Horse Boots - Am I Overthinking?

[Dutchmare433]

My horse is in bell boots always now that he has shoes. For legs I usually use polos or some version of climatex wraps and saratogas, or nothing. Depends what I’m doing, depends how hot it is. If we’re doing something new that might be cause for legs to go flailing (he’s 4 and short coupled), I’ll put something on his legs.

I used to event, so I do have a ton of sets of boots, I have a set of plain (old) woof boots that go on for hacking, a set of veredus boots (open front and ankle boots) that’ll get some use soon enough, and DSBs that get used once in a while.

That said, I really like the Veredus boots I have for jumping, so I did look at their dressage boots, which at least sound pretty cool, but they’re just so expensive, I couldn’t justify yet another set of boots for a horse that doesn’t interfere/knock himself other than baby moments.

[Absolut_Equestrian]

@Personal Champ

I would either be using Centaur Climate Control Wraps (like Eskadron Climatex)

While I have found that the Eskadron Climatex wraps somehow seem to keep the legs cooler than regular polos, the Centuar version actually seems to make them hotter. The “lining” portion of the Centuar wraps is very different than the lining for the Climatex, take a look at them side by side.

[Bogey2]

http://www.doversaddlery.com/equilibrium-stretch-and-flex-flatwork-leg-wraps/p/X1-0412/
I use these if I use anything…they are easy to wash etc. But typically I don’t use anything

[rothmpp]

@Bogey2

http://www.doversaddlery.com/equilibrium-stretch-and-flex-flatwork-leg-wraps/p/X1-0412/
I use these if I use anything…they are easy to wash etc. But typically I don’t use anything

Totally agree - these are the ones I feel are the best to keep the legs as cool as possible if you’re going to boot. That being said - if the horse substantially interferes or I’m working on teaching lateral stuff I’ll switch to the DSBs as the Equilibriums are not going to offer much protection for a hard hit.

[MysticOakRanch]

To me, boots are an insurance policy. My horses don’t interfere - but when they are doing lateral work, there is always the risk that a leg is misplaced. And of course, there is always the risk that horse and I have a disagreement that could result in unintended interference. So I use boots for those “just in case” moments. My boot of choice is sheepskin - it breathes, even in hot weather. And I know by the way the boots do get chewed up that they are providing protection. If you are just doing lower level work, and no lateral work, you are probably safer then once you start asking the horses to move their bodies around more.

I see more “heat” on the legs when I DON’T have the sheepskin - it really does breathe.

[outerbanks77]

I have a set of the Equilibriums but they are really overpriced for what they are. I bought Le Mieux boots from Dressage Extensions for my new horse and like them. Cheaper and more protection. The Pro Choice vented splint boots offer more protection but harder to put on with the doubled lock velcro.

[soloudinhere]

I use the premier equine air teque boots and I’ve found them to not be too hot and to be really durable. I have three full sets of them at this point as I pick them up when they go on sale.