[SUET1999]

I am, once agian, asking fellow chronicle readers for their advise and opinions on horse boots. Since my horse is moving up, he could use some leg protection. He lives in bell boots but I need some recommendations on front and back boots. We are hunters, not jumpers but we are doing 3ft and I need to protect his legs as he can be a bit clumsy

Suggestions on brands, styles? Open front, the magnetic...whatever! Thanks!!!

[wildlifer]

I thought hunters couldn't wear boots?

[rugbygirl]

You can wear them for schooling at home

I like polos, most people hate them. You want to protect the leg, but you don't want to make it so that clumsiness feels nice. Clumsiness should result in a slight bit of a tick to the horse's leg to help motivate a less clumsy approach. You also don't want a big padded boot at home, then have to show naked...big shock to pony if he brushes or knocks.

[Lucassb]

Personally on a horse that doesn't want to be careful - I'd leave the legs bare and hope they'd learn to jump a bit better, and I'd make sure to use square rails so they didn't fall easily. Clumsiness is not an asset in the hunter ring.

If you are dead set on using something, I'd use open fronts so that hitting a rail would sting a bit and encourage them to pick their feet up. For schooling at home I'd get whatever brand/model fit reasonably well and would probably look for something on Ebay or one of the classified sites.

[mustangsal85]

I like polos as well although a lot of people say no no for jumping. Usually I use open front Eskadrons (or similar) in front and polos in back. Has anyone used Sportsmans Choice Combo Bandages? Saw them the other day and they seem to be a cross between polos and.. something else that is thinner. Seemed like a pretty good alternative for me but I have yet to pick them up.

[ace**]

If you just need something for schooling at home Eskadrons are great. Easy care, not too expensive, and lots of colours to choose from

[SUET1999]

I suppose I should have clarified, but yes, they are clearly for schooling at home. I have always shyed away from polos because I'm not comfortable with them. I think as a child it was drilled into my head about polos and now I am apprehensive to use them.

He is clumsy, and I totally get what people are saying. On the other hand, I don't want him whacking a rail and god forbid cutting his leg up or anything- obviously, a "sore" subject

Most of the time, I just plop him around in bell boots and nothing else. But I think while we learn to pick up our feet, we might take a few precautions for now. Thanks for the suggestions!

[SkipChange]

Ditto what Lucassb said. If you have to use boots, go for open front. Equifit T-boots are my favorite if you've got the $ or can find a good deal. Eskadrons are my second choice.

[Let's_Motor]

I have these from smartpak:

http://www.smartpakequine.com/Produc...7&cm_vc=Search

Way cheaper than a set of eskadrons, and I think I actually like them better. Good durable, inexpensive schooling boot.

I also have a set of T-boots, but they have worn out quicker than I would have expected in use as a schooling / show boot. Not unusable, but the "foam" is rubbed and exposed (it's electric blue so it's hard to miss) in a couple places.

[Lucassb]

He is clumsy, and I totally get what people are saying. On the other hand, I don't want him whacking a rail and god forbid cutting his leg up or anything- obviously, a "sore" subject

(snip) But I think while we learn to pick up our feet, we might take a few precautions for now. Thanks for the suggestions!

Just a question for you - and I do truly understand the motivation to keep your horse from hurting himself - but how exactly do you think this horse is going to learn to pick up his feet if you always protect him from the consequences of not doing so?

Now, I grant you, there are some horses that simply aren't ever going to be careful, and will hit rails with abandon their entire lives, not matter what you do. But most don't like to sting themselves, and will learn to do better if you let them learn that it's more comfortable for them to make a better effort.

Just a thought...

[wildlifer]

I'd look into the Romas for schooling -- they are way cheaper than the hunter-trendy Eskadrons, but very durable. I've had my pair of Roma open fronts for four and half years and they look the same as the days I got them. Moxie also makes some nice boots in lots of fun colours that are budget friendly!

[xxreddxheaddxx]

ESKADRONS!!! even if they are a little more expensive they are worth the investment. i bought mine right when i moved up to three ft with my hunter too