Equilibrium Stretch & Flex Flatwork Wraps, anyone?

[appychik]

So, anyone heard of these wraps? See http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_X1-0412&ss=equilibrium. I’ve seen them cheaper in another catalog, but don’t really want to go digging to find it.

Just wondering if anyone has seen these in person or has tried them out. My old DSBs are finally dying - but they are only like 6 years old, so it’s definitely past time. Horse interfers a bit when working, that’s mainly why I use them. I love polos but hate the time they take… applying and clean up afterwards = too much work when I’m limited on time. :no:

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[sublimequine]

I’ve seen them up close, and they seemed kinda flimsy if you ask me. :eek:

[yaya]

I love them because it’s just too darn hot here for all that fleece in the DSBs. They wash great, too. (Even though it says don’t put them in the washing machine - I have a frontloader, so no agitator)

[carovet]

flatwork wraps

got em
luv em
they are the only thing so far that doesn’t rub sores on the front of my geldings hind ankles (other than polo’s which dont count)

however, for a horse that brushes a lot, i suspect they will wear out eventually, like everything…my hinds are 2 years old and fronts 1 year old, and other than the stain of orange clay they are really in very very good shape.

i am getting ready to get a new set because these no longer become white enough for clinics/show warm up when i clean them. but my gelding has worked in them for 5-6 days a week for that time and they are no where near needing to be replaced for any other reason…there are some scuffs at the hind ankles, but the fabric isn’t penetrated by the scuffing, and the seam edges are still good to go

my gelding doesn’t hit himself a lot now, but he had worn a pair or 2 of heidi’s out at the lower edges more than once before i realized that the “scar” was actually a callous from boots rubbing:eek: and searched for new boots and ordered these

and if they do indeed keep the legs from not getting as hot then that is a good thing too…

tell me where you find them cheapest, i just searched froogle today and dover was the only one that came up

[ise]

These are the only boots we use now. Started using them 4 years ago and just LOVE them. They wash easily and provide just the right amount of support and protection. We have so far not had any fall apart.

[Donella]

They offer about the same protection as a polo…ie not much. They look nice and are really easy and handy but they wear out fast and dont stay white long. I wont buy another pair.

[Margaret_Freeman]

I’ve had some a short time. I like the way they fit and look. Protection is about the same as with polos – DSBs are going to provide more protection, be easier to clean and not cost as much. Whites are difficult to keep looking clean, especially if you have the new footing that has some wax in it. Like the previous poster, I’m putting them in my front load (no agitator) washer and seem to come out fine, but black marks are still hard to get out, so they require some scrubbing ahead of tossing them in the washer.

[yaya]

I haven’t had to clean the white ones - I’ve only used the black ones.

[ise]

We also only use the black ones for training. We use the white ones for clinics or videos.

[pegasus209]

I have these and love them, but they were exactly what I needed for my boy when he tore a suspensory. I needed something breathable, that would offer a little support during turnout when he was well enough. They worked awesome, were super fast and easy to put on, and wash easily. (I have black)

[appychik]

Yea… Gus has gone through 2 pairs of hind DSBs in the last 8 years. So, they have a pretty good record. He doesn’t interfer in the front, but the more work we do laterally, the more I’d like a little protection should he hit himself (which is quite possible - he’s clumsy).

I found them very cheap here: http://www.consensus-shopping.com/advancedsaddlefit/horse-boots.html that’s where I plan on buying them from. Not too much more expensive then DSBs either…

Glad most of you like them. I love the DSBs but the attract so much dirt and debris when we’re outside working. These look like they are closer fitted and easier to wash.

[kahjul]

I had a pair and hated them. Couldn’t get them clean, and they’re very thin. I also thought they heated the leg up like a regular neoprene boot, the little holes didn’t seem to make a difference. If your horse actually interferes, they won’t help. If he moves pretty honest and you’re using them for ‘if’ he hits himself, they might be OK. Sold mine on ebay-check there first!

[appychik]

Thanks. Maybe I’ll check ebay to see what I can find.

[specialops]

I have had mine for quite a while and they last long and wear well. They are not thing…consider it like a “thinline” pad. That is not a thick pad but does the job. These have a similar concept. Mine washed up well and worked great. I would recommend them.

[Mary_in_Area_1]

My fleece boots were really dirty one day, so I borrowed a set of these to try. My horse FRACTURED his splint bone in them, just cantering down the center line. He only slightly knocked himself, hardly noticed it, and barely stumbled. Came up lame later.

We THREW them out, and spent 4 months rehabbing my poor horse. They have NO protection at all and belong in the rubbish.

[Shiaway]

They’re expensive and they aren’t that sturdy. I don’t think they provide that much protection. I have four because anything else (aside from polos) rubs my horse’s legs. If your horse interferes I’d definitly look for something thicker/more sturdy otherwise these won’t offer the protection you need or the durability.

To be fair, Mary from area 1, you don’t know if your fleece boots would have done any better. You assume they would but you don’t know for sure.

I always think that boots are there to protect from cuts and scrapes, not broken bones. Still, I do agree that if you are bothering to put boots on your horse then you might as well put something that has more durability and a harder shell. I like the felt/leather kind actually and I have a pair but they rub my horse. The fleece with the rubbery shell are good, too but they also rub my horse ARGH!

I think there are some other kinds from the same company that are sturdier you might look into them.

[ise]

I also question that assertion that a fracture was caused by the type of boots worn - did your Veterinarian make that observation? We have used them and continue to use them on horses and ponies from youngsters to a GP mare that’s 25 with no issues of injury - ever. We do use different boots if we are are galloping horses cross country or jumping them.

But in 20+ years of breeding and lifetime of riding - I must say - injuries can happen (even serious injuries) with any equipment.

[Mozart]

@appychik;3072969

So, anyone heard of these wraps? See http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_X1-0412&ss=equilibrium. I’ve seen them cheaper in another catalog, but don’t really want to go digging to find it.

Just wondering if anyone has seen these in person or has tried them out. My old DSBs are finally dying - but they are only like 6 years old, so it’s definitely past time. Horse interfers a bit when working, that’s mainly why I use them. I love polos but hate the time they take… applying and clean up afterwards = too much work when I’m limited on time. :no:

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Have you thought about the breathable Woof boots? They offer more protection for the horse that interferes a bit and they do keep leg cooler than non-breathable type boots.

[appychik]

[QUOTE=Mozart;3079605]
Have you thought about the breathable Woof boots? They offer more protection for the horse that interferes a bit and they do keep leg cooler than non-breathable type boots.[/QUOTE]

Are all the Woof boots breathable or just a certain type? If just a particular type, do you know off hand which ones are breathable? Thanks.

I still haven’t made up my mind. I have another pair of DSBs that are on their way out. Once they die - likely within the next month or so, I’ll plan on replacing them. Just doing my research now.

Thanks!

[Mozart]

I don’t believe all of them are. Mine are the Woof Single Lock Brushing Boot. They have been very durable and offer good protection. They keep the leg cooler than the regular neoprene boots, I would say about comparable to polos.