What kind of leg boots do you prefer

On the front I will only use SMB Boots. They hold up well give good protection. My trainer at times will use Polo wraps. I do not really like them as they do not give as much protection and take longer to put on hold in more heat and so on.

On the back I like the Leather Skid boots. Again easy to put on hold up well protect what needs protecting and again do not hold extra heat in. Also the dirt come out as the horse moves which really helps.

For barrel racing I ALWAYS used polos for the back legs until I got the back SMB boots for christmas one year. My one problem with them is dirt would get in them and stay in there until I took them off.

Whats your opinon on splint boots?

I also usually have skid boots for the backs but I was told you shouldnt have them on all the time, just when practicing slides.

I do not like splints. They just do not have the protection and support as the SMB.

As for the skid boots. I only use them when we are working on stopping or showing.

I have SMBs...and love, love, love them I also will use Polos if I'm not going to do alot of 'hard' work...

Well I ride english, so I don't know that you want my opinion, but here it is. :

When I jump I use open fronts on the front and polo wraps on the back. I used to always use splint boots when I schooled. But now I'm pretty sure (correct me if i'm wrong..) split boots are cheapest and easiest to put on the horse, not so much protecting and supporting. I hate polo wraps because they're complicated and so easy to mess up, if you aren't sure how to properly apply. And SMB boots.. i've never personally owned them, but i've heard many good things. What are they used for in terms of protection and why EXACTLY would you reccommend them?

SMBs offer the most 'concussion' protection...they are proven to absorb quite alot of the strain from the horse's movement, which especially if you do alot of hard working (alot of trot, canter, and gallop type work), is very beneficial in keeping the horse sound. I have to ride alot of street and sidewalks to get to my local arenas, so I am using my SMBs alot more than when I was in AZ last year, and only rode on softer dirt roads.

I have to agree, full SMBs for the front. They protect the splint area and also provide support to the tendons and joint. Leather skids on the back are a must but I have heard of some people who use those combo skid/splint boots on the back but I don't know if they are any good or not.

I personally don't really like the look of the Mcrae(sp?) boots. They look like glorified splint boots that wouldn't provide any other support at all.

I have used and have several pair of the SMB Skid combos for the rear. I do like them and do use them at times. Just depends on the horse. Most of mine go well in leather skids and that is what I use. It also depends on how hard they stop and how deep.

Oh I use SMB's all the way around...but I don't rein, so getting tons of dirt in them isn't an issue really...