Comfiest x-country boots for the horse

[dmveventer]

My sensitive gelding has made it clear he does not like his current Professional’s Choice x-country boots. They have great protection but they’re stiff and don’t really contour to the leg so I’m thinking he’d prefer something more flexible and/or with more padding. I still want a high level of protection and preferably a strike plate since we use studs and he’s not always the most graceful creature on the x-country field.

What are you guys using that strikes the comfort/protection balance? I’m currently eyeing the new Stubben Hybrid boots or the LeMieux Carbons. The Tri-Zone Equilibriums look nice too but availability seems to be limited. Reviews of any of those or alternatives I should look at would be greatly appreciated! Would prefer not to spend a fortune but will do what it takes to appease His Highness so budget is lower on my list of considerations.

[RAyers]

I use regular Equifit open front boots up front.

Ankle boots in back.

[zpsid91]

I use good old Woof Wear - with my horse in studs - seem to work well. Those and the Arma boots are the only ones that don’t give him rubs (sensitive TB skin).

[HiJumpGrrl]

i have also transitioned to just using open front and fetlock boots. I unashamedly copy Reed The Scientist.

[Jealoushe]

My favs after trying everything

https://www.boogalooboots.com/

[dmveventer]

This is what he goes in the rest of the time, sometimes with pastern wraps since he tends to nick himself lower on the hinds, but I’d like more protection in back when he has studs in. Just not worth the risk to me since he has a history of interfering with himself.

[RAyers]

Uh, my life is a warning, not an example.

[anonevent]

FYI: The new Equilibriums will be available to ship in early October, if you can wait that long. I ordered a new pair this morning in support of them dumping McConnon, and they gave me that update. My picky horse likes the design and they get nicer as they break in.

[Jealoushe]

love that you did that

[tagsalong]

I’ve seen the open fronts/ankles on XC quite a lot recently, even at the upper levels, and to be honest I’m not quite sure I understand why. Personally I’ve used the Majyk Equipes and have seen rubs if they don’t fit quite right but they’re great when they fit.

[RAyers]

It’s a different game than the past. We don’t ask horses to hook their back legs onto a drop log to help them slow and rotate down. Most modern brushing boots have a lot of tendon protection to avoid strikes. Letting the legs run open is better for the tissues and possible reduces strains and injury by enabling cooling of tendons and ligaments. Also, the tracks are now improved. Gone are the days of real terrain where nobody knew how the ground was going to ride until you rode.

Also, because XC is more akin to jumpers on terrain, I prefer to use my jumper tack.

[tagsalong]

@RAyers

It’s a different game than the past. We don’t ask horses to hook their back legs onto a drop log to help them slow and rotate down. Most modern brushing boots have a lot of tendon protection to avoid strikes. Letting the legs run open is better for the tissues and possible reduces strains and injury by enabling cooling of tendons and ligaments.

Also, because XC is more akin to jumpers on terrain, I prefer to use my jumper tack.

Thank you! I appreciate the background and perspective.

[dmveventer]

This is great info on multiple levels! The lining of those looks pretty cushy based on the pics I’ve seen

[Blugal]

I generaly dont like rigid tendon guards as they tend to rub sensitive horses.

I really liked the feel of those Stubben boots and am planning on buying them when funds permit. Lightweight and flexible.

I had the LeMieux carbon boots and didn’t like them. The tendon guards were too rigid and the boots spun on the legs.

I saw LeMieux and MIM have collaborated on “MIM safe” boots. I wonder what they’re like.

[dmveventer]

I just saw those MIM boots yesterday and was wondering about them. I didn’t see anything unique about the design to go along with the MIM collaboration but I’m curious.

I ordered the Stubbens this morning, I’ll see how they feel when I get them and go from there. If they’re a miss for some reason I think the Equilibriums will be next on my list.

[TXnGA]

@dmveventer

My sensitive gelding has made it clear he does not like his current Professional’s Choice x-country boots. They have great protection but they’re stiff and don’t really contour to the leg so I’m thinking he’d prefer something more flexible and/or with more padding. I still want a high level of protection and preferably a strike plate since we use studs and he’s not always the most graceful creature on the x-country field.

What are you guys using that strikes the comfort/protection balance? I’m currently eyeing the new Stubben Hybrid boots or the LeMieux Carbons. The Tri-Zone Equilibriums look nice too but availability seems to be limited. Reviews of any of those or alternatives I should look at would be greatly appreciated! Would prefer not to spend a fortune but will do what it takes to appease His Highness so budget is lower on my list of considerations.

If you’re looking for more softer/ less structure boots, look at the ecogold boots or good old woof brushing boots. The ecogold boots are softer on the inside. I would recommend to re tighten them before you get on after you first put them on because they have a tendency to slip if not tightened enough.

[dmveventer]

Update: the Stubben Hybrid cross-country boots are here and they’re really nice. Very cushy inside and the outer shell is segmented and not as rigid so it flexes pretty well while still offering some solid protection. They seem to offer less protection than the Prof Choice but more than brushing boots which feels like a reasonable compromise. I’m a little concerned about heat retention with the extra padding, it’s all perforated and supposedly vented but I’ll have to test that out.

The size large was too big though so I’m holding off the final decision until I get the mediums and can really see what my horse thinks. For size reference, Stubben recommends size large for horses 16hh+ but they were too tall and too big around on my 16.1 TB in both front and hind.

[Against_All_Odds2]

@Blugal

I saw LeMieux and MIM have collaborated on “MIM safe” boots. I wonder what they’re like.

I just brought these in and I’ll post a video comparing them in the next week or so after some more use!

[LittleGrey]

Jumping in here. Pun intended? I super super love my Equilibriums on my pony but I’ve a major problem in that he has made it clear he likes their sizes XSs which means I can’t get any more, I’ve been looking at the Woof boots and he actually seems to like the Back on Track mesh boots for normal schooling. So, does anyone have suggestions for SMALL boots that are not neoprene and not stiff and also shed water?

[EventerAJ]

Having seen a leg degloved on XC a couple years ago, I would never run at a significant level with naked legs or open fronts.

This happened at a CCI** over a solid corner topped with brush; the rider got in deep/off line, horse was slow to get the front legs up but managed to scrape over. They finished clear, but obviously did not show jump the next day. It was a former 4* horse competing at a lower level with a young rider; not a careless, young, or inexperienced animal. Just a bad moment.

I like my horse to wear safety equipment so he makes it home with his skin intact. I’ve used various boot styles…from the olde Style boots (and Nunn Finer knockoffs, which are still going strong), to Porters with vetrap, NEW boots (with and without fur lining), Woof xc boots, Professionals Choice (and knockoffs), and plain old neoprene brushing boots. Brushing boots are fine if you don’t have studs; with studs I want a tendon guard and tough material that won’t shred. If boots are sized and fitted correctly, they shouldn’t cause rubs (you can dust them with some gold bond powder too), but you may need to experiment with different brands to find the style that fits your horse’s leg dimensions.

I know about all the research about heat, etc. But honestly, 20 years ago we ran horses for 2 hours in long format wearing all sorts of boots and I don’t think there is any data to suggest legwear had any causation to soft tissue injuries. Every day horses of ALL disciplines are worked and ridden in polos, SMBs, fuzzy boots, various neoprene styles; some western horses wearing SMBs for hours…and few tendon injuries result. Is airflow better? Sure! But I’m not bothered by the risk of hot legs for 30 minutes of warmup and XC, on a horse who is properly fit and conditioned for the job. I’d much rather know he’s protected from a strike injury with his boots.