by Karen Chaton
A Comfortable Ride, a Successful Finish
Endurance riding is a demanding sport that can really test both horse and rider.. My recent experience at the Riders of the Lost Sierra endurance ride was no exception. Riding my trusty gelding, VG Ben Jovi, through the challenging terrain with its steep climbs and rocky trails, I knew that having the right equipment was crucial. One such piece of essential gear proved to be the Renegade Viper Glow-Boots.
These boots weren't just any hoof boots; they were designed with a softer, more flexible UV polyurethane material that offered exceptional shock absorption. This was especially important given the rugged nature of the trail. The boots helped to reduce the strain on Jovi's hooves and entire body, ensuring he remained comfortable and able to perform at his best throughout our 100-mile journey.
I had previously done several conditioning rides with these boots on Jovi. I wanted to make sure that they would hold up knowing that there was a possibility that the softer material might wear out faster. Going into this challenging 2 day ride I felt confident that the boots were wearing really well.
The benefits were clear. Jovi's hooves remained protected, even after traversing muddy bogs, creeks, and the challenging hardpacked and rocky terrain. The softer material allowed for natural hoof movement, reducing discomfort and fatigue. They appear to be wearing quite well and after putting a few hundred miles on them they still have plenty of tread left.
Thanks to the Renegade Viper Glow-Boots, Jovi and I were able to complete both 50-mile days, earning us the Mountain Warrior award. We were the only horse and rider team to do this!. Jovi's final vet card was a testament to the boots' effectiveness, with all A's and a 48 pulse after his finish trot out.
Another advantage of the Renegade Viper Glow-Boots is their visibility in low-light and dark conditions. The glow-in-the-dark feature ensures that your horse's hooves are easily seen by other riders and trail users, and can also help with illuminating the trail much like using a glow-stick.
If you're looking for a reliable and effective hoof boot option for your endurance or trail horse, I highly recommend the Renegade Viper Glow-Boots. Their combination of comfort, protection, and durability is unmatched.