My horse is shod in such a way that I’ve been advised to use bell boots all the way around. He typically doesn’t overreach or clip, but now we need boots.
I’m looking for ones just for riding, easy to put on and off, and other than that I’m clueless. I’m looking for protection for the shoes more than the back of the heel itself.
Thanks!
I use the velcro bell boots with the fleece on top as without the fleece my horse gets sore on the back of his pasterns. I only use them when riding.
Do you have a favorite brand? I like the eskadron platinum collection that matches some gear I have, but they don’t look very…long lived :).
I use eskadron, so not sure if you’re interested… but I love these:
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/eskadron-pikosoft-dressage-bell-boots-11769
They’ve held up well for me. Had them about a year now… but I use them on only one horse & only while riding. Very little wear/tear and easy to clean. I personally don’t like the ones with fleece at the top, although I like that it’s soft and helps prevent rubs/sores, because I often go on hacks before/after rides and the fleece picks up debris and burrs and such, and I’m in a heavily wooded area. So I guess it depends on where you ride and such.
The ones I linked to are soft, so have had no issues with rubbing, but durable enough to last so far. I use them only on front feet and my mare interferes occasionally. Definitely pricey, but thankfully they’ve been worth it for what I need them for.
I use the Eskadron sheepskin lined bell boots (http://www.dressageextensions.com/escadron-fleece-bell-boots/p/18024/) or just the Calevo brand sheepskin ones. I get both from Calevo where the Eskadrons are quite a bit cheaper…$45 vs $85. Last time I ordered the Eskadrons were on super sale so I got a few pairs at like $30 each. They’re actually pretty long lasting, used for riding and trailering they last me maybe 12-18 months.
Granted, with the flat-rate shipping it only makes sense to buy them with other stuff, but one always needs other stuff.
I always order from Calevo, and these Look like the ticket.
Thanks! This is probably what I’m looking for.
My horse has to wear bell boots for riding because of his shoes as well. I like the rubber with fleece tops better than the neoprene or other “wraparound” types. I have found the Walsh brand has held up the best so far followed closely by shires (these are less expensive but Velcro isn’t as good as Walsh).
I just use soft rubber bell boots. No need for fleece so far. The Italian pull on rubber style have been food for 24/7 wear. This particular critter still pulls his shoes from time to time with or without them, but already his heels and whatnot are protected from injury, which is the point, really.
I cannot believe the mark-up of Eskadron in US. Wow! Pikeur too for that matter.
I use the Davis bell boots - they are sturdy, easy to take on and off, easy to clean, and don’t hold/trap any debris. I also have a horse with large feet and the XL (horse) cover the back of the shoe. None of the no-turn or fabric bell boots will cover the heels of the shoe unless I go up a few sizes.
I prefer the Davis Velcro kind and the Classic Equine no turns they fit my guy great. I do have rubber ones for turn out some times but I hate fighting with them.
Yep! They clean up well with soap and water or a run in the washer on cold 
Becky
This. I posted a while back that I seriously STRUGGLE to find bell boots to fit my horse and that will cover all the way down over the back of his shoes. Davis XLs are the only ones that seem to do the trick, but they do tend to be too loose around his pastern. I would love to use the Eskadron Pikosoft boots, but alas, too short. Professional’s Choice? Forget it, since everything they make seems to be sized towards Quarter Horse feet. I’m really tempted to try the Woof Wear Kevlar ones which you can trim if you need to, but they’re crazy expensive!
I just don’t understand the sizing length on so many of these boots, because I know there are people out there riding horses who are bigger than mine and using some of these boots that won’t fit my horse. I don’t get it! My horse is NOT that big and his hooves are NOT the size of dinner plates. (He’s 16.3 and wears size 5 shoes.) Compared to a lot of super competitive horses out there, he’s a shrimp. 
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