[CaliLove1994]

sorry i know this is suppose to be in tack and equipment ... mods feel free to move

During the summer i'm going to be taking my Oldenburg mare to go XCing and want something that is going to support her. I like to offer my horses as much support as possible ... she knows how to jump correctly and land correctly (she's my 3'9'' hunter) but because she will be new to it i want to give her as much coverage. But we will be going through water ... so will the SMB's get weighed down? If you have any suggestions as to what boot will be best please tell me ... even though its just for fun and we'll only be going every once in a while i dont mind spending money so give me the best possible.

I want something though that will protect the fetlocks also. Like the SMB's do.
Also i would like back boots that also protect the fetlock.

[JKetsche]

Honestly, research has shown that there is minimal support when jumping. You can protect (and MAYBE help lateral stabilization), but you cannot support. I'd get the best protective boot you can. I have ones similar to the Nunn Finer (I can't find mine anymore). A lot of people just use Woof or similar brushing boots. I hope that helps!

[CaliLove1994]

i'm more worried about hitting their fetlocks and bruising them.

[IIIBarsV]

SMB Elite's (as I mentioned in another thread) are really good. They don't add much weight (unless they're sopping wet), and they provide all around protection.

Another option that you might like for the brushing is the Classic Equine boot... Pro Tech Splint boots.

They have a sort of hard plastic shield on the inside of the fetlock, the splint, and up the back of the tendon. They don't really wrap under the fetlock like the SMB Elite's do, but they would be a decent brushing boot as well. They also are extremely lightweight and would not hold moisture or water.

The SMB Elite *IS* the better boot for overall protection, as it covers a larger area of the leg and has thicker protection all over than the Pro Tech splint boot, however. It also molds to the leg better, I've noticed.

Classic Equine makes the Pro Tech bellboot and it is the ultimate in overreach protection. Lightweight, holds its shape. I've taken a hammer to it with my hand under it and felt nothing but a bit of vibration. I would recommend them for coronet protection, especially if you're jumping through who-knows-what on the course. lol

[RowdyRio1324]

I love my Elites.

But I don't know how good they are for jumping, as I focus on western events with alittle english pleasure.

[IIIBarsV]

I've jumped in mine and haven't noticed any problems. Not sure how they would test out over 3'6 though, that's the highest I've gone with mine. As long as they were fitted properly and done up properly, I don't see why they wouldn't work.