Protective Front Boots? Please educate me

We are working with a horse that has some issues of founder. We worry about trying to protect the ligaments and legs while riding and want to reduce soreness after long rides. The horse is in a great training and hoof care program. We had a couple of people suggest the boots, but I am not sure if they are worth the investment. If it really can protect the ligaminets that come up the back of the legs then it may be worth it.

What I need to know is how does these boots work, are they worth it, and what are your experiences with the different brands. I also need to know how to properly fit these boots so that I don't end up purchasing an extra pair because I bought the wrong size. The horse is a normal size quarter type horse that weighs about 1200 lbs.

I figured some could give me some info about front boots. I would greatly appreciate any kind of information

Boots do work, but I think if you can wrap polo wraps they are better. They form fit to the horses legs and a re a lot cheaper. But don't get them unless you know how to wrap them or have some one who will teach you. I have only used the Classic Equine Legacy boots they are about 70 dollars and fit nicely but when used hard only last about two years. If you look them up online most web sites have measurement charts.

Sorry, I didn't see your thread.

Have you discussed this pradicament with a Veterinarian? I don't want to recommend a boot that might not be what she needs.

I perosnally use SMB's. I have since they came out and love them. I'm a Low Level Eventer and my horse never goes out on the CC course without them, nor does my horse do stadium without them.

But, I never use them for anything but jumping. When we do Dressage or Hack, we are bare legged....well, he is. Lol.

I love my SMB's because I believe they aid in protecting, preventing and preserving. Now, I've looked at tests done on boots through University Testing and articles written by Veterinarians and the level of support SMB's give is not much more from Polo's or other knock off's.

What I do like about SMB's is that they aid in absorbing shock, because of the Neoprene, which is the key factor - so as the studdies say.

They are made with 3 layers of the shock absorbing material, which they state protects the ligaments and muscles, I have yet to see studdies that state otherwise.

I know of MANY Reiners who use them, and MANY Barrel Racers and I even see many Endurance Racers use them.

I wouldn't leave these boots on for any longer than 2 hours due to how thick they are. They don't breathe well.

There are different models of SMB's. The SMB II's are longer - meaning they cover more from knee to ankle. This type I see used mostly by Western Folk. This type I know allows dirt to enter into the boot, but it is minimal.

Then there are the SMB Elites, where they are shorter in length, allowing more ankle room for the horse or ankle flexion and now they have an even newer model out.

I have a pair of the Elites and the SMB II's.

Do you like the SMB II's or the Elites better mieventer?

For me, the Elites are more suitable because they allow my TB to have much more ankle flexion when jumping. Where the SMB II's are too long - and are more suitable for those who do ground work aka Reiners, Barrel Racers....if you get what I mean.