Conference noted::equitation

    
    HI!
    
    Since I know you're from the Springs, thought I'd point you to
    an EXCELLANT book that they have at the 'Horseman's Exchange' on
    boots and leg wrapping.  Its part of a series of small paper
    back books and not too expensive.  I'm sure Gay can point it
    out.  
    
    I'm sorry but the exact title escapes me (seems to me as I get
    older I get more and more forgetful). 
    
    I was in need of bell boots and it told me exactly what to get.  I
    had no idea that something like that would come in sizes.  Now that
    I have used them, I can see why.
    
    Jan
    

    Thanks Jan.  I'll check out Horseman's.  Yes, I've used bell boots,
    too, and believe me, I know why they come in sizes.  I used the
    pullover kind and we almost had to cut one off.
    
    --Laura

OK, I bought the book on boots and wraps and it doesn't have splint boots
in it.  Can you tell me what you use them for?  Do they provide any general
protection while you're trail riding?

Also, what are your experiences with velcro bell boots?  Have you lost them?
I had lots of trouble with the pull on style (couldn't get them off!)

Thanks!

--Laura

    Splint boot are usually fairly light weight boots used for support
    more than protection.  They look similar to the boots the jumper
    folks use. 
    
    Boots on trails can cause more troubke than they prevent.  If your
    riding on nasty muddy trails, dirt can get underneath and make your
    horse miserable.  Also some boots hold water (especially the felt
    kind - this goes for polo wraps too) and they get real heavy after
    crossing creeks.  They also tend to slip a bit.
    
   Bell boots are a pain to get off (but that's what god made working students
   for, right?)  I've had quite a bit of trouble with the velcro kind
   coming off.  If your horse really need that kind of boot he's probably
   going to pull off the velcro  boots.  Also, it seems to be hard to
    get velcro to retain its "holding power".

    
    I have a pair of bell boots with little buckles on 'em. I haven't
    used them in quite awhile, but I remember that I was real happy
    with them....
    

    
    I like my velcro bell boots, but I can see potential for the velcro
    wearing (mostly because the d*&^ stuff picks up or sticks to anything
    else that happens to be handy, most likely my gloves or my britches).
    
    I did find the bell boots with the buckles at High Country Feed
    in Monument for about $20.  They are just like the ones described
    in the book that you purchased.  Price-wise I've found High Country
    to be less than most tack shops.
    
    Jan
    

    
    I have a pair of bell boots w/velcro latches BUT!  There is a double
    wrap... first you put two (like regular/normal) velcro straps across
    the opening - THEN there is one solid one which covers the 'double'.
    
    Is this confusing?  I don't know how else to explain except recommend
    you look in some of the tack shop sales books... these boots were more
    expensive, but I have had them about 4 years, and I train in them,
    trail ride and use them all them time.  I got tired of loosing the
    boots w/one double attacment.............
    
    I can't seem to come close to wearing these out - and the velcro is
    still as good as new - in fact I think I'll wear the stitching out
    before the velcro!
    
    Worth the extra $$
    

    
    Hi!
    
    Thats the same type of boot that I have!  However, I find that
    its an exact science putting them on.  Before I can get them
    situated on the foot, I usually have pulled them off of just
    about everything thats nearby.  Someone told me it looks
    like a bad abbott and costello skit.  
    
    Guess thats what you get for trying to teach an old dog new tricks.
    At least I never have had the pleasure of cutting one of the all
    rubber ones off his feet....

    
    The best pair of bell boots I used had loops and wick. Confusing right?
    Not really. One side of the closure had loops that stood up kinda like
    crochett wicketts, the other side had slot for them (like button holes)
    and a lond wick that slide down thru the loops after the loops were in
    the slots. (What I need here is a pciture scanner!)
    
    Anyway, I used them for over a year before they tore. I used them
    everyday, rain, snow, mud and I was stafisied. My new horse doesn't
    need them so I haven't replaced them. But I liked'm better than the
    velco closures. (I won't even dicuss- slip ons)
    
    Nancy
    

    FWIW-
    
    The brown gum rubber pull on bell boots are a LOT easier to get
    on/off than there white relatives.
    

    I have found that the solid red (pull-on) boots are definetly the
    hardest boots to put on!!  I use the brown or white "gum" rubber
    pull-on boots and have had no problems putting them on my large footed
    throughbred.  I think the "gum" rubber is softer and more plyable and
    that is why they are easier to use.       
    
    The only reason I use pull-ons, is because I have lost a number of
    velcro type boots on cross country and my theory is if they come off
    half way around the course why bother to use them.  If there not on the
    foot the entire time then they are not doing their job...protection!!
                          
    CIAO for now...Kerry :)        
    
    

    Algiers learned how to pull off velcro bell boots the 3rd day I had
    him.  By the time I had his 2nd boot on, he had the 1st one in his
    teeth!  He tossed it at me (with a sneer).  By the time I grabbed it
    and started to put it back on...well...you can guess the rest.  Now 
    I put them on with cross ties only!
    
    Mary
    
    p.s.  luckily, he hasn't figured out his velcro splint boots yet!  He
    keeps reaching down to "scratch his face," tears off one fastener...but
    deosn't realize that there are 2 fasteners on the splint boots!

    Thanks for all the replies.  Yes, it was the white rubber ones I had
    trouble getting off.  I've read about the double-velcro ones, the gum
    rubber ones, and the hoop-and-wicket design, and considered all of
    them, so your comments are appreciated.
    
    --Laura

    >I have used serveral different kinds of "boots"  What I have now are
    "kick boots", "skid boots", and "bell boots".
    The kick boots cover the cannon and ankle with a hard leather patch on
    the ankle.  The skid boots go on the read and have the double velcro
    closures.  They also have a leather heel patch.  These tend to get dirt
    up under them and will eventually come of if we are doing alot of
    sliding.  I prefere leather boots with buckles but for what I have it
    would cost me $50 per pair.  In the long run it may be worth it for all
    the repair bills on the neoprene ones.
    
    
    virginia