Review of the Equilibrium Tri-Zone Hi-Vis Brushing Boots
Cost: £39.99
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Tried & tested by our EVERYday Ambassador of affordable equestrian gear Emma, here's her review of the Equilibrium Tri-Zone Fluorescent Brushing Boots.
With our recent focus on the importance of visibility and rider safety, we thought these hi-vis horse boots were the perfect item to put to the test. We asked Emma - @adventures_ofabaldequestrian - to review the brilliant and bold Equilibrium Tr-Zone Hi-Vis Boots in Pink. Emma is a strong advocate for always wearing fluorescent horse gear while out hacking!Who and what is the product for?
The product is for Charlie, my Welsh Section D Cob. I was looking for a lightweight yet protective boot to use out hacking that was fluorescent to make Charlie more visible on the roads. I already use other types of hi-vis whilst riding, but wanted to make it even easier for other road users to spot us - for our safety and theirs.
Due to Charlie occasionally throwing some shapes, but also having some feather coverage on his legs, being breathable is super important to me. This is why I jumped at the chance of testing them out!
Initial thoughts on the product:
I really like the overall 'look' of the boot. Though very obviously fluorescent (reflective straps and pink piping), the colour isn't overbearing. They are super lightweight and also feel a good quality. When I tried them on Charlie for the first time, they shaped really well to his legs and provided all the protection I would expect from a brushing boot. The velcro locking strap is really strong, so I have no worries that the velcro wouldn't come away and cause the boot to slip.
Likes:
I love that the boots are available in a couple of different colourways, making them perfect for all the 'matchy-matchy' riders among us! Naturally, I chose to test the pink ones to coordinate with my other high-visibility gear. I was specifically looking for a hi-vis boot, and as a long-time fan of Equilibrium, I was delighted to see they offered a fluorescent option.
They are also super easy to wash. If they get muddy whilst out hacking, I either pop mine in the washing machine at 30 degrees, or hose them down and let them dry on the yard. They retain their shape and are good to go again in no time.
Dislikes:
It's really hard to say I dislike anything about the boots. The only thing that springs to mind really, is that I sometimes find the velcro too strong! The locking strap, though durable, can feel a little thin in the hand and can sometimes be a little more difficult to grab hold of and pull away from the velcro. It definitely isn't anything that would put me off them, but maybe a slightly thicker tab would be beneficial.
What size did you receive, how does it fit and was it true to size?
Charlie is a funny size to fit, so I am always prepared to re-jig on sizes on all brands! I used their sizing chart to help me pick sizes, and I opted for small front boots and medium hinds which fit great! I didn't need to send anything back, which was a pleasant surprise!
What are the product’s key features and standout details?
These brushing boots are super super light and do not hold water! Charlie does like a splash in water complexes and 'ahem'- puddles, so knowing that the boots don't add any extra weight is great.
I also think Equilibrium has nailed the style of them - they look super smart both on and off the horse, and though flexible, hold their shape well.
Would you recommend the product?
Absolutely - in fact, I already have! I use these boots multiple times a week and really can say how good they are!
Would you continue to use the product?
Absolutely, I will! Alongside hacking, I have had a dressage lesson in them and even travelled a short distance in the trailer too. My personal preference is to travel short distances in boots such as these rather than thick travel boots. They really are a multi-functional boot on my yard!
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Is the price point fair?
Yes, I believe so. Equilibrium put a lot of thought into their products and owning many other products (headcollars, flymasks, horse boots, etc), they really do last. The boots have been independently tested and the brand has put a lot of research into the development of the boots, which to me, money can't buy! From a practical point of view, at only £20 a leg for protection, it is an absolute bargain.
Were the Brushing Boots comfortable for your horse?
Charlie has no complaints! After each use, the boots haven't slipped or rubbed, which is great news. Charlie's legs haven't felt hot either, which again is a huge relief.
Overall Impression
Overall, I think they're a great mix of protection, comfort and safety. They're perfect for adding that extra visibility on hacks while offering the same great leg protection and breathability that the Tri-Zone range is known for. I would love to rate the boots 5 stars, but due to the velcro strap being a little finicky, I felt I could only rate 4.5 stars.
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