Open fronts for XC?

[luckycricket123]

As a lifelong hoarder of tack and equipment, I am surprised to find that I have multiple horses and only one pair of brushing boots (that I used to use for XC schooling when I only had one horse that did XC).

It’s the holiday season and my birthday is coming up, so I am trying to decide if I should ask for another pair of brushing boots for the odd occasion that a friend and I take 2 of my horses to a hunter pace or if a pair of open fronts would suffice. I already own a set of open front jump boots that I like.

It’s been a while since I’ve done XC, but I’ve seen some posts on this site talking about using open fronts on XC. Have you done it/would you do it? Or should I add another pair of brushing boots to my wishlist?

[Willesdon]

As a life long minimalist, no need for more boots. The world #1 Eventer runs in open front boots. Probably a majority of foxhunters don’t wear any boots because they can cause more problems than they solve when taking a few hours to cross diverse muddy, stoney, woody country. Hunter paces are shorter. If your horse actually brushes, then boots are an obvious solution to a functional problem. If, however, you wish to spend $ on boots for very occasional use, then, obviously, do so. No harm.

If I were looking for a gift for you I would be looking for something that would give you some joy or excitement: personally, I just can’t get excited about boots lol.

[RAyers]

Open fronts or not is less of a concern than being sure the flexor tendons and ligament are well protected from hind leg strikes as might happen in a stumble. I like heavy leather open fronts with double thickness on the back side of the boot, similar to the old devacoux militare style boot.