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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Review: DSB Boots

10/8/2015

 
The other day I shared a post about a sale that Riding Warehouse was having on DSB boots. It's still going on by the way. My order arrived on Tuesday.
I've used a variety of different "splint boots," but these are much nicer than most of the brands you'll find. I've washed Speedy's original pair at least ten times over the past eight months, and while the fleece isn't quite as pretty, it does come out clean and soft. It wasn't until I placed them next to a brand new pair that I realized they didn't actually look brand new. The outside does look almost new after being washed. 
Picture
Speedy's old pair on the left, new pair on the right.
I think the DSB boots run pretty true to size. Speedy wears smalls in the front, and they perfectly. I can pull them nice and snug, and the boots close just right around his leg. Speedy is a "smaller" horse, but he's got better bone than a lot of Arabs. A truly small horse might find the small to be a bit big; the small is not pony-sized.

I put the smalls on Izzy just for comparison, and I could barely hook the velcro to the other side. He wears a medium in the front which fits perfectly as well.
Picture
Smalls in the front, mediums in the back.
Riding Warehouse suggests ordering up a size for the hind legs. I put Speedy's small pair on his hind legs and was surprised at how much bigger his hind legs really are. The boots fit his hind legs like they did Izzy's front legs. I knew the mediums would work for the rear. The same thing happened with Izzy. He wears a medium in the front and a large in the back.

The small and medium sized boots close with two velcro straps, but the large-sized boots use three velcro straps. It makes it easier to tell which is which.
Picture
The bright white looks good on dark horses.
Most online tack stores carry the DSB boots for close to fifty bucks a pair. Riding Warehouse's regular price is $37.95, but if you buy two of the same style and color, they're only $32.95. Since their sale is still happening, they're taking an additional 10% off. And to make the deal even sweeter, Riding Warehouse offers free shipping if your order is at least $50.

​Obviously I couldn't resist.
Picture
HIs winter coat is growing in. He looks almost black now.
I may not be done buying boots however. I really wanted to order the white patent boots, but they were out of stock in Izzy's size. Even so, the next time this sale rolls around, I want to buy Speedy a show set in the black patent glossy with white fleece. Izzy will have to wait for the next sale after that.

For the price, I can afford to have several pairs for each boy. Would three pairs per horse be just silly? The navy is calling my name ...
lytha
10/8/2015 06:30:16 am

Now you just need a white bridle and you'll be set. JK: )

I would like to ask you why you use splint boots. When I did dressage, it was "every time every ride" according to my trainer. I never asked why. Do we want the tendons warm? (The Back On Tracks are actually advertised as keeping the legs warm.) I thought we wanted legs cool. Do they prevent injury from awkward horses' hooves hitting them just so? I cringe when I see people do endurance in Sports Medicine Boots, although I used them when I'd be bushwhacking. There are a lot of opinions out there and I'd like to know your rationale if you don't mind.

Marlane
10/8/2015 05:00:44 pm

I also am curious as to why to use splint boots or any kind of wraps and protective boots. My understanding is that it is not necessary unless a horse is hurting itself by striking into its legs, fetlocks etc. How can you tell that they are doing that ?

Bakersfiedl Dressage link
10/8/2015 07:40:13 pm

I do think there should be a reason for using polos or boots. Looking good isn't enough of a reason for me as they're a lot of work to keep clean!

With that said, I am using the boots for leg protection. While Speedy hasn't been prone to whacking himself before, now that I am asking for lots more lateral and collected work, I am being super careful with his legs. Asking him to really cross his hind legs carries more risk of dings as does asking for the walk to canter transition.

I know he strikes his front hoof with his back hoof (bruising can be seen), so he wears bells boots ALWAYS.

Izzy is a bit of a wild child still and already carries that large scar on his hind leg. I am choosing to be extra careful with his legs as well.

While it gets really hot here, the boots don't seem to create any excessive heat. Their legs never fill after work, and I keep the boots clean and free of dirt or any kind of stickers.

Marlane
10/9/2015 09:29:06 am

Thanks for taking the time to explain. Now I understand !!

SprinklerBandit
10/8/2015 06:31:21 am

Take it from me--there's nothing weird about 3 sets of boots per horse if you're from jumperland. ;-) The thing I find most shocking about dressage is how little CRAP you need to do it.

BTW just got my DSBs off your recommendation and LOVE them. So fluffy.

Tracy link
10/8/2015 07:10:09 am

A girl can NEVER have too many shoes! And boots for my horse totally count, right? I mean, Miles has 4 full sets of open fronts....... #sorrynotsorry

Jan link
10/8/2015 07:54:28 am

Ack! I was hoping this sale would slip by and I would go, "Aww darn, I missed it! Oh well." Penn is chewing up the boots I have (Mikey did a good job on them first, just to be fair), and I could really use a second set for taking out in public. I really want the silver with white or black fleece (I don't recall which it comes with). I also want the navy. I also want a fresh black set. So many wants!

Amanda Chance link
10/8/2015 08:10:59 am

I have the navy. You need them.

Hillary link
10/8/2015 09:23:58 am

The navy's are beautiful. I have a pair after seeing 900FBPonys pair and I love them.

My only complaint is that they slip... I must just now be putting them on tight enough or something though.

Lauren link
10/8/2015 09:26:17 am

Really want a pair of good hacking boots for Simonpants, but have concern about tendons getting too hot with Texas temps. These are so pretty though!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
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