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Discussion on Leg Protection Riding in Rocky Field
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 23, 2009 - 10:48 am:
Wasn't sure where to post this, hope this is o.k.?
We have an 80 acre field across from us. It was clear cut about 10 years ago, used to be a beautiful hardwoods..sob..There are some roots/wood in it yet, and lots of rocks. Rocks the size of baseballs, up to the size of basketballs, a few even bigger.
The owner has been working it pretty regular this summer, so it is a nice soft fluffy dirt field.
We've been riding in it, at a walk only, loose rein so the horses can pick where to go a bit. I'd like to take advantage of this nice huge "arena" to do some trotting and cantering.
Would Sports Medicine Boots offer enough protection? Not just from the rocks we can see, but the ones under the surface.
I am not sure even if any protection is needed, but as we know with horses, if it can happen, it will.
Thanks
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 23, 2009 - 11:52 am:
Hi Angie,
I think a smb would offer a bit more protection form bumps and scrapes form the rocks and roots than other boots simply because they wrap around the whole leg.
Also, since they fit quite snugly there is less chance of small twigs getting caught between the boot and leg.
This has happened to me using splint boots while bush riding.
I have seen a new style of smb that even has an attached bell.
I am not sure how to protect against the r/r just under the surface.
A submerged rock with a skiff of dirt on it can be slippery but since you are only walking that should be managable.
Are you concerned about bruising the sole?
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 24, 2009 - 8:10 am:
Thanks Lori,
I have the smb boots for all the horses, plus 2 pairs of the covers. No bell boots though. I did canter my mare through part of the field, then kinda thought "oops, I wonder if she's getting bruised legs? Does she know where she's putting her feet, avoiding rocks?" She always has wind puffs so not sure if she got any bruises.
I am just too lazy to put the boots on most days, and for what I do they are more bother than anything. Put them on, then have to hose off legs from them sweating under the boots, clean the boots, let them dry...not like I am barrel racing or anything.
No, not worried about bruising the sole, tough hoofs on these 2 we ride in there.
I was picturing the cowboys riding across the scrub, and no boots on their horses! But hard ground with rocks laying on top, vs soft footing with rocks you can see and rocks you can't see...different situation.
Wish the owner would hurry up and get the field picked!  Of course then it will be planted and I can't ride in it all.
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