What Boots Do You Put On Your Horses For Trail Riding?
I have a jumper/dressage horse and I’m now at a barn who has trails / does trail clinics at other barns so I thought this would help keep work more fun for my TB.
My question is, what type of boots is best for trail riding (and not like the trail rides at state parks, these will be longer and more demanding)? I currently have open front boots and some old galloping boots (that need replacing). My horse is barefoot it that helps any.
Thanks!
depending on the terrain on how good/bad your horses fet are you may want a pair of easy boots or eventually shoes depending on how often and long you will be riding your horse on the "demanding" terrain. my horse who normally has great, rock hard feet had to get shoes once i started trailing more often with him.
also, depending on what kind of terrain you will be one and if it will be tall grass/rocks/dirt/mud/sand etc. you may not want boots. they may cause rubbing from stuff getting into the boots etc. you will also want to avoid boots with fleece etc. so they dont get heavy with water and so that stuff doesnt "stick" to them. try a pair of neoprine boots or these, by davis.
fit well, nothing fancy, good price, wont weigh down with water etc.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=690
here is the easy boot link as well….
http://www.smartpakequine.com/ProductClass.aspx?productclassid=4845
if you decide to keep him barefoot because he can handle it i would still try and apply iodine or something similar to keep his soles tough and to prevent stone bruises, lameness, etc.
as the above answerer said…i LOVE the SMB boots for arena etc. but on the trails…EVERYTHING STICKS TO THEM. like…EVERYTHING. and if wet they will add some weight. i prefer the smb elites. they are AWESOME for my dressage horse my hunter my jumper and my eventer.
Barefoot is fine on the trail, there should be nothing to worry about as long as he gets a touch-up and/or shoes before his next show.
Now for the boots, I just use SMB boots. They support the tendons and ligaments and if you hack out etc he will have the support he needs.
Here is what I use:
http://www.profchoice.com/html.....smbii.html
This is the exact set that I have. Hope this helped!
References :
depending on the terrain on how good/bad your horses fet are you may want a pair of easy boots or eventually shoes depending on how often and long you will be riding your horse on the "demanding" terrain. my horse who normally has great, rock hard feet had to get shoes once i started trailing more often with him.
also, depending on what kind of terrain you will be one and if it will be tall grass/rocks/dirt/mud/sand etc. you may not want boots. they may cause rubbing from stuff getting into the boots etc. you will also want to avoid boots with fleece etc. so they dont get heavy with water and so that stuff doesnt "stick" to them. try a pair of neoprine boots or these, by davis.
fit well, nothing fancy, good price, wont weigh down with water etc.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/.....lassid=690
here is the easy boot link as well….
http://www.smartpakequine.com/.....assid=4845
if you decide to keep him barefoot because he can handle it i would still try and apply iodine or something similar to keep his soles tough and to prevent stone bruises, lameness, etc.
as the above answerer said…i LOVE the SMB boots for arena etc. but on the trails…EVERYTHING STICKS TO THEM. like…EVERYTHING. and if wet they will add some weight. i prefer the smb elites. they are AWESOME for my dressage horse my hunter my jumper and my eventer.
References :
miles on the trails, owner of over 75 different types/colors/styles of boots/wraps etc. and owenr of 5 horse with very different boot/feet needs
You don’t need boots for trail riding, horses are in there natural habitat, they know what they’re doing! i ride my horses for hours on end, barefoot, and they love it!
References :
kinda be hard putting boots on a horse, assume he likes walking around barefooted, lol, but watever feels comfy to u wud be fine………..
References :
I always used polo wraps, but be sure you know how to wrap properly, or you could do more damage than good!
References :