! What's wrong with the leg?

 

[connie1288]

I couldnt see white bandages if i used them, my mare is white!! But i do use white pads for eventing!!

 

[milliepops]

[ QUOTE ]
I might use the hi-viz leg bands. Less work than bandages, and, well, even more hi-viz in the mirror!

[/ QUOTE ]

**milliepops rushes off to buy more hi vis, thinking she has identified the next trend for BD in 2009**

 

[flyingfeet]

It's literally wonky - the hind leg from stifle down was bent in the womb and the fetlock joint is wonky. My local stud talked me into buying him as a punt for less than the stud fee as he is a Walentino (Weltmeyer).

Now just got to wait a few years and see what happens!

 

[druid]

Yes boots or bandages do protect the horse in lateral work from bumps and knocks but I think the posters Q was about the particular colour rather than the purpose for the boots/wraps!

 

[flyingfeet]

OP also wants to know - why the white saddle cloth???