Using polos while schooling

I just had a discussion other day about using polos instead of splint boots while schooling the horse (with all lateral work and them being on clumsy side I want to have some protection). Just want to see if someone use/don't use polos and pros/cons.

I switch between polos and boots for dressage work depending on how lazy I am. :P Boots are a lot quicker to put on! I mean, velcro can fail, but it's a lot less dangerous to have a boot fall off than it is to have a polo unravel and trail behind you when you're on a spooky horse.
I do whatever is convenient for dressage schooling, but for clinics I also use white polo wraps.

General schooling I'll use boots, at 6am getting a ride in before work, there's not much time to bother putting bandages on and then ravelling them up again. But for clinics I always bandage, purely because it looks smarter.

When it has been so hot lately I've been leaving the legs entirely bare. Studies have shown that the heat trapped by boots is far more detrimental to the legs than them thwacking themselves once in a while. But on those days I also haven't been working him as hard.
I do have a pair of very breathable EcoGold flat work boots that I love. I got them in white so that I could use them for show warm ups but have been schooling in them and they wash up like a dream.
90% of the time I do use Eskadron Climatex pads underneath a set of polos. They are breathable and add some extra protection to the polos. I also use no turns or bell boots on the front for almost every ride. IMO that is the way to go - I need to buy a new set though mine are getting used way too much so they are a bit damp all the time. I would recommend having a set for every horse because of this.

Good luck!

I have a set of Woof boots I use. I only use them when he *needs* them since it's so hot out lately. So I'll put them on when lunging him (if I know he's going to be a crazy nuthead otherwise I skip the lunging) and during the ride but pull them off for his cool-out.

My problem is his front legs are so short that no boots but these pony-size Woof boots fit! I have polos that I literally snipped in half that fit also but there is no way in heck he's going to let me wrap his back legs. We're still "marching" to/from the arena with boots on and he's been wearing them for nearly a year.

Do they hold up well? I was thinking about asking for them as a present later this year.

I have bell boots on 24/7 (because otherwise she manages to cut herself right above the hoof).

That's what I use too at the moment, but I agree with Anebel, that those are not very breathable. Also mine seems to be falling apart already. :(

So far yes but my horse does not interfere much and I use them sparingly.

I agree about the Woof stuff - I have not had any great success with the quality of their products lately!! I have a $70 pair of no turns that are falling apart after 4-6 months of use only when riding.

I have Woof protection vest, which seems to be nice. But brush boots have holes in them already on inside (not even sure how it could happen).

I think I'll ask for Ecogold and will see how it goes. :)

You could try the eventer boots too I think they will have a bit more protection. The flat work boots are a bit flimsy if your horse is going to be thwacking them a lot.

Uugh I hate going to their site I am always so tempted to order stuff!!!!! They don't tell you this on the site but they will do custom color orders. My friend has a grey pad, another a red one..... :( And I want one with a flag on it.