One big problem, tho: the MEs only go down to size M, and were still not the right fit for Isabel. No matter what I did, they would turn during a ride. When I found myself opting to use different boots for schooling I knew it was time. We needed new boots that fit.
I figured this problem was more or less solved by the used Woofs I picked up on eBay - except those kinda turned too... Ugh. Petite little mare and her toothpick legs!
But, then - angels sang. I wasn't even looking for cross country boots at Rolex, when I spotted these LeMieux boots out of the corner of my eye. AND. They had fronts and hinds in size S. The full set of four for $135.
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| porous exterior doesn't hold water. branding is relatively understated. |
The design is super simple: the flexible cage mesh exterior dissipates water, heat, and debris; and the polycarbonate strike guards are lightweight yet SOLID. No hard edges tho - the design feels very smooth and fitted. Oh, and there's no neoprene on these boots.
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| finally. boots that fit. |
The hind boots do have individual velcro tracks for each strap - but again, the fit and adjustment seems just right.
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| ruthlessly efficient. that's something i can get behind |
After being paranoid for so long about my boots slipping, turning, or falling down - it's really refreshing to not actually have to worry any more. Or have to pester my riding buddies, asking "are my boots ok?" (does anybody else remember the multiple xc lessons that had to be paused for Dan to fix a fallen boot?? ugh - never again!)
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| a photograph of photographs. #meta |
Ruthlessly efficient might as well be a metaphor for my life philosophy. lol
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| all cleaned up and ready for the next ride! left: front boots with the strike guard along the tendon right: hind boots with the strike guard across the cannon inside and front |
The LeMieux boots look and feel great after a month of use - and are fully assimilated into my assortment of somewhat neglected and abused equipment. And I expect to hang on to them.
Oh. And for those of you into that kind of thing, a little googling proved that they also come in brown or metallic... ;)
These sound awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review - they sound exactly like what I am looking for.
ReplyDeleteVery cool, those look awesome! May have to try them myself, at least for the fronts. The ME's just go down too low on Connor.
ReplyDeleteThose boots are gorgeous! So happy they work for you and your mare! My mare is hard to fit as well, but it seems we have opposite problems- mine is a chunk! ;)
ReplyDeleteNever heard of them! Cool :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of these!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found something! If only I needed xc boots. ;-)
ReplyDeleteNow I want some!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteI like those! But I don't jump anymore :-)
ReplyDeleteNo neoprene but still breathable is so cool! I don't have a horse with an allergy, but it causes problems for enough horses, that it's great to have an non-neoprene option.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know about these as an option. Nilla's legs aren't thin, but they're short (she's only 15hh) so I've been worried the MEs might not fit. Also, you can remove that logo with a seam ripper if you don't like it. I do that for all my tack with large branding.
ReplyDeleteDamnit, no white? I want white boots because they look so good on the red pony. But fit would be nice.
ReplyDeletethe metallic boots def aren't white, but they are bright and could be an interesting look if you wanted to go that route!
Deletehttp://www.lemieuxproducts.com/horsewear/cross-country-boots/prosport-stealth-air-xc-boots-hind-black-ii
Is their size guide/recommendation pretty accurate? My mare is on the short side of 15hh and she has fairly short cannons. She's usually in cob sized boots and LeMieux recommends small front's with medium hind's.
ReplyDeletethis mare is 14.3 and the smalls work pretty well all the way around, tho i suspect we could probably make do with mediums in back too (if you look closely at the second picture from the top, there's enough room that a longer boot would fit). she has fairly dainty legs tho, which can sometimes mean mediums are too wide and will turn. but a horse with more bone would likely be fine in mediums.
DeleteCan I ask what booth you found these at?
ReplyDeletesorry, it's been about a year and i can't search that far back in my credit card statements, apparently to see the vendor name. this particular set is available for sale tho! if you're interested email me at fraidycat.eventing at gmail.
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