LeMieux Exo-Flex Tendon Boots

When fitting them, take the time to choose the strap width and strap length that suit your horse: the fit of this model stands or falls with that. If the boot still sits loosely around the narrowest part of the leg after that, there is a shorter strap for it. Keep the air openings clear: sand settling into the front openings takes the ventilation principle out of the boot, so knock them out after the ride. Wash by hand in lukewarm water and then let them dry at room temperature, away from a heat source. Check the screw connection of the straps and the edges of the brushing pads now and then; those are the parts that wear first with intensive use.

Choose the Exo-Flex if you jump or event and want a slim tendon boot for the front legs with a shaped shell over the tendon, air flow and straps you can set up yourself. It is made for training and for the jumping arena; boots may not go into the international dressage competition arena, and not into the dressage test of an event either. If you mainly ride dressage, the LeMieux Motionflex Dressage Tendon Boots suits you better. If you want a light, soft boot for daily work without a hard shell, have a look at the LeMieux Motion Cool Tendon Boots. And if you want something you can put in the washing machine after every ride, this model is not the easiest choice.

Fit the boot so that the brushing pad lies behind the tendon and the smaller pad along the inside of the fetlock. Close the straps from top to bottom and pull them up until the boot cannot turn; a finger should fit between the edge and the skin. If there is still room at the narrowest point once closed, change to a shorter strap. Knock the sand out of the air openings after the ride. Hand wash in lukewarm water, not in the machine, and let them air-dry.

Which legs is the Exo-Flex Tendon Boot meant for?

The front legs. LeMieux carries separate Exo-Flex models for the hind legs; this tendon boot does not fit behind.

What is ACF?

LeMieux describes ACF as artificial cartilage foam: a foam layer in the boot that according to the manufacturer absorbs and spreads up to 90 per cent of an impact. That percentage is a statement from LeMieux.

Can I replace or adjust the straps?

Yes. The straps rotate with the boot, come in 25 mm and 30 mm widths and in three lengths, and can be changed with a screw connection. Separate strap sets are available on their own.

May this model go in the washing machine?

No. LeMieux prescribes hand washing in lukewarm water and explicitly no machine washing. Afterwards let them dry at room temperature, away from a heat source.

Which sizes and colours do you stock?

We stock them in black, in sizes M and L.

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.

Does this boot hold heat?

Less than a closed boot: the shell is open, with air openings at the front and the top and a 3D mesh layer. A hard shell with a lining does always stay warmer than an uncovered leg, though.

How much does it weigh?

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

• Tendon boot for the front legs with an open TPU exoskeleton shell
• Brushing pads with a carbon look behind the tendon and along the fetlock
• ACF foam layer; LeMieux states absorption and spreading of up to 90 per cent of an impact
• Air openings at the front and the top, 3D mesh and a bamboo-nylon lining
• Rotating straps, interchangeable in 25 mm and 30 mm and in three lengths
• Slim profile, meant for showjumping and eventing
• Hand wash in lukewarm water, not in the machine
• We stock them in black, in sizes M and L