Never used them before, but my new horse came with bell boots and her old owner insisted she needed them. Haven't ridden in them yet, but did put them on her in turnout the other day after she nicked her coronet. She will step on her own front feet sometimes when she's maneuvering around (on the ground). It's odd. but I don't know if I want to ride in them.

Not my circus.  Not my monkeys.
      -Polish proverb