Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
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. 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. 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. 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. 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: )
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 ? 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!
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. 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! Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI 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. About Speedy GSpeedy 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.
About IzzyIzzy 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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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