[willeys bonanza]

well next summer i really, really want to do hunter/jumper shows. and i am going to start jumping alot more, i was watching a hunter/jumper show and most, almost all had open front boots on their horses. what is the total purpose/advantage or putting these on your horse. Im not going to be jumping realy, really high, but the typical hunter height, nothing extremely high. anyway i really like the look of the leather boots with the wool inside. i just wanted some imput on the boots and would i really need them?

[gummiponys]

Do you mean the fleece inside? They are really nice; they have leather on the outside but they are quite expensive.

I also dont think it matters if they are open front boots, but yeah, thats what most people have because it protects both the inside and the outside of the leg.

[faroutfax]

They are open front so the horse can feel the jump if he hits the jump. I like the ones made of plasticy stuff (only because they come in cool colours )

[SJgirl]

Yup they allow the horse to feel when he hits the jump so he learns not to knock rails, while it protects the horse from hitting its leg with there hind legs if the over reach.
I love the fleece lined leather backed ones, but I really don't have enough money to get them as I'm getting a new saddle.

[SuZQuzie]

The leather ones are more for show than anything else. If you tried to wear them everyday, they would fall off alot sooner since the leather straps that hold them on aren't that strong & break with repeated hitting on the jumps or just putting them on the hourse. They are VERY recommended for the equitation classes, though, especially at the big shows.

The plastic ones are alot more practical & can be used for schooling & show jumping. A popular brand right now is "Eskadron." I personally don't like them since they fit both of my horses poorly & rub them.

The reason that they are "open-front" is so that when the horse hits the jump on the front of their leg, they can say "ouch! That hurt! Maybe I should pick up my legs higher next time." They provide protection to the tendons & such still while exposing the less vulnerable front area.

[tangopony]

I use Eskadron and they seem to fit my TB mare well just be careful because if grit gets in them (which it will) and rubs the back of the leg it could cause serius injury so always wash them out.. but thats with most any boot lol