JUMPING BOOTS! Please help?

[allie0]

Mmmkayy, so you all know mah poneh Samson :)
http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/v22939/137/70/n1207246578_8617.jpg

We do our fair bit of showjumping, cross countrying etc. We usually get over jumps no problem, but Cross Country I do worry sometimes about him hitting his legs on fences. I have always wanted jumping boots for him! Showjumping boots are out cause they are usually shaped in sucha way..
http://www.greenvalleytack.com/images/wwopenfrontboot.jpg
^^^
as above..

But Brushing Boots for Cross Country are more flexible, for leg sizing anyway..
http://www.toptackequestrian.co.uk/ekmps/shops/toptack/images/shires-neoprene-brushing-boots-931-p.jpg

But one small problem.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs175.snc3/20259_1357084246298_1207246578_31071472_3574240_n. jpg
Samson has fluffy feet! D=
And I have wanted boots for a while for him.

So what do you all think, is it possible to get boots for him, or just pointless? I think if I were to purchase some I'd have to get a bigger size to go over his fluff, and then they might be too big and not fit :doh:
I have seen other cobs wearing jumping boots but when I've asked them where they've got them they never reply!
And shaving off his fluff is certainly NOT an option..

Sorry if this is sorta pointless :/

[WashingtonBay]

I don't know how you'd get boots to fit well enough that they actually did any good... Most of the protection you'd get in brushing or splint boots (protection from blows, either from his own feet or from the fences) you're already getting with the hair.

Has he ever had injuries, splints or other signs he needs them?

[natisha]

What does a horse hit that boots to the back of the legs is helpful?
I don't jump, can you tell?

[WashingtonBay]

I'm not sure on the open front boots. Maybe in case they overstride with the backs, either in gathering for takeoff or in landing.

[allie0]

I don't know how you'd get boots to fit well enough that they actually did any good... Most of the protection you'd get in brushing or splint boots (protection from blows, either from his own feet or from the fences) you're already getting with the hair.

Has he ever had injuries, splints or other signs he needs them?

Thats what some people have said with regard to his hair.
He hasn't had any injuries but he does hit fences a few times and I'm just being worried x] especially cross country when he hits his legs.

[WashingtonBay]

I think the reason the open front boots are open in the front are so they ~aren't~ protected from hitting the jump, actually. No one wants the horse to be hurt, but really, he'll be a more careful jumper if he feels those knocks when he's not careful.

And I think the hair provides good brushing protection... not just the hair itself, but the extra room he gives his own legs because it's there... like the whiskers on a cat.

[JetLagaside]

I really like the Professional Choice boots for cross country they don't absorb water and give them plenty of protection from the fences. I'm guessing you just need to try on a few pairs to make sure you have the right fit over all that lovely hair :)

[TheJFactor&Fergie<3]

JJ has NEW (new equine wear) boots which fit on his front legs, and he's got more bone and feather than Samson, so it is possible... they're just standard brushing boots. you're right, i've never been able to get open fronted tendon boots to fit J as they are a funny shape :( (Fergie has some now though! YAY)
J also has leather brushing boots (i'm not sure if they are a specific brand / i don't know what brand if they are sorry!) but they just fit over his feathers. The trouble I had (and I guess you'll have the same) is that I can get them to go around his legs, but often to get them that wide they're too tall and the interfere with the movement in the his joints :S you just need to try a load on and see what you find, but they do exist :)

as for the protection of hair, J's feathers are pretty immense and he still occasionally clips himself / cuts himself on jumps (not that he's ever really hurt himself yet, thank heavens). I love the idea of feathers acting like cats whiskers! I dunno about Samson but J has been known to knock off light poles with his feathers so it doesn't work for us! lol

good luck finding them! i'm sure Samson will look STUNNING in them! and it's nice to think of his hairy legs protected out xc :) xxx

[Mandzanita]

Although I understand your concern about his leg protection when doing X-Country, I'd have to agree with WB in her reasoning that boots are not really needed in your case. His feathers will act as a natural defense if he knocks anything AND when a horse knocks and feels it, he's bound to tuck a little higher next time. But if getting him boots puts your mind at ease, I guess it wouldn't hurt. These are my choice for an x-country boot...http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=TO80154