Hi!
I found a few topics about sport/splint boots but most are 8 to 10 years old now (!) - lots of things can change in that time frame, so I am tossing the question out again. I am looking for some sport boots for my mare (more for my peace of mind than anything else) and have been going back and forth between the DSB 2’s and the Valena boots. Anyone have a preference between the two or any other recommendations?
I had some old DSBs and I LOVED them. I bought some Valena’s recently from a going-out-of-business store, and they are nice, but the elastic does not seem as strong. So, I haven’t done a side-by-side comparison of the two brands newest boots, but I’d have to say they are pretty comparable, with a slight preference for the DSBs. If nothing else, DSBs have a lot more color options these days 
I’ve given up on DSB - the binding stitching dies way too quickly with the newer model boots. I was going through a pair every 4 to 6 months - DSB IIs, which are not cheap. And they didn’t fit my horse all that well, big bone, short canon. Someone recommended People on Horses boots, and I LOVE them! Much better quality, real sheepskin, color selection is fabulous, and they will custom size them for your horse if you have a hard to fit horse. I have a pair that is at least 3 years old now, and still going strong.
For a less expensive boot - the HKM boots are really just as nice as DSBs and less expensive.
I’ve had good luck with the dsbll boots. I use them front and back. Might depend on the fit but mine are wearing just fine with hard use.
I’ve had both and I preferred the Valenas over the DSBs. I also like that the Valenas are wool vs. fleece. Currently, I’m using a set of DSBs that are falling apart. They’re the silver ones with black fleece, and honestly, I’ve pretty much hated them since I bought them. They’re really difficult to clean and keep clean and I think that the fleece holds more dirt than my cheapo Dover brand boots ever did. I’ve never tried the POH boots, but I’d like to. They might be my next purchase.
ETA: It looks like the POH boots are currently unavailable: http://www.peopleonhorses.com/dressage/horse-boots/
I have a pair of DSBs for one horse, a pair of DSBIIs for another, both purchased years ago and still in very good shape despite frequent runs through the washer and dryer. I’m sad to hear the quality has diminished.
MysticOak just recommended the POH boots to me, and they look great! But the website says “currently unavailable”. Maybe they’re having trouble sourcing sheepskin at the moment.
Valena boots are well-made, but I agree the elastic is not as durable-feeling as DSB (at least on my older models). They also don’t offer extra strike protection if you’re booting a horse that interferes.
OMG, NOOOOOO! I was just thinking I would like to get a new pair. They are the best boots I’ve ever found!
Yeah I saw those were unavailable! People were raving about them but doesn’t look like they’re making them anymore. So far people either love or hate the DSB boots and the complaint about Valena boots is the elastic… So far I’m leaning towards the Valena’s as not as many people seem to dislike them and I really do like the idea of wool. I just hope they will last for a while!
I found the Valena’s didn’t make the legs sweat as much (or wicked the sweat better) than DSBs, but they aren’t as easy to clean. The DSBs get tossed in the washing machine.
I just toss my valena’s in the washer with a splash of melps - they come out perfectly clean. Air dry and then they are good to go. I’ve actually been impressed with how easy to clean they are!
I have Valena, POH and DSBs. My favorite are the DSBs.
The Valena fronts are excellent but the hinds slide down. Ug.
POH, for me, are really only useful for shows as the sheepskin doesn’t handle repeated washing. AT ALL. They get crunchy and warped.
DSB II aren’t worth a darn because if the horse interferes at all down low, the binding comes off, then the inside strike area flaps in the wind. Or, if the horse is thin skinned, the binding leaves rubs.
The regular ol’ DSB is wonderful. They survive repeated machine washing, handle base narrow horses who whack themselves repeatedly and look nice for a long time. I’m still using some 10 year old sets for turnout. The elastic and velcro are still going strong. They just aren’t as white as they used to be.
I have had the Valenas, original DSBs and DSB II. I strongly prefer the original DSBs. First of all, they are cheaper than the other two options. I have also had the same problems with the bindings on the DSB II boots that Goforward mentioned. I find the original DSBs to be good bang for the buck and now they come in lots of great colors and patent. I machine wash mine in cold water and air dry and they seem to last for many years.
I certainly hope that POH is just having a supply issue, as those are my favorite ones. I have a pair that have to be at least 5 years old, though I don’t use them every day.
Goforward - have you contacted POH? I wash mine at least once monthly, sometimes more - and they are years old… Never had an issue. I have two sets - both wash beautifully.
What a timely topic - I absolutely ABHOR the DSB boots. their quality has plummeted the last few years. I bought 3 pairs for my new young horses, and within the first month, and one professional laundry, they were ruined. stitching came undone, material sliced open from one single time my mare stepped on herself…and their price is not inexpensive.
I ended up gifting them all to my groom.
Did a ton of research, and the absolute BEST quality in terms of design, material, craftmanship, and level of protection are the BR splint boots. They are the best boots I’ve ever seen. Un-bendable, so sturdy, comfortable, etc. They are like Kevlar for your horse’s legs. I bought 4 pairs and had to have them shipped from Europe. Totally worth the cost and wait.
Those BR boots look similar to the Le Mieux boots that I bought. I wanted white and opted for the Le Mieux since the binding on the tabs is a dirt resistant faux leather as opposed to the material binding on the BR. The LM boots are really tough, but my older horse does not like the feel of a boot that stiff. Thankfully the younger one doesn’t mind and inherited them.
My BR boots are all the faux leather style, there is no “material” on them, on the tabs like you mentioned. I think there are so many different styles of the boot that you can choose from that it just depends what you pick. I almost purchased the LeMieux because I love the brand, but didn’t like the way they felt. I still prefer the BR
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
