BR Xcellence Tendon Boots

Close the hook-and-loop so that you can slide a flat finger underneath, then lay the flap neatly over it; that flap keeps the hook-and-loop shut once the leg gets wet or sandy. Because the straps have double elastic, you feel it less clearly when you are closing them too tightly: go slightly looser and check again after ten minutes of riding. Rinse the boots under the tap after use and let them dry at room temperature. Close all the hook-and-loop before they go into the machine, otherwise it fills with hair and loses its grip. Machine washing is allowed up to 30 °C in a wash bag with a delicate detergent; the tumble dryer distorts the shell.

The Xcellence suits riders who want a sturdy hook-and-loop boot with extra reinforcement at the back, and anyone with several horses or ponies in different sizes: this model runs from Shetland to Full. If what you mainly want is plenty of colour choice and a simpler build, you end up with the BR Event tendon boots, which have no separate impact zone. If you would rather not work with hook-and-loop, the BR Ultimo tendon boots with their quick-release fastenings or the BR XO2 tendon boot with its hook-and-eye fastening are a better fit; the XO2 also has a ventilated shell and a breathable lining. For training, showjumping and warming up the Xcellence is in its element; in the competition arena at international dressage events it may not be used.

Place the boot around the front leg with the shell over the tendon and the impact zone behind the fetlock. Close the hook-and-loop from the bottom upwards with even pressure, until you can slide a flat finger underneath, and then lay the flap over it. After a few minutes of riding, check that nothing has shifted. Rinse under the tap after use; machine wash up to 30 °C in a wash bag with the hook-and-loop closed, not in the tumble dryer.

What is that impact zone?

An extra reinforced piece of plastic on the back of the shell, at the point where a hind hoof can strike against the front leg. The rest of the shell is polyurethane.

How many hook-and-loop fastenings does this boot have?

Two, each with double elastic and a flap over the top. In size Shetland there is one hook-and-loop fastening.

What is the difference with the BR Event tendon boots?

The Event has the same combination of polyurethane shell and neoprene lining, but no separate impact zone and no anatomical cut-out at the back, and BR does not state the lining thickness for it. The Event comes in many more colours.

Are they suitable for a pony or a Shetland?

Yes. This model runs from size Shetland through Pony and Cob to Full. Not every colour comes in every size.

How do I clean them?

Rinse them under the tap after riding. If they are really dirty, they can go into the machine at up to 30 °C, in a wash bag and with a delicate detergent. Close all the hook-and-loop first. Not in the tumble dryer.

May I use them at competitions?

BR says nothing about this itself. For international showjumping, front leg boots are currently subject to no requirements as to shape; the limit of 500 grams for everything worn together on one leg does apply, and BR does not state a weight in grams. In the competition arena at international dressage events, boots are forbidden and must be removed before entering the space around the competition arena. For national competitions, the rules of your own federation apply.

Do the legs get warm underneath?

A closed shell with a neoprene lining holds in heat and moisture, more so than an open bandage. This model has no ventilation openings. If you do want those, look at a ventilated model such as the BR XO2.

Can I put a set together with these?

The BR Xcellence line also includes a saddle pad, brushing boots, fetlock boots and an ear bonnet, so you can carry a colour through.

• Tendon boot for the front legs, Xcellence model by BR.
• Hard polyurethane shell with a plastic impact zone on the back.
• Lining of 5 mm neoprene, blind-finished along the edges.
• Two hook-and-loop fastenings with double elastic and a flap; Shetland has one.
• Anatomical cut-out above the rear section.
• Sizes Shetland, Pony, Cob and Full; at Maddelin in black, white and navy.
• Rinse under the tap or machine wash up to 30 °C in a wash bag.
• No ventilation openings; not allowed in the competition arena at international dressage events.