>>> How often are the boots now used scratched, damaged or generally dinged > up? That would be a good indication of whether they were needed for > protection.
Ok , I would say like always they are expensive and you are like always buying them thoose that use them, I don´t compete just trail ride and do not pace race. But I would never do High speed pace without it for high speed tolt it depends on what surface ...but never without it on a ovaltrack on a straigt track yes with a well trained and balanced horse. I have seen not good looking injuries and a loot of bell boot´s cut open from a hoof so I don´t want to see what the horse had looked like if the boot´s wasn´t there. Regards Malin www.kolugil.tk
