Product Review: Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

I've found that the Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots pair oh so very well together. They provide a look that is crisp, clean and visually appealing. Photo by Lorraine Peachey. I've found that the Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots pair oh so very well together. They provide a look that is crisp, clean and visually appealing. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Hard work is a part of my everyday life. Getting out of bed is not the most attractive thing in the world when I hear my alarm going off soon after 5 a.m. However, there are horses to feed, stalls to clean and chores to be done before heading to the office.

After each and every busy day at the office, I eventually disconnect and head home. When I arrive, I’m ready to sprint in the door and change into my riding attire so that I can head out my back door. Thankfully, I’m just a short jog away from catching my pony for a ride since my horses live at home with me.

This summer, I’ve been really excited to continue on training with my young gelding. Rufus, affectionately nicknamed Roo or Super Pony, is now in his second summer under saddle. Last year, we spent time learning the basics. And this year? We’re getting down to business.

Working harder means that I’ve been careful about picking out tack and protective gear to outfit Roo for training. When riding a young horse, and in Roo’s case a particularly sensitive horse, I’ve found that every little detail matters.

And it’s so very true. Every little decision matters, from what bit I use to the saddle pad I choose and the girth that I pick. All of them make a difference to a young and sensitive horse who is still learning the ropes and how to use his body.

During wear, I've found that Roo does get protection from the boots. I wear them on him for flatwork, working with cavaletti, and also for going over small jumps. Photo by Andrew Lapp.

Boots are important to protect Roo’s legs! Photo by Andrew Lapp.

Because I am concerned about leg protection, I choose to use outfit Roo with protective boots, and I’ve been using the new Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots this summer.

The Weatherbeeta Exercise Boots are made with a soft and durable Pro Mesh TPU outer shell in order to provide maximum protection to the leg. Each boot features three secure and adjustable elastic straps that close with velcro touch tape.

The inner side of each boot boasts a tough PVC strike pad, which visually blends nicely in with the rest of the boot. The strike pads are placed on the boots in order to protect against leg knocks and brushing during exercise.

Looking to the inside of the boots, I really like the smooth-feeling neoprene liner. The breathable neoprene contours to the leg for a fit that is comfortable and just right.

The Weatherbeeta Bell Boots that I’ve paired with the Exercise Boots also feature many of the same materials and technologies. They have the same soft and durable Pro Mesh TPU outer, and the interior lining is also made of the same breathable neoprene.

I do find that since I've both started wearing the Bell Boots and have had my farrier tighten up Roo's front shoes, that he hasn't sprung or pulled another shoe. Which is very welcome! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

I do find that since I’ve both started using the bell boots that Roo hasn’t sprung or pulled another shoe. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

A feature specific to the bell boots that I really like is their non-twist design. The front of the bell boots close with a double-sided velcro, the inside of the back of the boot features a knob that fits between the bulbs of the horse’s heel. This knob is designed to help to keep the boot from spinning during use.

I’ve found that the Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots pair very well together. They provide a look that is crisp, clean and visually appealing. I personally like the way that the Pro Mesh TPU outer looks too. And in Roo’s case, the black boots blend well with his legs.

The exercise boots are very easy to put on and take off of Roo’s legs. I’ve also found that I like that the boots have tags to indicate which leg they are for. In case I’m having a totally brain dead moment after a long day in he office, I don’t have to think about which boot goes on which leg.

The bell boots were a little more tricky for me to fit on Roo because his feet are SO big, but the biggest size (Warmblood) can accommodate his big, wide, warmblood hooves!

Both sets of boots are branded with tasteful Weatherbeeta logos. For the exercise boots, the logos are located on the top closure strap, so the logo appears on the back side of the leg during use. The bell boots have the logo on the front closure.

After months of almost daily use, they look fantastic. The outer surface is easy to clean and doesn't show much wear. And the velcro is still just as strong as new. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

After months of almost daily use, the boots look fantastic. The outer surface is easy to clean and doesn’t show much wear, and the velcro is still just as strong as new. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The exercise boots stay in place well during use without slipping. Since I’ve both started using the bell boots, Roo hasn’t sprung or pulled another shoe, which is very welcome!

One thing I have experienced with the bell boots is that they do sometimes twist a bit while Roo is wearing them, but the twisting hasn’t affected the use or function.

After months of almost daily use, the Weatherbeeta Exercise and Bell Boots still look fantastic. The outer surface is easy to clean and doesn’t show much wear, and the velcro is still just as strong as new.

The Weatherbeeta Exercise Boots are currently available in black in size full (which fits Roo’s warmblood-sized legs). They retail for $64.99, and you can find them here. The bell boots are available in black in cob, full and warmblood. They retail for $39.99, and you can find them here.

Go Leg Protection. Go Weatherbeeta. Go Eventing.