Hello,
I am new to eventing. I have played around here and there with it but I am working with a mare who that is her sport. I have been mostly a hunter all my life, so I am also trying to learn to expand.
I am wondering about xc boots? What kind do you recommend? This mare will not be going over beginner novice.
I am trying to look for a good pair of boots that will last and protect her also.
Thank you:)
At the lower levels, almost anything is fine. Woof boots are relatively inexpensive, but in my experience the velcro tends to tear off early and often. Top recommendations are N.E.W., Premier, Ecogold, and more recently Majyk Equipe. This is an oft asked question, so see also these threads:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?406477-Best-horse-boots-for-XC-amp-stadium
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?384109-XC-Back-Boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?410457-hardy-XC-boots-that-won-t-break-the-bank
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?340975-XC-Boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?351033-Premier-XC-Boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?341997-Cross-Country-Boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?298439-Ecogold-xc-boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?299673-new-xc-boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?349628-Kentucky-Horsewear-XC-Boots
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?401225-Boyd-Martin-s-new-boots-Majyk-Equipe
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?425416-Majyk-XC-boots-endorsed-by-Boyd-thoughts
Woof brushing boots should be more than adequate for BN. Get the double velcro ones for more security. My horse wears the Dalmar boots.
Agree - for the lower levels mine all go in Woof boots or the Bit of Britain equivalent. You DO NOT need to buy specialized XC boots at this level or a tendon/cannon guard - if you want to, it’s only going to hurt your wallet, but your horse will generally be fine in a basic brushing or splint boot.
I have a set of Premier Equine Air Cooled Eventing boots. And I can rinse them off and toss them in the washer when t5hey are muddy.
I really like the new Magyk EQuipe boots. I use them foxhunting so they have to stand up to varied terrain, mud, water, and not make my horse’s legs overheat. I’ve been very pleased with them.
As a currently BN eventer, I also recommend the Woof boots. I’ve had the same pair for schooling for quite a few years now, and they’ve held up very well, and are easy to clean, put on, etc. And they’re relatively inexpensive, so if you’re new and not sure exactly where you’re going in the sport, they’re a good starting point, and you can always buy something fancier.
Wow, good job, scubed! Don’t we have a sticky about boots too? But it’s ok, I’ve made that mistake too!
First, welcome to eventing, it’s fun over here!
I don’t know what your budget is, some folks just like to buy the fancy boots and everyone has their own criteria. So I would make a list of what is important to you.
-Woof boots and splint/galloping boots of any kind will work just fine for brushing/mild knock protection. No boot gives support, velcro can’t hold up a loaded tendon! I use a pair of 5-strap Woofs on the back legs that I found IN THE TRASH CAN at a 3-day (rich people are crazy, they had thrown them away b/c of a tiny rub on one edge). They are relatively heavy, but poverty means I can’t buy new ones till they die. It’s been five years. Dang things refuse to give in. I also very much like Roma and Moxie, I have both and they are extremely durable, they are 5-10 years old and aside from some scuffs, are unharmed. So no way would I spent $150-300 on boots!
-I did switch to ventilated boots up front after hearing several talks and looking into journal articles about the effects of heat on equine tendon cells (summary - over about 40 C begins killing tendon cells in a short period of time). I found a set of N.E.W. lightweight perforated boots on mega-sale and have been very happy. Even in summer, my horses’ legs stay dry.
-At lower levels, I wouldn’t worry excessively about trapping water other than knowing it does make the boot heavier and can cause slipping. I always tape the velcro for competition.
-You know your horse, if she has a neoprene allergy, if she has extremely delicate skin, etc. So what works for me may not be the best choice for you, hence said list.
