Help choosing galloping boots

[Cactuskate]

Opinion poll time again.
I am starting my 5yr TB over fences. He is not the most “sensitive” guy in the world, so I need an open front boot style. I have the “dressage” type Heidi boots all around but think I should have more tendon support than that. Agree, disagree?

Remember I have to deal in Mail order and don’t want to spend a small fortune(realizing that is a relative thing, having read the chaps thread).

What is the preference of fleece over neoprene? What is with Miller’s Lancer line? With “soft rubber” lining?

Any help with insight greatly appreciated. would rather not make a shipping career out of finding some good boots. $$$ references would also be greatly appreciated.

I thank you and Bud’s legs thank you!

[Caruso]

The Eskadrons and their knockoffs are great - and protective.

There has been much argument about “support” on these boardsm and, I, for one, have become convinced there is no such thing as a support boot.

Plus, you need to strengthen your horse’s tendons so they are self-supportive.

[Cactuskate]

Thank you all. Eskadrons are on their way.

Thanks for reminding me of the cleaning issue. We have continual wet sand to deal with. Would be icky in fleece. My Heidis I can throw in the washer and dryer. Leather would be tough. The Eskadrons will be easy to rinse, drying here is never an issue.

Wish me luck, we are doing a one-day clinic on Sunday. Will be our first attempt to “jump a stick”. Last night’s trotting X’s went ok, I lived to tell and Bud was a sport about it.

[Cactuskate]

Opinion poll time again.
I am starting my 5yr TB over fences. He is not the most “sensitive” guy in the world, so I need an open front boot style. I have the “dressage” type Heidi boots all around but think I should have more tendon support than that. Agree, disagree?

Remember I have to deal in Mail order and don’t want to spend a small fortune(realizing that is a relative thing, having read the chaps thread).

What is the preference of fleece over neoprene? What is with Miller’s Lancer line? With “soft rubber” lining?

Any help with insight greatly appreciated. would rather not make a shipping career out of finding some good boots. $$$ references would also be greatly appreciated.

I thank you and Bud’s legs thank you!

[barb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cactuskate:
[B]Opinion poll time again.
I am starting my 5yr TB over fences. He is not the most “sensitive” guy in the world, so I need an open front boot style. I have the “dressage” type Heidi boots all around but think I should have more tendon support than that. Agree, disagree?

Remember I have to deal in Mail order and don’t want to spend a small fortune(realizing that is a relative thing, having read the chaps thread).

What is the preference of fleece over neoprene? What is with Miller’s Lancer line? With “soft rubber” lining?

Any help with insight greatly appreciated. would rather not make a shipping career out of finding some good boots. $$$ references would also be greatly appreciated.

I thank you and Bud’s legs thank you!
[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I use the open front Eskadron boot. They make them with the Gel also…They are wonderful…I love them…The hard outer shell and the neoprene inside are very supportive, i believe. The regular ones are about 75$ a pair. I am not sure how much the ones with the gel are…maybe 100$ or so i would imagine. Take a look in the Dover catalog… or www.doversaddlery.com

I recommend these!!
Barb

I believe that these are more supportive than the Heidis. They really mold to the horses legs and support nice. I like the neoprene better also because It is much easier to clean. Just take a brush to them. The fleece is ok if you are not using them on a regular basis. My girth cover gets NASTY within 3 uses. So that’s just my opinion. Hope it helps!!

[This message has been edited by barb (edited 10-24-2000).]

[OnyxThePony]

My old standbys are the Professional’s Choice. Cheap, durable, long wearing, and seem to be effective. I know you can still buy their old stock open fronts at major discount on their website because they are not going to make them anymore.
My friends have a good 50 horses and have come to learn which products work best, and which are the best value. Pro choices are a staple around that barn, where fashion doens’t matter so much.
However, if I wanted to keep up with fashion, I think the Eskadron would be my next pair, I think they seem to be really good boots that do the job I’m after.
A couple more thoughts: you mean galloping boots or open fronts? You said galloping but asked about more supportive boots over fences for unsentive legs (so I think open fronts). And, Miller’s Lancers, no. IMHO, you can spend a bit more and get a much better product. The Eskadrons look to me to be excellent, and are very very reasonable. Same with the professional’s choice. fleece vs. neoprene vs. rubber: rubber is easy to clean, neoprene can be hosed but takes a while to dry, fleece is worst to wash and dry and maintain properly . Some horses prefer one over the other. My boots: pair Hampa open fronts obviously the rubber(protective but not supportive), pair Professional’s Choice open fronts obviously neoprene (protective and supportive), pair Calendon leather/fleece closed galloping boots for flatting.
Happy shopping!!

[Portia]

I too recommend the Eskadrons (gel filled are my choice). The great thing about them for you, in addition to the support and protection for the horse, is that they go on and off in a flash. Easiest boots I’ve ever had to put on and take off, and cleaning them is just washing them off with the hose.