It used to be the Italian gum rubber pull ons. Is it still? Or is there something better out there now?
Yeah and others that are similar, double thick at the bottom. I get the most use out of the gum color. For some reason they take more of a beating and don’t rip as easy if they happen to get one off.
These work really well for me http://www.doversaddlery.com/easy-stretch-bell-boots/p/x1-0410/
The Italian is still the best. No rubs and lasts the longest.
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The Italian gum rubber is what I have always used and had good luck with.
Yes. I think the black color lasts the longest but aren’t as easy to get on and off as the gum color. Whatever you do, don’t buy the white ones.
Hi, I’m really sorry this is completely random and off topic, but I just joined and I can’t seem to figure out how to create my first post, can anyone help me?
I used to use the Italian ones, but my horse is houdini and they don’t work on him. He easily steps out regardless of what size you fit him in…I’ve used davis ones for 2.5 years for 24/7 turnout and they only come off during riding in the ring, grooming or bathing. They last about 3 months give or take!
I used the italian gum rubber ones for years (or maybe decades?) but decided that they do next to nothing to help keep shoes on (which was my primary reason for using them). I switched over to Professional Choice ones like these: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/professionals-choice-deluxe-ballistic-overreach-boots-13634 and I like them more. Still don’t think they do a whole lot to save shoes, but they do stay in place better than the gum rubber ones.
I’ve had a lot of success with them keeping shoes on. I tend to err with fitting them a little bit on the big side.
These god awful ugly looking roper bell boots. https://www.nrsworld.com/horse-craft-products/premium-horse-craft-pull-on-bell-boots-11625
Best I have found, even for one horse that pulled shoes with every other bell boots out there.
I ride in the professional choice ones but don’t turn my horse out in them. Ithey serve quite well.
Interesting. Do these rub at all?
Man, those ARE pretty ugly! :lol: Why do you think they’re so much more effective?
Thanks for the discussion! Dove’s going back in shoes in early June, and she’s challenging. Need to pick up something before then to increase our chances of keeping them on, but she’s thin skinned and prone to rubbing.
I have both of my guys in the Italian gum rubber ones from SmartPak, and they have held up wonderfully! I have tried all types of bellboots, but these seem to work the best. No lost boots.
No clue - but they worked for this one horse. He was the kind who would stand with his feet next to each other, almost on top of the other. He kepts shoes with these bell boots and didn’t tear them up. He tore up all the other kinds. These are HARDY…if ugly.
What are options for Velcro boots? I don’t care for the pull ons.
I use the premier equine kevlar no-turn boots - never an issue with lost boots, rubs, and I can get a solid 2 years out of a set before any sort of wear becomes a problem. Well worth the $.
Honestly I’ve had great luck with the back on track Royal bell boots. I got them as the mare had surgery in her coffin bone and her hoof growth was poor and I figured they weren’t any more expensive than the professionals choice ballistic bells I usually get so I’d give them a go. They have held up HEAPS better then the Pro Choice and she lives in them 24/7 outside of me taking them off for her baths and to clean them. The still clean up well enough to show in and have no major rips or tears (slight wear is apparent upon closer look but for going on a year and half of full time year they look great) despite landing on top of her front feet two days ago when landing from a jump (no lost shoes no cuts and no rips in the boots). As for the therapeutic benefits not sure they make a HUGE difference but I do think they help a little. She wore the Pro Choice for about 6 months before I had to throw them away because they just looked so ratty - the bottom seal was falling off, several rips, part of the Velcro coming off. I like their SMB boots but their bells don’t live up to my expectations.
I go with the Italian gum ones…I feel like black lasts the best, though the gum ones are easiest to get on/off. I put them on once the horses get their winter shoes and take them off in the spring. I would use them year round, but it’s a pain taking them on and off for shows.
For the summer I just use the Davis ones…I can usually get obnoxious colors (easy to find in pasture) for cheap. I haven’t had a problem with them rubbing, even on a sensitive horse, but I do take them off every day and I ride in sheepskin ones.
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