Boots .. eek!

[Cheeky]

Right, it's 2am here, so if I mis-spell something, I am sorry :p

I would like to start jumping Honey .. however I do not want to until I have better protection on her leggies. I am after a boot with good tendon support.

Now, my natural response would be to go to open front, as it's the most popular boot used in Sj (we'll eventually get to Xc, but will buy boots appropriate if SJ don't cut it), however Hon has never tapped, knocked or even TOUCHED a jump. So would she need the open front boots, or could she go for something else?

She is of 'late age' to being her jumping career, at 18, so I want something that'll support her legs (both front and back pref), but still fit with no signs of arthritis.

I am going to go completley blond here and ask what may be a very obvious question (please excuse, may have had one or two glasses of wine lol)..
With the open front boot (should I go this way), is it really worth the extra $20-40 for faux fur? Or would the normal padding (which seems to mold to the leg each time applied) be better?

As I said, she doesn't knock the jump, but I'd still like some support (if a boot can give that) for her. I would normally head straight for Open Fronts .. but I'd thought I'd ask you experts first ;)

What do you use and why? What would you recommend?

Also, I know I'm not there yet, but what XC boots do you use? Do you use the same for SJ? (I know that XC is generally closed because the jumps are solid and prevents injuries). Also photos would help greatly :D

[coss]

i don't use any boots on my horses for jumping (well, i don't jump dawn but when i did i used brushing boots but she always wore them ;))... i would worry about over heating the leg and/or the leg not being able to shock absorb as easily maybe?
what sort of riding do you normally do? if you're not jumping big (or are you?) i don't see why you need the boots...

[Cheeky]

At the moment we are doing flat work, and starting on small jumps. She's jumped 1m clear without boots, however, I'd like to start working up to training day/competition level (just small at first ofcoarse).

I normally don't use boots, never really have in the past horses I've ridden, however, I do need to look after her legs, as she isn't the youngest chic in the coupe, and I'd like to have a boot that could shock aborb some if poss.

Over heating, yes I worry about this too. I wouldn't use if it was over a certain temperature, and never for a long period of time!

[keep the faith]

I jump lady in John whitaker open fronted tendon boots and fetlock boots on the hind legs, if we are doing xc or hunting she wears sports medicine boots all around. If she's not going to be wearing the boots for hours on end i wouldn't worry about over heating. Lady never goes out without her boots on, She wears brushing boots for hacking and schooling. Not because she needs them but i prefer to be safe than sorry. You never no when they could spook and hit themselves.

Heres a pic! They are available in black, brown, grey and in white. Lady's are white.

[puzzles]

I LOVE the Eqilibrium Trizone tendon and fetlock boots; well priced but with absolute top quality, fit and protection. They're my favourites now!

http://www.equilibriumproducts.co.uk/leg_protection/tri_zonereg_tendon_boots/

http://www.equilibriumproducts.co.uk/leg_protection/tri_zonereg_fetlock_boots/

:-)

xx

[StormyJ]

I've got the Eskadron Gel-Tecs for Phi and Livvy has the John Whitaker ones. I prefer the Eskadron's for support, flexibility and fit. They are very popular with professionals - the 17 year old TB I ride wears them for SJing and I've seen them on loads of top horses. My RI is a professional eventer and she uses them for hers too. I think for XC she uses "good old Woof Wear" brushing boots which are actually very protective and don't rub or anything because they are soft. Then she puts pull-on overreach boots on as well because they can't come off! :)

[jenmac_85]

I use the Eskadron's boots. Both Tendon and Fetlock. They are fantastic and showing no sings of wear and tear. Tyler doesnt even bother with them unlike others. Use these for both Xc and Jumping.

Jenny and Tyler
x

[Cheeky]

Have bought some open front and fetlock jumping boots ..and they seem to fit really well :D Cheers guys for the advice, mine aren't overly expencive (on sale!) but they do the trick :D

[chaz_the_star]

I use open-fronted tendon boots :) They provide the support for her leg, but she can still feel wooden poles if she hits them! I wouldn't get one with fur in though, the legs tend to overheat which can cause damage. Normal neoprene is, IMO, better to use and cheaper!