Stübben Hybrid Carbon Tendon Boots

This boot is meant for work in which the leg really does take something: courses, gymnastic work over fences, training days with plenty of jumps. Fit it on a clean, dry lining and set both straps to the same position left and right, so that the shell sits at the same height on both front legs. Rinse sand and mud off the shell after work; sand left sitting in the fastenings wears the holes out. Wash the boots regularly at 30 °C and lay them flat to dry, not on a radiator and not in the tumble dryer, so the shell keeps its shape.

Choose the Hybrid Carbon if you jump at a level and want a sturdier shell than the ordinary Hybrid, with carbon reinforcement and impact foam on top of it. It suits showjumping, eventing training and the jumping phase. If you ride mainly dressage, this model has little use in competition: in international dressage, leg protection has to come off before the space around the arena, so it stays a training and warm-up item. If you want the same shape, but without carbon and impact foam, the Stübben Hybrid Tendon Boots are the lighter-equipped version, and they come in two sizes as well. If what you are mainly after is plenty of ventilation, look at the Schockemöhle Air Flow Champion Tendon Boots.

First check that the lining is clean and dry; sand under the shell rubs. Slide the boot over the leg in the natural direction of the lining, with the hard shell at the back over the tendon. Place the fastenings on the outside of the leg, with the straps pointing forwards, and set both straps to the same position. Firm is fine, pinching is not. After work, brush the dirt off or rinse the shell, and wash regularly at 30 °C without the tumble dryer.

What does the carbon version add over the ordinary Stübben Hybrid?

Two things that Stübben lists for this model only: a carbon fibre insert in the outer structure and XRD impact foam. On top of that, Stübben describes the Carbon as a double shell. The cut-away shape and the fastening are the same on both models.

What is XRD foam?

A foam that feels soft at rest and reacts more stiffly to a sudden blow, so that it takes up part of the energy instead of passing it on.

Which legs are they meant for?

For the front legs. The hind legs call for fetlock boots, with a different shape and, in international showjumping classes, with their own requirements on length and fastening.

Which size do I need?

Stübben sizes this model on the circumference of the leg just above the fetlock. The version we stock is the largest of the three Stübben makes and is meant for a circumference of 22.5 cm upwards. If you fall in between, Stübben recommends the smaller size.

May I use them at international competitions?

For front boots, today's international showjumping rules set no requirements as to shape; what does apply is that everything sitting on one leg together may weigh no more than 500 grams. In dressage, leg protection has to come off before the space around the arena. In eventing: not in the dressage test, the jumping rules in the jumping phase, permitted on the cross-country course. There is no FEI list of permitted brands or models; the official on the ground decides.

How do I care for them?

Machine washable at 30 °C or lower and not in the tumble dryer. Brush the dirt off inside and out after use, or rinse the shell with water or wipe it with a damp cloth.

Are they heavier than the ordinary Hybrid?

Stübben gives no weight for either model, so we cannot back that up with figures. The double shell and the carbon insert do make the Carbon sturdier in build.

• Tendon boot for the front legs from the Stübben & Evolution line.
• Carbon fibre in the outer structure and XRD impact foam underneath.
• Double-shell construction that follows the movement of the leg.
• Cut-away design around tendon and fetlock.
• Two stud fastenings with adjustment holes.
• Machine washable at 30 °C, not in the tumble dryer.
• In black and brown, in one size.