XC Boots - Dalmar, NEW or Premier Equine?

[LansdownK310]

I’m getting some XC boots from the OH for my 16.1hh ISH mare for xmas, I’ve got a shortlist but struggling to decide on which ones I want, my local tackshop only stocks one brand but I wondered how the others compare. We’re setting our sites on a training 80 in March/April and seeing how we go from there but she suffered a splint bone fracture as a result of a kick in the summer so I’m super paranoid about her legs!

The boots on my list are:

• Dalmars – my friend has the backs and has used them for a busy pre Novice season, they’ve stood up well, however another friend has said she has had issues with Velcro breaking
• NEW Lightweight boots – recommended by another friend as being fairly hard wearing
• Premier Equine Air Cooled boots – again on recommendation, website has the 2011 make which are in the sale

The NEW and Dalmars are roughly the same price (I’m looking at about £135 for full set). We have a set of WW brushing boots with L on the front and XL on back which fit nicely. Experiences (or alternatives) greatly appreciated

 

[luce1]

Hello

I asked this question on here as also have new XC boots on my Xmas list!

I didnt get good feedback on the Dalmars (stories of bits shattering into the horses legs) and therefore the Prenier Equine cooled boots are on my list to Santa

 

[measles]

I was recommended the NEW air-cooled hind boots for turnout (about 5 hours a day) but they have never fitted well, slip and have fallen apart very quickly. I would def not go xc in them based on my experience.

 

[measles]

Hit wrong button! I also have Dalmar boots for another horse and they are still almost as new in contrast to the NEW ones. I have heard horror stories though of the guards shattering.

 

[Sarah_Jane]

How about prolites?

 

[SpottedCat]

I love my NEW ones. They've done 4 seasons now and look like new still. Prem Equine ones are ok - relegated to hacking use as looked 'worn' fairly quickly and started to fray a bit round the edges.

 

[Lolo]

We've heard horror stories of them shattering, but Reg has a pair of Dalmars for his fronts (and I think that his jockey may be hankering after the backs now!) and they're really good. They never slip or rub, despite being used a lot, and his legs don't get even warm in them. Really good quality, like them a lot!

 

[LansdownK310]

How about prolites?

I had looked at these but ruled them out as wasnt sure how they were in terms of keeping the leg cool.

 

[LansdownK310]

Hello

I asked this question on here as also have new XC boots on my Xmas list!

I didnt get good feedback on the Dalmars (stories of bits shattering into the horses legs) and therefore the Prenier Equine cooled boots are on my list to Santa

Ah thanks - I'll have a look at your thread

 

[Sarah_Jane]

I had looked at these but ruled them out as wasnt sure how they were in terms of keeping the leg cool.

They are not as good at cooling and I take them off as soon as finished but at the end of the day I am more likely to do major damage in an accident so I want the best protection. These were recommended to me 18 months and at the time were the preferred boot of many of GB team, this may have since changed but at that time protection was felt most important.

 

[Nic]

Prolites all the way.

 

[Emma S]

I have the 2010 premier equine aircooled boots and think they are fab so the old git will be getting a 2011 set from the sale!
They have never slipped, easy to clean and keep the legs cool

 

[Shipley]

I have been really unimpressed with the premier equine boots this year and will now be looking at prolites (only boots my trainer uses) but I couldnt afford them I believe you pay for what you get and now wont buy premier equine they have rubbed my horses legs, shrunk dont keep shape or colour. The girl on my yard also bought them and hers shrunk even though she kept to instructions and after one season you can see folds in the middle of the boot so not sure the protection is all that great :-(

 

[Finns Mum]

Prolites

 

[MagicMelon]

I haven't tried Dalmars but love my N.E.W Lightweight Competition boots. I use them for XC and have done for about 5 years now - still the same set of boots and they still look pretty much brand new (they wash and wear very well). Mine have always fitted any horse I put them on and never rubbed. I also have a set of the Premier Equine XC ones which I dont really like and rarely use (only if a horse is too big for my NEW ones!), they dont fit well - are a bit too bulky and they slip especially when wet. Compared the the NEW ones, they just feel a bit cheap IMO.

 

[becca1305]

Dalmars- wouldnt touch
Prolites- tried them good front fit but backs swivel
Premier equine- on sale atm just got a pair havent ridden in them yet but tried them on they fit her brilliant and look great if work as well as they look il be really happy . They are really light but feel strong and robust and have airflow. Also the strike pad at the back is flexible like on the prolites so shouldnt be able to shatter