How to take care of a horse using leg boots. There are so many boot products out on the market today for horses. I have suggestions and uses for several items on the market.
Leg boots for horses are a growing consumer product on the market. Each tack store and catalogue has filled sections of various boots. Which one do you choose? Which ones do you need for your horse's work? Do you need any at all? Here is an explanation of the function of several boots available on the market. These are the common products found, Professional Choice, Miller's, Devon Aire, and other brand names.
Notice what your horse's legs do when you work. Is he crossing them over constantly? Is he moving off at fast speeds and reaching really forward with his hind legs? Does he jump fences on hard ground? Does he compete in jumpers? This will help you find what boots are good for your horse. Each boot caters to a different activity of the horse's leg. So, if your horse tends to overreach, one boot will be better than another will.
Let's start with over reaching. Bell boots are a wonderful protection. I suggest the rubber or neoprene boots. There are two different models for the rubber boots, and you will want the model that you can use Velcro to put on. The slip on bells do not really slip, it can be a struggle. These create a barrier for the front foot, protecting it from the hind foot clipping it. The boot also acts as a reminder for the horse not to reach his hind hooves to far forward, since the Bell's move and make a bit of noise. The neoprene bell boots do not slide around as much and they are very quite. I like these for show ring riding especially.
Moving up the leg, ankle boots are effective for the hind legs mostly. If you were to put boots on the font, I would suggest a full tendon-supporting boot. The ankle boots protect the ankle from getting sliced by the other hind foot or shoe. If you horse is doing a lot of galloping and jumping, perhaps you would consider using these, though I might want to upgrade to a full support hind boot. These ankle boots are simply a barrier, and do not act as support at all for the body.
Galloping boots are the full support boot, which supports the tendons and ligaments for hard work. These boots so not take the place of properly conditioning your horse to work at difficult levels of training. They simply assist the lower leg and possibly prevent any injuries that might occur. These boots are made for both front and hind legs, though for a warmblood you might find it is hard to find a good fitting hind boot. These boots come in neoprene and leather. If you are to purchase a neoprene boot, Perhaps consider on that has a stretch strap that wraps around the ankle. These offer so much more support than the boots with just the cinch-straps.
Open front boots are similar to galloping boots. They act as a support for the tendons and help prevent injuries, but the front of the boot only has straps across it. These boots are designed for horse that jump and are not allowed to touch the fence. If they do knock the fence with their bare legs, it stings much more than having a covered boot protecting them. The idea is that the horse needs to pick up his legs more. These boots do come in front and hind, though I suggest not purchasing them unless you are a serious jumper.
Polo wraps are a great support, like galloping boots. You will need to learn how to put them on properly. Ask your instructor, or vet. These have great support and offer the horse to move freely under them. If the bandage is too tight across the tendon, you will injure the horse. Their tendons are very sensitive to outside stimulus; if you do not know how to put them on, it is better to have them go bare. Also, if the wrap is too loose, you might endanger your horse of tripping over it and hurting himself.
Shipping boots and shipping bandages are great to use for travelling. I especially like them for slant load trailers, where other horse's feet are only inches away. You will find you have prevented many trailer injuries by protecting their legs. Again, if you do not know how to apply a good shipping bandage, ask your vet or trainer to show you. Practice! If you cinch around the tendons too tight, your horse will have an injury! A bowed tendon takes months to heal, and perhaps might never fully heal. Also, if it is too loose, you run the risk of it unwrapping and making your horse scared. Dangling things that they can not see is very frightening! Be careful if you do decide to bandage. Shipping boots are very easy and offer lots of protection. I like the thickest ones I can find. Do not buy rough fleece lined boots, you will find they catch every sort of twig, shavings, and bedding inside of them. The smoother lining is much better.
With all of the equipment, make sure it will work for your horse. Check to see that the straps will not rub your horse's hair and that he can have free movement. It is important that your horse's comfort is your number one priority. Good luck, and make sure you ask your professionals lots of questions!
