Professional’s Choice continues to reinforce its reputation as the leader in equine leg care with a new line of protective boots sized especially for larger sporthorses. Professional’s Choice has long promoted the importance of booting performance horses to protect them from injuries. Not only from exterior hazards, but to also give support and prevent suspensory damage from hyperextension of the fetlock. This becomes especially important for horses that are trail or endurance riding, jumping or schooling through the levels of dressage.

Steffen Peters and Floriano warming up at the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix, wearing Professional’s Choice Combo Bandage Wraps and Ballistic Bell Boots. Photo: Cealy Tetley Photography

After winning third place in the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle Final, Professional’s Choice product endorser, Steffen Peters and Floriano, took their victory walk looking like a true champion attired in Professional’s Choice Combo Bandage Wraps and Ballistic Bell Boots. Although boots are not allowed in competition, Peters makes a habit of booting his horses during every training session.
Until recently Professional’s Choice has aligned its marketing emphasis mostly toward the western disciplines, and is considered a market leader. However, many influential riders in the english disciplines have requested boots for their respective sports, recognizing that Professional’s Choice was a logical choice to provide protection for their horses.
When a horse is training, especially learning new and complicated routines, injuries are bound to happen. Professional’s Choice Leather Protection Boots and Warmblood (xl, xxl & xxxxl) sized Ballistic Bell Boots are designed to prevent such injuries; they are used by other dressage greats and Professional’s Choice endorsers, such as Catherine Haddad and Rudolph Zeilinger. After Andreas Helgstrand’s exquisite mare, Blue Horse Matine, received an injury while unloading from a plane at the Las Vegas Airport, her vet recommended that her rehabilitation include the use of Professional’s Choice boots. Matine’s vet was heard to say that Professional’s Choice boots were the only boots the mare should wear.
The specially designed Leather Protection Boot, extra large size SMB Elites and the Ballistic Bell Boots were introduced at the FEI Rolex World Cup, and demand was so high that stocks of these boots completely sold out and they had to be drop shipped to customers after the show. US Team Coach, Klaus Balkenhol, was even spotted at the Professional’s Choice booth with several pairs of new Leather Protection Boots in hand. Since their release Professional’s Choice has been elated by the overwhelming response and requests for these products.
The Leather Protection Boot is ideal for training in the english disciplines as it is unrestricting and extremely easy to put on. The leather exterior protects the vulnerable portion of the leg from interference, while the fleece lining makes it very comfortable for the horse.
The Ballistic Bell Boots, in new sizes up to 3xl, are a staple in the training arena as they protect from the nicks and abrasions caused by overreaching. The Ballistic has a tough nylon exterior which makes them last longer and they have a special feature to keep them from turning. And the XLT SMB Elite is contoured to ensure a perfect, glove-like fit that keeps dirt out. This boot is lightweight and multi-layered with an exclusive limestone based neoprene exterior and ultrashock lining that provides 360 degrees of protection. Plus, the uniquely designed suspensory strap stretches upon each impact of the hoof, allowing full ankle movement and helps to eliminate hyperextension of the fetlock.
Look for more Professional’s Choice products as they continue to be unveiled in the dressage, eventing and hunter/jumper markets later this year.
Information provided by Professional’s Choice.
To locate an authorized Professional’s Choice dealer near you, call 800-331-9421 or visit their website at www.profchoice.com.