Hoof boots in the dressage arena

[Daffy Dilly]

We're hoping to do some dressage in March/April. Daffy still has no feet, it's going to be a long haul process. He doesn't seem footsore at all at the moment, but I only work him once a week without boots, and then not for long.

Would we be allowed to compete in the boots? Or would I be able to warm up in them and have to take them off for the test? Or not at all?

I know the first is a month or so off and it's not like we're in the arena for long, but I'd prefer to play it safe.

[Willingbe]

You can warm-up in boots but must take them off for the test.

It's best if you have a helper for removing boots or ask the steward, having to get off is a pain because your horse may think he's finished working :)

[kaytenherponies]

As wilingbe said... just wanted to add. You could always ask to go non competetor. You will still get your test sheet etc but just not be in the general placings. If its an issuse of health it may be the compromise you are looking for!

[Lgd]

Actually you used to be able to compete in hoof boots AFAIK that has not changed. The rules are not particularly explicit now so I will check with my friend who is director for rules/comps at BD to be certain.

It is leg boots and over-reach boots that are permitted for warm-up but must come off for the actual class.

[Roofio]

I don't know anything about rules and regs but would have thought they would be allowed... unless everyone else is taking their horses shoes off before they go in ;)

[MelanieD]

Most dressage is on a nice enough surface that you could do without the boots anyway. You have a month or more to work in boots to get some good growth (obviously diet is important as well to get lots of growth..) so by then the amount of work in warm up and a test without boots should be no problem, especially since he isn't sore at all now so you're only major problem is likely to be needing a bit more growth.

[Soot]

Even if it's not in the rules, a lot of the more friendly local shows will allow you to compete in boots if you ask in advance and explain your reasons ... But I agree with Roofio that most dressage surfaces won't be needing boots + the test is only about 4 minutes so shouldn't really have the time to get footsore or anything!

[Daffy Dilly]

Sometimes he needs boots in our arena, which is a lovely surface..

The growth just doesn't seem to be happening, but maybe that's because I see his feet every day. If anything the worn down parts of his soles look even bigger, and all he does without his boots is stand in his stable/the field and walk between them, which makes me loathe to have them off at all!

Ah well, Darren is due back in two weeks so we'll see how we're getting on then... and I have to get him balanced enough again to maintain trot and canter before we can start practising a test, let alone competing one! :p

[Lgd]

Have checked up - you can use hoof boots in the warm-up but would have to take them off for the test.

They did used to be allowed but the FEI vet advised that a horse should be able to do a test without them on a surface without any problems unless it was foot sore and that they could disguise unsoundness, hence no longer allowed in the tests.

[Roofio]

oh and shoes don't disguise unsoundness at all :rolleyes:

how silly!

[Daffy Dilly]

Fair enough I suppose.

We'll see how we get on and decide whether to bother nearer the time.

[Jane.A]

A friend of mine competes her horse barefoot, but uses the boots to warm up in and walk to the arena, literally taking them off before she goes in. His hoof walls got very thin and he couldn't keep shoes on for ages. My old girl has poor feet and I tried allsorts, but would really recommend Global herbs Supahhoof.

[Tango<3]

nothing to do with the dressage lol but try cornucresin it is prossibly the bast thing since sliced bread... my TBxArab had the worst feet ever and had to be shod every 4 weeks and farrier came out every week sometimes twiced to put shoes back on that she had lost.... 4 months on she has her shoes for 8 weeks and you would never have thought she would have had bad feet!
Lol.
you should defo try it!
lol.
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