Open leather and synthetic fleece boots: what they are for
These open leather and synthetic fleece boots are horse leg protection made by Smart Wag. The listing names two materials, leather and synthetic sheepskin, and two sizes, Cob and Full. Number of pieces and colour are not stated.
An open-fronted boot, or open tendon boot, leaves the front of the leg free. In its usual design, it covers the back of the cannon, the tendons and the fetlock. The table below compares it with the closed boot.
Which kind of work: flatwork, warm-up, jumping (usual practice)
The listing does not name the intended work. As a rule, the open-fronted boot is chosen for jumping. The horse keeps the feel of the pole if it touches it. On the flat and at warm-up, many riders prefer a closed boot.
Protected area: fetlock and tendon
The covered area is not stated on the listing. In usual practice, it wraps the fetlock and the flexor tendons at the back of the cannon. It shields the fetlock from knocks and the tendon from impacts, the front staying free.
Table: use, size and the closed boot
Smart Wag offers two horse leg protections: this open set and a closed set in leather and mesh. The table separates what the listing states from usual practice. Each model is clickable.
| Model | Materials | Set contents and sizes | Personalisation and care |
|---|---|---|---|
Open leather and synthetic fleece boots. Back of the leg covered, front free (usual design). | Leather and synthetic sheepskin (synthetic fleece). | Set, number of pieces not stated. Cob and Full, no colour choice. | Laser engraving to request from the workshop. Feed the leather, rinse the fleece (usual care). |
Closed leather and mesh boots. Leg wrapped, front included (usual design). | Leather and mesh. | Set of 4 boots. Cob and Full, no colour choice. | Laser engraving to request from the workshop. Feed the leather, rinse the mesh (usual care). |
Reading the table: work, area, material, size, care, personalisation
Materials, set, sizes and engraving come from the listings. Work, protected area and care are general points about this kind of boot, not certified by the listing. For a specific point, ask the workshop.
Compare with the closed boot before buying
Open or closed boots for your horse: it all depends on your work. Jumping and the feel of the pole: the open set. Flatwork, lunging and warm-up, leg wrapped: the closed leather and mesh boots. Both come in Cob and Full.
Leather and synthetic fleece: what changes on contact
The listing names leather and synthetic sheepskin, without giving thickness, composition or closure. As a rule, the leather forms the outside of the boot and the fleece the face against the leg.
Comfort and care of the leather and synthetic fleece pairing
In usual practice, a synthetic sheepskin lining limits rubbing and softens part of the impacts. The contact is gentler than with an all-leather boot. It does, however, hold sweat, dust and sand.
Brush off dry mud, rinse the fleece in clean water and dry in the shade. Clean the leather with a suitable soap, then feed it. The listing publishes no care instruction for this set.
There is no online engraving field for this set: for the laser engraving personalisation, contact the workshop before ordering. Undecided? Compare with the closed leather and mesh boots, or browse the other horse equipment category from Smart Wag.
Frequently asked questions about horse leg protection
What are the different levels of leg protection in riding?
The level depends on the work, the area covered and the material. As a rule, an open-fronted boot covers fetlock and tendon and leaves the front free. A closed boot wraps the whole lower leg. Check each listing.
What is an open leather and synthetic fleece boot for?
In usual practice, it protects the fetlock and tendon during work, above all when jumping. The front of the leg stays free to feel the pole. The leather gives structure; the synthetic fleece softens the contact.
