Alright, this might be a controversial topic to be posting on, but I do want everyone’s opinions here.
I am considering picking up a set of jumping boots for my 9-year-old Oldenburg warmblood gelding. He is rather green and lazy, so he frequently knocks jumps in training. We are moving up to the 3’ as he performs much better when he is mentally stimulated and challenged physically. I was looking at boots, and wondering what boots people use. I own a pair of Eskadron open-front and hind boots that were my old mares, they would be way too small on my new guy. He gets sweaty easily so I was hoping to find something breathable but also protective - if it exists. I am 16 and work a part-time job so preferably something not ridiculously expensive for front and hind.
TLDR: looking for horse boots, what are the pros/cons, do you use them why/why not, open front or other, best brands?
I school in Arma Air Motion brushing boots when I’m jumping. They’re very lightweight and keep my horse’s legs quite cool but they give that little bit of extra protection as he figures out where his feet go, and they aren’t very expensive either.
I do show jump in open fronts when I show (I use the Arma Oxi-Zone boots) but I generally prefer the Air Motion boots. They’re cooler (though my open fronts really aren’t hot compared to some I’ve used) and if I’m going to use boots while schooling I’m going to use brushing boots for the all-around protection. That’s personal preference though.
I always ride in open front boots for the tendon protection, jumping and flatting. I have this set from Smartpak which has held up well to daily use and goes on 20% sale pretty often:
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/smartpak-deluxe-open-front-and-ankle-boots-value-pack-25015
I only use hind boots if a horse interferes behind or if I have studs in, otherwise I try to limit how much I’m putting on just to minimize the heat build up. The Smartpak boots are pretty breathable but it’s still warmer than nothing.
I agree, if the horse isn’t interfering behind, I would skip hind boots, or maybe only use them for jumping. I flat my horses without boots, but have open fronts for jumping. I second the Arma Air motion.
I used to be a die hard every ride and certainly every jump school polo/boot user. Since the recent research has come out, I’ve completely stopped using boots to flat (none of mine interfere) and don’t use them to jump my older mare (speed bumps, nothing over .70m) or my younger mare over stuff she’s used to (.70m and lower).
I DO use boots when I’m riding a young horse and teaching them something new (lateral work or over fences), schooling my older ones at a height they haven’t jumped much, or any time I’m working at speed or jumping cross country.
I like the Armas (they also come in fun colors): https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/ARMA_Air_Motion_Wicking_Mesh_Ventilated_Brushing_Boots/descpage-ARWI.html)
I also really like the Professional’s Choice Pro Performance boots: https://www.sstack.com/professionals-choice-pro-performance-hybrid-splint-boots/p/38471/?sku=38471%20MD%20CHA&glCountry=us
I like both of these because they are very ventilated and don’t absorb water so we can school XC water obstacles. I also own the next Prof Choice SMBs but don’t love schooling in water with those because the neoprene absorbs water. I’ll use those in the winter if I need something up front.
The Gatusos foam boots (the ones with a bunch of holes) are super lightweight, barely any sweat/heat under them even on hot days. They do pick up sandy footing around/under the holes a little, haven’t had any rubbing issues but I don’t clip legs. They are great to just hose off every ride too!
How do you find the sizing on these? I see that the XL is one cm longer, but it doesn’t show circumference. I’ve had my eye on them for a while, and now it looks like Adams has the brown ones in stock. Mare is a 17H warmblood with good bone, but her cannons aren’t particularly long.
I think they run a little bit small. Mine goes in the XL, he’s 16.3, WB but not super heavy bone. They fit well, could fit a slightly heavier leg fine still. Let’s see if this photo works
Thanks! I just bit the bullet and ordered a set in XL (fronts and fetlock boots). Dapper Horse had a better price, and there was a discount code as well, so it seemed worth a shot for $120 out the door!
