20 years ago I rode a QH with a tremendous
stride. Until he learned to spread his rear legs, he periodically would
hit his front. I tried all types of bell boots I found:
1. The latex rubber pull on ones would shred and
pull off after a really good hit. If fit properly they are hard to pull on at
4:30 AM as the RM is calling "Trail open"
2. Those made with Velcro attachments were fine
until mud would cake in the Velcro, then the Velcro would come off and I'd loose
the boot.
3. Leather ones were a mess when it was wet and
muddy.
4. Shaped neoprene foam was fine until the Velcro
died.
5. By far the best were the Westrop boots made from
petals of vinyl and held on by a buckled strap. They lasted a long time, a
damaged petal could be replaced etc. The only problem is they eventually
became hard to get. I don't even know if they still are being
made.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
