Boots?

[carolinec]

I'm taking Pip to our 1st Horse Camp on 11th May run By Active Rider. We have 2 hours of lessons per day of Dressage & XC.

I've told them them I'm a complete beginner at both of these but wondered if I needed to invest in any protective brushing boots for the XC lessons just in case Pip knocks himself?

If so, does anyone have any recommendations please?

[emmadales]

woof boots are brilliant. They do a few different styles, one cheap one is called club. but is quite adequate for local level riding. I have never had a problem with them not lasting or wearing out and have used them loads.

www.woofwear.com/for-horses/brushing-boots/1/

[Fi]

can agree - I've got a set of the club ones and have had them for at least 6 or 7 years and used them regularly. They are a bit tatty now, but have never come off.

[valerie n scout]

we have the the red and black ones...I can't really comment Caroline, Richy only puts them on Scout cause he said they look good on him !

[carolinec]

Does Pip actually need them for jumping/XC lessons though?

I've never used boots of any kind. Does he need them front & back or just front?

[harveydales]

I don't think Pip will actually "need" them for what you will be doing. I have loads of boots from my TB days and when I first got Harvey, I booted him but soon realised he doesn't need it. Now, even when Tanya jumps him small XC I don't boot. Maybe you could use some on his fronts for peace of mind.

[April]

I used to jump Jester twice a week, every week for about 10 years running, max 3ftish and have never once put boots on him.. They've evolved not to wear them so as long as it's nothing too strenuous or big fences I don't really see the point.. All the hairs will protect the legs from little knocks too

[carolinec]

Thanks.
I think we'll say "au natural". I'm only jumping tiny (better be tiny!) fences anyway

[harleydales]

I used boots on Harley's hinds when doing the big big rides as he used to brush, but he doesn't wear them now. Lady hasn't needed them yet, though I've put them on her and she did a fair impersonation of a Tenessee Walking Horse!! She's so wide at the back I doubt she will need them but they're there if she does.

[carolinec]

Pip doesn't brush or track up so I think I'll just leave it. We'll only be popping a couple of small logs (I hope!) and doing a bit of basic dressage

[harleydales]

Have a great time!

[lyndales]

I have been very disappointed with this thread Having a minor shoe fetish (despite not having that many pairs) ;D I thought there would at least be some human footwear involved!

[Fi]

I think you'll THAT sort of chat in 'personal chat'.................as well as some 'specialist' sites...................LOL

having said that, I love my Mountain Horse long boots, and can't wait til I can justify buying some nice new long boots for whenever I might compete again.

To keep on topic, Sam's finer than a Dales so I boot, if he was chunkier/furryer legged I wouldn't unless there was an issue.