Jumping Safety

So for four years, Leia has jumped successfully without shoes or splint boots. She's never been lame or sore because of it and jumps easily and smoothly over 3'. But if I were to make 3' a regular height for her, maybe higher, should I start using splint boots and put shoes on her? I understand shoes help, although her feet are fine, I'd rather be safe than sorry. But Do splint boots do anything, really? And if she's been fine so far, would I be fine to keep going barefoot and boot-less?

All opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated :)

Here are pics of her jumping:




Also, how high do you think she could safely clear? Like what do you think her limit might be? She easily cleared 3' the few times I tried it and I show her at 2'6" and 2'9" and she steps over that height. My trainer (also a vet) says I shouldnt push anything past 2'6" (so she wont become lame later) but almost everyone else (not vets) I ask say she looks like she could definitely jump higher. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Not so much concerned with her being barefoot as my horses are barefoot as well (I shoe them when it's competition season though) BUT definitely get some splint boots for her. Woof boots are great. Hold up well and are very effective.

I can't really say how high she could go but I would guess no higher than in the mid-three foot range. That second picture definitely shows that she has some jumping issues that need to be worked through. The "Scissor" legs are not desireable in a jumping horse at all and can be potentially dangerous. Gymnastics will help tighten that up. The second pic looks much better.

Shoes are not necessary and boots provide more protection than support - not even all GP horses are shod or go in boots.

As for your horse, it looks like she would benefit from gymnastics to improve her form and balance over fences. You tend to be over/ahead of the tack and the motion which means that you are not together. I'd go back to basics, with lots of gymnastics and no stirrup work to improve your timing together before you worry about height. You are off to a good start so with some brush-up you will be good to go!

Start using the boots but you can skip on the shoes. I only jumped in camp(may start up again)and they used no boots or shoes but I think boots are good for safety! :)

^^ I forgot to mention these are from a few years ago... I don't do that anymore, and I've done gymnastics with her and she's getting better at her form... Here's a more recent pic:

Better image:

Her form looks MUCH better there

ditto! Well done!

Am I imagining things or are you jumping without a bridle in the second picture???

You're not imagining things, She's very talented bridleless :3