Q: What kind of boots should my pony wear for jumping?

A: The type of boots your pony needs for jumping will depend on the sort of jumping you do with him. If you’re doing eventing and cross-country, you’ll need sturdy brushing boots to protect his legs in case he knocks them on fixed fences.

However, if you’re showjumping, you have three options:

• Brushing boots provide excellent protection for your pony’s legs, as they cover both the front and back of the legs. However, it is thought that they might overheat the legs, which is bad for the tendons and ligaments. If you are going to use brushing boots, you need to make sure that they are well ventilated!
• Tendon boots are open at the front but support the tendons at the back of your pony’s legs. This support for the tendons is very important, particularly when you start jumping a little bigger.
• No boots are usually okay for very small jumps, but we generally wouldn’t recommend this option.

If you are still unsure, chat to your instructor and see what they advise.