Best XC boots?

[JumpnJane]

Help! I need help finding boots for my new eventer!! What are the best XC boots out there now? I’m looking for boots that don’t hold water, are breathable, and give good protection without rubbing. Are they out there or are they unicorn boots? Thoughts on the Veredus E-vento XC event boots or Premier Equine Original Air-Cooled Eventing Boots or Michael Jung Event Boots?

These seem to be the top contenders at least according to this review: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides/best-cross-country-boots-for-horses-2018-673131

[Rnichols]

I had the premier ones and the hind boots would always slide down my horses legs. It wasn’t a problem at shows, but when we would school they would slide every single time after we went through the water. I’m sure it didn’t help that she sat there and kicked out (likely because they were uncomfortable). I know other people who have had similar issues.

We switched to the Majyk Equipe boots and I LOVE them. They are super light weight, breathable, and don’t hold water. And my horse doesn’t kick out with them! I’m so happy with them I bought 2 pairs - black for schooling and white for shows.

[skipollo]

I have the Premier Equine hind boots. They’re great boots, very lightweight, don’t get hot, don’t spin/rub/slip down, don’t hold water, very durable. Unfortunately my horse hates them and gets more and more unglued the longer they’re on.

He’s much happier in a pair of cheap Woof brushing boots for his hinds.

I use Dalmar fronts and really like them. I like the Premier boots a little more, but Dalmar is a little less expensive. If I had to purchase new front XC boots I’d go for the Premier.

[headbrickwall]

Premier equine are pretty rubbish, move on most things and get tatty quickly. A false economy.

The 2 makes that stand the test of time are prolite and style.

[goodmorning]

I love my Premiere Equine’s - they have lasted and been used and abused, no rubs even on a hind leg with some scar tissue from a fence injury, do not slip, do not get hot. Very reasonably priced if ordered from overseas.

Verdus look interesting maybe if they went on sale and my PEs would die. I will say PEs have to fit well, I have an assortment of sizes if they didn’t fit your horse for some reason I would go with Verdus.

Magyk are a good boot if you need something that has a generous fit or are a pro with a string of horses but honestly not impressed with how they wear & not as sturdy as Verdus or PE.

[eqsiu]

What do you school in on a day to day basis? Anything? I must say I look for boots that have no straps/strap attachments on the inside of the cannon. That seems to me to be asking for the straps to tatter or wear when the horse interferes. FWIW, I have always used the standard woof wear brushing boots. They fit a wide variety of horses, hold up to interference well, and don’t break the bank.

I asked about what you school in because you mentioned wanting ventilation in the boots. I find it humorous to watch people school for an hour in synthetic fleece lined vinyl boots or neoprene lined boots and then be so concerned about cooling effects of boots that will be worn for 30 minutes or so 6-12 times a year. So if your horse is fine in other boots at home they will probably be fine in those boots at shows.

[JumpnJane]

Thanks all! I really appreciate you all taking time to share your experiences with boots!! Typically I don’t use boots for everyday work, unless there is a particular reason, such as the horse interferes. I used to boot everything for every ride but I have found that it’s unnecessary unless there is a reason. That being said I am looking for boots to be used for both at shows and for xc schooling. I would prefer not to create excess heat and bulk and weight to my horses legs unnecessarily.

[evilc123]

@Rnichols

I had the premier ones and the hind boots would always slide down my horses legs. It wasn’t a problem at shows, but when we would school they would slide every single time after we went through the water. I’m sure it didn’t help that she sat there and kicked out (likely because they were uncomfortable). I know other people who have had similar issues.

We switched to the Majyk Equipe boots and I LOVE them. They are super light weight, breathable, and don’t hold water. And my horse doesn’t kick out with them! I’m so happy with them I bought 2 pairs - black for schooling and white for shows.

So funny…I had the exact OPPOSITE experience. I started with the Majyk Equipe boots and they slid down terribly, but the lining also ripped within maybe just 10 uses. I switched to the PEI boots and LOVE them. They really hug my mare’s legs and never move.