Horse Boots for Jumping?

[beau159]

I’m primarily a western rider but have been dabbling more in English the last few years, and doing some jumping. Found out my Red absolutely loves jumping so the hubs is in the process of building me some jumps for at home!

I’ve only ever used Professionals Choice SMB boots when I am working my horses in the area, which is what I use when we are working on jumping too. Of course, I have seen “real” jumping boots that have open fronts.

Can someone explain to me the exact purpose of an open front jumping boot?

I always thought you’d want some padding in case the horse hits a rail, but that’s obviously not the case with an open jumping boot?

I usually don’t see people using bell boots with them. What is the reasoning for this?

Just looking to learn more about actual jumping boots and if that is something I should get for my horse. Or continue to use my sport boots.

I don’t plan on jumping him very often (maybe once every two weeks or something), and certainly probably never anything over 3 feet. And I do take lessons from time to time.

Thanks!

[Moneypitt]

The Pro Choice SMB type boots are not a good option for jumping because they limit fetlock flexion besides retaining heat in the legs.

Open front type boots protect the delicate sides and rear areas of the legs ie tendons/ligaments from hitting jump poles while allowing the tough area of the front cannon bones to get wacked.

Also ok are the dressage type fleece lined sport boots.

[beau159]

@Moneypitt

The Pro Choice SMB type boots are not a good option for jumping because they limit fetlock flexion besides retaining heat in the legs.

Thanks. As far as heat, I’m not leaving them on long. Just for our ride when we are working on more advance arena things such as reining work, barrels, or the jumping. And then I usually use CoolAid wraps after our ride.

But tell me more about the limitation of fetlock flexion. I assume this means they cannot “tuck” their legs as effectively when jumping? And does this matter as much at lower heights?

I’m having a hard time picturing how the SIDES of the horse’s legs could be hit by a jump pole. Any videos or pictures to depict this better?

Any suggestions on a quality starter brand? I don’t need anything high end. Just something suitable for practice at home, and the local shows offered in my area. (Certainly not going to any rated shows or anything!!)

For fun, here’s a picture of my boy in question. My first jumping show and his first jumping show. We did 2’3" - 2’6" division and he won grand champion. We had a blast. Looking forward to doing more of it.

[anon510129]

I think the sides have more to do with protecting (supporting) concusion than actual pole to leg contact. I agree with the other poster that a boot that covers the whole leg limits flexibility.

Polos are also very acceptable in showjumping. I prefer more low-profile wraps such as the Equifit T Sport wraps if jumping in a show or bigger heights. Otherwise I use polos mostly for flatting, open front boots for jumping.

Your horse is very cute! Welcome to the world of jumping.

[silver_charm]

Just a note that if you are showing in the hunters that in USEF rules boots are not allowed (this includes bell boots). You can only use them in equitation and jumpers. So no need to purchase ‘show quality’ at all if you’re just doing hunters, unless your local circuit has different rules.

I use dressage sport boots while flatting and open fonts when jump schooling. My boy lives in bell boots and there’s no issue using additional boots. Since bells are normally used of the horse has overreach/having issues, that’s just horse dependent.

[Redlei44]

Open front boots primarily protect the tendons, backs, and sides of the legs from interference while purposely leaving the front open - horses that feel the sting when they hit the pole are less likely to hit the jumps in the future. Bell boots are in between - if the horse isn’t prone to pulling shoes, many will leave those off too for the same reason.

My understanding of current studies on support boots like the pro choice SMB is that there is no boot in the world that can provide effective support compared to the concussive forces experienced when a 1000-lb animal is pounding around and especially jumping. As mentioned above, there is also recent-ish research indicating that the heat generated by closed boots is not beneficial for long-term soundness. As you say, using them for shorter periods of time is probably not hurting much but support boots in general are not helping much either.

Cute pic!

[Janet]

Jumping boots come in both open-front and closed front versions.

Both will protect the back and sides of the leg (especially the tendons and ligaments) from over-reaches or interference from other legs (especially being hit by the other front foot).

The closed front boots also protect the front of the leg if it hits the jump rail. But if the horse gets in the habit of hitting, or knocking down, many riders will used open front boots so the horse feels the “sting” when it is bein sloppy.

In Eventing, it is common to use closed front jumping boots on cross country (where the protection is more important than the training effect), and open front boots in show jumping, to make the horse more careful (the show jumping rail will sting, but is unlikely to cause serious injury).

As previously mentioned, boots of any kind are forbidden in hunter classes (and in dressage), but are commonly used in Jumpers, and in the cross country and show jumping phases of Eventing.

[beau159]

@silver_charm

Just a note that if you are showing in the hunters that in USEF rules boots are not allowed (this includes bell boots). You can only use them in equitation and jumpers. So no need to purchase ‘show quality’ at all if you’re just doing hunters, unless your local circuit has different rules.

My area usually doesn’t offer any Hunter/Jumper shows. They had one last fall for the first time with an amazing turnout of competitors, so I hope it continues! Seems to be so as they organized one for the month of May already. The one in May is going to be a Mock Show without any real ribbons given, so very laid back. Coats not required; light training equipment is okay, so they are pretty loose on everything including leg gear. (One of the trainers I take lessons with from time to time is the one putting these on.)

@Redlei44

My understanding of current studies on support boots like the pro choice SMB is that there is no boot in the world that can provide effective support compared to the concussive forces experienced when a 1000-lb animal is pounding around and especially jumping.

This is my understanding as well. Many years ago, I got my hands on the actual study from Prof Choice for their SMB claims and the study was dissappointing. Extremely small sample size (if I remember, it was like 6 cadaver legs) and of course they chose to advertise the one outlier in terms of support.

I also asked Iconoclast for their studies last year … they don’t even have any. Their study got shut down b/c they don’t have a way to actual measure what they are claiming.

So I don’t use boots for the purpose of support. But I sure use them for the physical protection. I can easily replace a boot rather than lost flesh!

Thanks everyone. Good information to consider.

[showy]

Heidi Closed Front Boots - Equine Tack&Nutritionals (equinetnn.com)

Euro Pro Heidi Galloping Horse Boots | Dover Saddlery

We use these as “practice” boots for home and show in Equifit open fronts. Polo wraps should do just fine too. I wouldn’t be worried about spending $200+ on a show open front boot. Cute horse!

[Moneypitt]

Protecting the back and the sides of the front legs for jumping has to do with anatomy, as shown in the diagrams. A hard wack can cause damage to various structures.

https://images.app.goo.gl/UTzPWGZA6SeqDCtu5

https://images.app.goo.gl/y58tFAqWzvACpPbR6

You photo illustrates how SMB type boots limit fetlock flexion. Might not be an issue over those 2’ jumps though.

[endlessclimb]

Heres a set of four. Throw them in the wash before a show, and they will clean up great.

https://www.statelinetack.com/item/roma-competitor-open-front-fetlock-boot-set/E006477%20BLK/?srccode=GPSLT&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9YWDBhDyARIsADt6sGYxmdmgySJHSZPndO0s_s34KthL1OQMFGzmkhzbpgf9ff7TyIaPHvAaAvMrEALw_wcB