World of Showjumping asked several highly experienced grooms to share their best tips & tricks. In this next part of our series, they share their preferences on boots and work bandages.
Mel Jobst, long-time groom for Marcus Ehning:
“It depends on the horse, but for support we normally use bandages with wraps under in front and boots – small young horse by Veredus – on the back, or bandages. It all depends on the horse. We only use bell boots if necessary and check that they are not rubbing the skin. If the ground is wet, we don’t use bandages, they will get wet and heavy and aren’t staying on as they should.”
Josie Eliasson, long-time groom for Jessica Springsteen:
Marlen Schannwell, long-time groom for Bertram Allen:
“Most our horses get normal boots for the daily work and tendon boots for jumping. We have two or three with either too small or too big legs so they get sheep skin boots or bandages. There are lots of tests done already where the vets try to find out what protects the most, but there is no winner yet. Nothing protects the tendon 100%. And racehorses don’t wear boots at all and they have a way harder job than going in circles.”
Denise Moriarty, long-time groom for Kent Farrington:
Heidi Mulari, long-time groom for Steve Guerdat:
Kay Neatham, former long-time groom for Marcus Ehning:
“I have used many different combinations over the years, and they all worked. With boots it’s important to make sure they are clean and that they fit, so they don't cause rubs or sores. As to the bandages it’s important that the person putting them on can bandage, otherwise you do more harm than good.”
Nickki O’Donovan, long-time groom for Darragh Kenny:
Sean Lynch, long-time groom for Daniel Deusser:
Aurelie Marchiando, long-time groom for Leopold van Asten:
Morgane Tresch, long-time groom for Jeroen Dubbeldam:
Jenny Ducoffre, long-time groom for Jos Verlooy:
Madeleine Broek, long-time groom for Marc Houtzager:
Cynthia Gurrie, former long-time groom for Michael Whitaker:
Malin Henlöv, former long-time groom for Peder Fredricson, now working for Evelina Tovek:
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