Ingrid Klimke, Olympic Champion and trainer, uses the new SmartClix system developed by Cavallo and Herm. Sprenger for riding.
REITSPORT-MARKT asked the dressage and eventing expert about her practical experience with the new integrated system of boots and spurs.
? RM: Ms Klimke, what is your impression of SmartClix?
! Klimke: I am absolutely thrilled by the new SmartClix system. Up until now, I had to make do with these annoying spur straps that sometimes slipped up, sometimes down. Now all it takes is a “click” and the spurs are the right height. This is especially important in light of the fact that I wear different boots for the various disciplines. The spurs have to be slightly lower for jumping but slightly higher when I am wearing dressage boots.
? RM: How is the handling?
! Klimke: To start with, I was interested to see whether they really are that easy to handle. But it is true. They really are child’s play. A single manual action is all it takes. By the way, I always wear the small, rounded spur when I am training. Since it is always attached to the boot, I just have to pull it on in the morning and off I go ...
? RM: …which has the added benefit that you cannot forget the spurs…
! Klimke: ... exactly. Something that has happened to me before. You’re at a tournament, looking for your spurs, and have no idea whether they are in the truck or at home. Something that can no longer happen, thank goodness. And, the spur can no longer break – something else that has been known to happen in the past.
? RM: Using a spur strap not only makes it harder to fix the spur; the leather also eventually suffers from constantly being pulled tight.
! Klimke: That is true, and it can very quickly start looking horrible. But the problem is not only one of appearance. When I wear boots made of very thin leather, in particular, the spur strap can be extremely uncomfortable. All of which is no longer an issue.
? RM: “SmartClix” offers two settings: “high” or “low”. Do you not miss an option for individual adjustment?
! Klimke: Quite the opposite. The rules stipulate a specific height for the spurs, which is good. The spur strap often slips up, which is then criticised by the steward and has to be corrected. These fixed settings provide security in this respect, as well.
? RM: Does wearing comfort suffer in any way?
! Klimke: Not at all. You don’t notice any difference when wearing the boots. So, as you can see, I am totally won over by the new SmartClix system, which has proven its worth in practice, no matter what the discipline. I think it is superb.