SPIN-OFF: Sticky roll-on or spray-on stuff for your boots?

[222orchids]

In a thread about a certain brand of boots, it was noted that the rubber surface on the interior of the calf of such boots might not “qualify” those boots for IHSA competition. A further comment noted that the sticky roll-on or spray-on materials available to provide added grip is not legal at IHSA shows. I questioned that statement only because it is NOT addressed anywhere in the IHSA Rulebook; the only thing on attire says that the show committtee can excuse a rider not “suitably presented to appear before an audience”. Nothing in the Rule on tack and aids addresses this. Further comments were offered in that thread stating that such “sticky stuff” is definitely not allowed at IHSA finals. My question is this: How can that be? If not prohibited under the Rules, and not blatantly illegal, immoral or offensive, how can IHSA have an informal policy that would potentially disqualify an unwitting competitor?

And what do y’all think about riding with that stuff on your boots, generally?

[Sarah616]

After reading the rule book, and another COTH thread about IHSA, this is what I found:

4700: Tack and Aids

4701 Neither substitution of tack or aids nor addition of materials by exhibitors which could affect horse or tack shall be permitted unless approved by show management, or per Rule 1400.

(Bold was my doing)

After reading the other thread where mention was made of a horse’s skin being rubbed raw from use of sticky stuff, I think this rule could be interpreted to include no sticky stuff. Anyone who has used it knows the residue that gets left on saddles and horses’ hair, and has also most likely come away with hair stuck on their boots.

So instead of it not being allowed because it would enhance rider position, perhaps this is why most (all?) schools don’t allow it. Again, just my interpretation.

[Belmont]

I guess I don’t understand the sticky stuff. Maybe my flap is just too short, but the only thing that stuff would stuck to would be my stirrup leather.

And I just bought those custom from Gary Mundy, so they are currently my pride and joy. No way!

[Renn_aissance]

[QUOTE=Sarah616;7397981]
After reading the rule book, and another COTH thread about IHSA, this is what I found:

4700: Tack and Aids

4701 Neither substitution of tack or aids nor addition of materials by exhibitors which could affect horse or tack shall be permitted unless approved by show management, or per Rule 1400. [/QUOTE]

I also understand this to be the rule which prohibits sticky stuff. I would go BALLISTIC if someone chose to use it on my horse in my saddle.

[Rel6]

[QUOTE=Belmont;7398034]
I guess I don’t understand the sticky stuff. Maybe my flap is just too short, but the only thing that stuff would stuck to would be my stirrup leather.

And I just bought those custom from Gary Mundy, so they are currently my pride and joy. No way![/QUOTE]

I would think at least the top of the tall boots would still be on the flap. I rode in the saddle of someone who does use the sticky spray and my leg was pretty firmly stuck. However the leather on the flap (a CWD) was a mess.