... See the picture below for a better idea (though they are not the Weatherbeeta ones). The boots cover the heel area but they go all the way around, covering a lot of the front hoof aswell. This isn`t necessary but if they turn round (which they do), they will still cover the heel.
Occassionally ... Read review
Advantages: More difficult to lose. Disadvantages: Difficult to get off.
...(though they are not the Weatherbeeta ones). The boots cover the heel area but they go all the way around, covering a lot of the front hoof aswell. This isn`t necessary but if they turn round (which they do), they will still cover the heel.
Occassionally I have seen one on a single back foot. Obviously the horse can`t overreach there, but some horses are quite close behind and can unjure themselves while standing on their opposite ... .../>
The Weatherbeeta over-reach boots are shown in the above picture. They are available in black brown and white. Anyone who buys white boots for a horse in my opinion is asking for more work for themselves. They are not going to stay clean for long. Some peoples choice though I agree but I tend to go ... more
I am quite enjoying writing about different horse boots. I am finding it interesting as it is something I use without thinking. As I have already mentioned, they have more pairs than me. These boots that I am reviewing are Weaterbeeta Over-Reach Boots Showjumper. They are not exclusively for showjumping but there does happen to be a high percentage of use amonst showjumpers.
Over-Reach Boots. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Over-Reach boots are the kind of thing you have one of in the tack room. They are a bit like odd socks. When you have one, it never matches the one that you already have lying around! That is one of the facts of life of the over-reach boot.
Over-reach boots are made from rubber and are designed to prevent over-reach injuries. Over-reach injuries occur only on the front feet. When a horse over-reaches, it strikes into the heel of the front foot on the same side. Injuries can be quite painful at this site, so prevention is better than cure. Obviously the horse is usually shod, so it is the metal of the shoe on the toe of the hind hoof so it can strike quite hard. The idea of the boot is to cover this area. See the picture below for a better idea (though they are not the Weatherbeeta ones). The boots cover the heel area but they go all the way around, covering a lot of the front hoof aswell. This isn`t necessary but if they turn round (which they do), they will still cover the heel.
Occassionally I have seen one on a single back foot. Obviously the horse can`t overreach there, but some horses are quite close behind and can unjure themselves while standing on their opposite foot so some people utilise the boots in this instance. It is not very common for the boots to be used in this way though.
The boots that I am reviewing are pull on overreach boots, which are just as the name suggests. They are also available in velcro fastenings. There is another type of fasteining which is rubber, a long piece of rubber fits through some gaps making it secure. I won`t go into explaining this because it is not relevant with this boot or easy to explain.
The Weatherbeeta over-reach boots are shown in the above picture. They are available in black brown and white. Anyone who buys white boots for a horse in my opinion is asking for more work for themselves. They are not going to stay clean for long. Some peoples choice though I agree but I tend to go for black, a far more sensible option. They are only about £3.50-£3.99 in small, medium and large.
They are not an expensive boot. They are made only from rubber so the materials are not too costly. The Weatherbeeta boots are the pull on variety. That means you have to pull them on over the hoof. They go up about an inch around the pastern to offer a bit more protection (some don`t) and apparently there is less chance of them turning upsidedown or insideout which ever way you like to look at it.
Getting them on. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You need a horse that will stand with its hoof up without a problem as it is not easy to put them on if the horse continually puts its foot down when you are trying to get it on. In this instance, it would be easier to use velcro overreach boots or boots with a different fastening. They are fairly easy to get on. You need to turn the boot insideout and then lift the horse hoof up, stand so that you are facing the back of the horse and pull the boots on. Getting them on is the easy bit.
Getting them off. * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Getting the boots of isn`t so easy. First of all, they are quite probably going to be muddy wihch doesn`t help. It is often easier to stand behind the hoof that you have lifted up. You then grab the boot as best you can and pull. Pull it over the heel first, that is easier, the rest of the boot will come off then aswell. It isn`t that easy at first, but once you have the knack, it does become much easier.
When to use. * * * * * * * * * * *
The boots are commonly used when showjumping along with tendon boots (usually open fronted and fetlock boots behind). When a horse is jumping, especially large tracks, they are at a higher risk of striking their front legs or heel. The overreach boots protect the bulbs of the heel.
Some people may use them when hacking, though not many. There is not as big a chance of an overreach injury when hacking as when jumping.
They are also used for group rides. I go on a beach ride most years which is great fun. It starts off in woods, over some jumps and then picnic on the beach, cantering through the sea (after lunch). Then back through the woods again. It really is a fantastic ride. I don`t use any boots on this ride from experience. I have found in the past that the sand can get under the boots and rub causing irritation and marks and raw skin. This is boots in general, not just overreach boots. I have seen people on the ride with overreach boots on. Some of them turn inside out, or upside down. Not only do they look silly, but they serve no purpose as they cannot offer any protection. This is what the extra inch at the top of the Weatherbeeta boots trys to avoid. Apparently there is less chance of this happeing.
Do I recommend? * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I recommend the Weatherbeeta boots and I always use them for showjumping. As overreach boots go, they are good. As a rule these boots are inexpensive and I have found these to be among the better ones. I always buy pull on overreach boots now, the Weatherbeetas ones being my favourite. It is not worth, in my opinion, buying velcro fastening overreach boots, you lose too many. The other fastenings are good and fairly easy to put on. The pull on ones are the most secure in my experience. It is still possible to lose them though (always one) when riding in deep mud, which you wouldn`t believe with the hassle getting them off. They are still the best though I have found and certainly worth the small cost.
