ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Professional Sports Boots

Re: [endurance] Professional Sports Boots

ChacoL@aol.com
Fri, 17 May 1996 18:18:41 -0400

There appears to be some confusion as to the purpose of "protective boots" in
this discussion. Michael Plumb points out in the beginning of his article
that he is reviewing boots designed primarily to "support and protect the
tendons and ligaments of the lower limb during sports activities."

What has come to be called Sports Boots, as far as I can tell, are the heavy,
thick type of boot that protect against tendon and ligament sprain, and
include some sort of fetlock support.

Michael Plumb clearly states in the article: "Only leave the boots on for
one hour while the horse is working" because "boots concentrate heat on the
horse's leg." IMO, this type of boot is not suitable for any kind of
distance riding.

The other type of protective boot is what the English call brushing boots.
They are soft on the inside, lightweight, and are fitted only as snugly as
is necessary to keep them in position. They have an external reinforced area
on the inside of the fetlock to protect against "brushing," or striking of
the hoof on the opposite leg. They are not intended to provide support for
tendons or ligaments. Fortunately, they are also a fraction of the price of
Sports Boots!

Linda Romander
San Francisco, Calif.