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Boots/wraps for barrel racing

14K views 24 replies 17 participants last post by  Barrelhorsetrainer 
#1 ·
What do you think are the best boots/wraps to use for barrel racing? Should I do front and back legs? My horse is in training for barrels, he used to have a lead change problem, were he just wouldn't change. But know he is better. When I just started to brake him to the saddle he was clumsy, stepping on his own feet, not so much anymore though. So what do you think would be the best boots/wraps? Pictures would be helpful....thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
My favorite boots are the professional choice SMB elite's: (and they come in a bunch of colors/designs if you look!)


If your horse over steps really bad you can use over reach boots like these:


I want to get boots for the back but right now I only have them on the front. Just remember you get what you pay for when it comes to boots. They may seem expensive at first but they are totally worth it in the end. Have someone teach you how to put them on too and make sure the pressure is even or you can do more damage than good.

Im not a fan of polos when it comes to barrel racing (I like them for arena type work), they don't offer as much support. And you REALLY have to know how to put them on or you can do serious damage to your horses legs..
 
#3 ·
My daughter runs in the PF choice smb 3... I would have liked to get elites but couldn't find any where they sold smalls :( I only have her where fronts was told that was good for her bc she is not pushing her pony that hard :) we also have the bell boots by PF choice... Like in the pics in first post they have neat colors n designs
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#7 ·
I like Pro Equine Boots the best, I also like the bellboots (only brand that will fit JJ)


When running I prefer Polos on the back legs, JJ can't stand boots and kicks out with them on. And I just overall prefer because I can cover more leg then a boot will. But that is just my personal preference....if you don't know how to wrap polos CORRECTLY please don't attempt to wrap your horses legs.

For boots on the back it depends on your horse...some horses work great in them and some horses don't like the feel and feel like they are restricted so don't run as hard. While some horses need them and won't run as hard or turn as hard without something on the back legs. Just depends on the individual horse.
 
#8 ·
Ask five different people, get five different answers. I personally love to use polo wraps but they are inconvenient and can cause awful consequences if you wrap them wrong.

For horses that step on themselves I especially prefer the Classic Equine Legacy boots. They have the material on the outside of the fetlock that will support and is also tougher than that of the SMBs (Though I also love those boots). Then I would get bell boots as well. I almost always ride front and hind with front bells.
 
#10 ·
Ask five different people, get five different answers.
Yup.

All about personal preference and the horse's preference!

Mine get Professional's Choice SMB 3 boots on all 4 legs, and bell boots on the front.

They also get shipping boots in the trailer when going short distances, and standing wraps/no bows when hauling longer distances.

Legs are so important!!!
 
#11 ·
#13 ·
Yeah those boots will do nothing but be a pain and fall off....Combination boots never work out right, they just were a failed invention. And the last boots you posted look cheap and not effective at all, but what can you expect at the $17 they are asking for them?

You get what you pay for...Trust me, you'd be better off just dishing out the money and getting a higher quality boot. I have had boots that I've had for years with care. $60 every three or four years for a pair of boots so far. I think that's worth it. Mom has a pair of SMBs that have been around for 13 years and still useable....Quality is key here.
 
#15 ·
Okay, cause I didn't want to spend a lot if I will just have to get more a few months later. But if they really do last I guess I will pay the extra. Thanks
Well you will get what you pay for. Cheap = Cheap

I wouldn't buy any of the boots you posted.

Go with one of the name brands we mentioned: Professionals Choice or Classic Equine or Pro Equine.

Yes, expensive, but yes, they will last! I have several pairs of sport boots that 5+ years old (one pair is nearing 10 years old). I have hand washed them, and air dried them, and treated them very gently. They are still good as new.

Here is a link to the boots I like to use best.
Professionals Choice SMB 3 Boot 4-PK - Horse.com

And the bell boots: Ballistic material is TOUGH!
Professionals Choice Ballistic Overreach Boots - Horse.com
 
#16 ·
Ya, you need to dish out the money for good boots or at least get some in decent shape used.

I would recommend Iconoclasts, Pegasus or Pro Choice. The classic equines are fine as long as you put them on right. Get them in an odd position and I do not want to know the damage or irritation that ridge in them would cause. Pegasus boots are super easy to put on. Mine are almost 4 years old and are in great shape. As for bell boots I like my pro choice and classic equine. I have heard res have good bells too, but have not tried them.
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#17 ·
The others have pointed out all of the aspects to think of when buying boots including the biggest thing to consider: you get what you pay for. I'm another vote for Professional's Choice Elites, I use the VenTech Elites. I love the Justin bellboots.
 
#21 ·
Go with the classic equine legacy boots, I've used proffesionals choice and they aren't very durable. Also, too many people use polo wraps that shouldn't, they need to be wrapped carefully or else you could end up doing what you are trying to avoid, leg damage. You probably don't need hind boots, my horses never Nick their back legs and yes I did once do barrels and I even rein, but bell boots are great. Hope it helps s little:)
 
#23 ·
I use Legacy boots on Duke. Both front and rear work great! They fit him nicely and hes a hard horse to fit. They are good quality and all that stuff! And come in lots of cool colors! Heres the front! And for bell boots, i use Classic Equine. They have this pad on the back so i know hes super protected! :p

Personally, Im not a fan of polo wraps.. They just dont seem to protect as much. My barrel trainer told me to wrap a polo wrap around my shin and put a boot on the other.. She tapped my shin with a hammer (lightly of course, but with enough that i could feel the difference) and asked me which hurt less. It was definitely the boot :) Nothing against people who use polo wraps, its just my opinion! :D :D
 

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#24 ·
I use SMB boots and bell boots on the front legs only.
 
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