Pages

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Product Review - Stretch and Flex Wraps

Paj needs boots when he's turned out or being ridden.  He plays hard, and he's not always mindful of where his hooves are in relation to his legs. 




He's a few years older than he was in these photos, and he has a lot more freedom than he did at the boarding stable, but still he plays hard.  I've used "Dover Pro Sport Horse Boots with Neoprene Lining" for years.  But now that the days are warm, I've started worrying about how hot his legs get under the boots.  So after a little research, I bought a pair of -


"Equilibrium Stretch and Flex Leg Wraps".  The selling point for me was this - "These boots protect while breathable material keeps your horse's legs cool and comfortable. These boots are attractive, easy to use and great for hot weather".  (quote and photos from Dover Saddlery).

So how do I like them?  It's mixed.  They truly are cooler, and that was the point.  However, there's a learning curve to putting them on.  When they say "stretch and flex", they mean it.  You have to put them on a bit tighter than the usual boot, or they will slip.  I hate tack that slips, and I'm not comfortable putting boots or wraps on very tightly for fear of injury, which of course is what we're trying to prevent!  That said, I've found the happy snug fit where they're not tight, and they don't slip.  The other issue is - I'm not sure they are tough enough to do much good should Precious give himself a good whack while playing.  Oh, and the other-other issue is price.  They are considerably more expensive than Dover's Pro boot.   Of course after I bought them on sale at Dover, I found them much cheaper at Horse.com.

My rating?  2 hooves up (out of four)

Looking back at these old photos, I'm very pleased that Paj looks so much better now.  His muscling is better, his coat is shiny and his tail is full and thick.  We must be doing something right!  (But what was I thinking, turning him out bare legged?!?)

15 comments:

in2paints said...

They do look a little "flimsy" as far as protective boots go, but perhaps they'll be just the right mix of flexible and cool.

I love the pictures of Paj... so athletic!

Jim said...

The 'header' photo is great! And I got myself another 'lesson' in the care of horses. I know so little.

Terry said...

Becca, they seem a little too light weight. I'm using them on the hot days, figuring that he won't fool around if it's hot, and I'm using the Pros on the other days.

Terry said...

Oh Jim, if only you knew how complex we make horse care!

Dom said...

I wonder if my klutz would benefit from a pair.

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

I got a pair of these last summer because we were having a drought and the arena footing got super deep. I wanted cool + support.

They are cool as well as tough and will last, but expensive and like yours a learning curve on how tight is tight enough. I'm still on the fence...

Love the new header - great picture!!

Alison said...

I can see why you fell for that boy. Has he got some moves, or what!?

Terry said...

Ozzy? Ozzy a klutz?

Terry said...

You said it well - I'm still on the fence too.

Terry said...

Great horse for a little old lady, eh? But it works.

Lori Skoog said...

such a beautiful boy....

Dreaming said...

Sorry, but I have no experience in this area. Since my Haffies have tree-trunk legs, I tend not to worry about them.
The new wraps do look much less substantial than the old. I guess experience will tell the tale.
I love your header photo!

Mare said...

Oh you learned the Dover lesson to did you? Horse.com doesn't always have stuff cheaper, but I've learned the hard way to always check first!

I <3 Paj!

Ruth said...

Paj is gorgeous! Love the header photo :)

OnTheBit said...

I din't know you were looking for boots...I had to have boots on Gen for his turnout after he was hurt (I still should, but after the barn owner not putting them on correctly one day and accidentally hurting him my vet and I decided to just risk him going out nakie). Anyway...the boots that I liked the best were pegasus air boots. I just felt like they gave the best support. It took a few tries to learn how to put them on, but once you get it they work like dream. Plus they are like half the price of those stretch and flex boots (I know, I have a pair of those,,,and about 15 other kinds of boots). If you want to try the Pegasus I can mail a pair to you to use for a month to see if you like them (it would be cheaper than buying them and not liking them). Just let me know