LeMieux Arika Mesh Boots SS25

Reach for these boots above all when the temperature climbs or when you work long stretches in walk and trot: air flow then matters more than a hard shell. Feel under the boot with your hand after work: a mesh model feels noticeably less clammy than a closed one. Shake the sand out of the shell after every ride, because fine sand left sitting in the mesh acts like sandpaper. Because this model asks for hand washing, having two pairs is sensible if you ride daily. Combine them with overreach boots if your horse catches itself in front of the hoof; those are not part of this set.

Choose the Arika Mesh if you want a light boot for daily work, warming up and hacking in the warm season, and if air flow weighs more heavily for you than a hard shell. Because LeMieux states this model for front and hind legs, it is a practical choice for anyone who wants one type of boot for all four legs. If you really work over fences, a model with a shaped shell over the tendon suits you better, such as the LeMieux Exo-Flex Tendon Boots. If you want the same mesh principle but with a soft fleece edge and a machine-washable build, have a look at the LeMieux Fleece Edge Mesh Brushing Tendon Boots.

Lay the boot around the leg so that the brushing pad sits on the inside, against the fetlock. Close the hook-and-loop fastening from top to bottom, always in the same direction, and pull it up so the boot cannot shift without clamping the leg. You should be able to slide a finger between the edge and the skin. Shake the sand out of the shell after work. Hand wash in cold water and let it air-dry, away from a heat source.

Are the Arika Mesh boots for the front or the hind legs?

LeMieux states them for both. They are sold per pair, so for four legs you need two pairs.

May this model go in the washing machine?

No. LeMieux prescribes hand washing in cold water, no bleach, no dry cleaning, no ironing and air-drying away from a heat source.

How does this model differ from the LeMieux Fleece Edge Mesh?

Both have a mesh shell. The Arika is built without neoprene and has a flat bound edge and hand washing; the Fleece Edge Mesh has a soft fleece edge, a brushing pad in PU leather and may go in the machine at 30 °C.

Is a mesh boot firm enough to jump fences in?

An open mesh shell takes a hard knock less well than a shaped plastic shell. For jumping work you are better off with a model that has such a shell.

Is there neoprene in them?

No. LeMieux explicitly states this model as built without neoprene.

Which size do I need?

Measure the circumference of the lower leg just below the knee and the length from knee to fetlock, and compare with the LeMieux size guide. Maddelin carries this model in size S.

May I use them in the dressage arena?

Not at international dressage competitions: boots must be removed before entering the space around the competition arena. In the warm-up arena and during training they are allowed.

How much do they weigh?

LeMieux does not state a weight per boot for this model.

• Light brushing boot with an open mesh shell, without neoprene
• Lets air through, so heat and moisture can escape from under the boot
• Brushing pad on the inside, sweat-wicking mesh lining
• Stated by LeMieux for front and hind legs, sold per pair
• For warming up, dressage work, hacking and daily training work
• Less suited to jumping work than a model with a shaped shell
• Hand wash in cold water, air-dry
• What we carry: colour Mimosa in size S, from the SS25 collection