How do you choose between open-fronted and closed boots for your discipline?
Leg protection should suit the demands of each discipline and the needs of your horse. Open-fronted boots cover the back of the tendons while leaving the front of the cannon bone free, a set-up often used for jumping sessions. Closed boots, by contrast, wrap the whole lower leg to protect against knocks and strikes from the opposite leg.
- Open-fronted boots for jumping: they protect the flexor tendons while keeping the horse sensitive to any contact with a pole, like the Ontario Open Front Tendon Boots by QHP or the ERIC THOMAS Synthétique open-fronted boots.
- Closed boots for schooling: models such as the NORTON Air closed boots, the Lami-Cell "V22" closed boots or the back on track airflow closed work boots give full protection during flatwork or hacking.
- Cross-country boots: designed for the demands of varied terrain, the XTR 1680D front cross-country boots by Norton or the Lami-Cell "V22" front cross-country boots reinforce the front of the leg against fixed obstacles.
Which boots suit dressage, sheepskin comfort and a polished finish?
In the dressage arena or during lateral work, the legs can rub against each other, so the cannon and fetlock need even coverage. The materials that sit directly against the skin also matter, as they help limit heat and chafing on sensitive skin.
- Support and precision on the flat: riders tend to choose wraparound protection such as the GRAND PRIX dressage boots by HARRY'S HORSE or the TDET dressage boots with tendon support.
- Protective, cushioning linings: for clipped or delicate horses, sheepskin-style boots give a soft layer against the skin. The range includes the NORTON closed boots with synthetic sheepskin, the HARRY'S HORSE Flextrainer boots with synthetic sheepskin and the Covalliero work boots with synthetic sheepskin.
- Style and distinctive finishes: if you like a polished turnout, you can choose the SD-DESIGN glitter dressage boots to add a touch of sparkle to your outfit, or the COSMO boots from the HARCOUR Spring 22 collection if you are looking for Harcour boots for your horse.
When and how should you use rest boots in the stable?
After hard work, a journey or a competition, the hours spent standing in the stable call for special care of the legs. Rest boots support the horse's leg while it is resting, without the need for traditional bandages.
- Hot and cold therapy and recovery: some models include cooling inserts, such as the QHP cooling rest boot, the NORTON Ice rest boots or the NORTON hot/cold pack for rest boots by JUMPTEC. For any hot or cold use, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Comfort in the stable: NORTON rest boots are a practical way to wrap the leg without creating unwanted pressure points during long hours in the stable.
- Technical materials: products such as the BACK ON TRACK 3D Mesh lined soft boots can be used for horses at rest, in line with the brand's instructions.