How to protect your horse’s legs

Regardless of how we use our horse, the concern for the state of his legs is one of the basic matter. Legs are exposed to many potential risks. Fortunately, the time when we could only buy elastic bandages have passed. These days equestrian shops offer variety of different products, which can make our senses reel when choosing a proper product. Diversity in terms of colors, prices, forms can give us the impression of finding something for everybody. International Conference on Equine Physiology (ICEEP) assembles experts who investigate the availability of horse work boots on the market. It appears that some of the available products do not meet the expectations in terms of their functionality, they can even cause an injury. When purchasing fetlock boots, first of all, we should pay attention to the compatibility to the anatomy of a horse. The size of fetlock boots comes from the circumference of the fetlock: 24- 25 cm size M (ponies and small horses), above 25 cm size L. Then, we check if the equine fenders adhere to the leg. Some models are flat- vaulted, which does not give the full freedom of the movement. That affects the result of a training session. Important aspects, that are often overlooked when choosing equine fenders, are their impact on thermal comfort, weight and stiffness. Dr. Martin (chairman of ICEEP) noted that some of the materials used in a production of equine work boots retain the heat to a greater extent than others. It should be noted that temperature of the lower parts of the limbs of a galloping horse can reach even 45 degrees Celsius. Excessively high temperatures are the cause of tendonitis. When buying equine fenders, we should take into consideration, the use of our horse. It works well when starting from recreational riding up to the jumps.   The basic ways of how we can protect our horse’s legs:   Bandages Their biggest advantage is the low price. Also, rich colors allows the adjustment to the numnah and also rider’s clothing. When well-chosen, they focus attention on the legs which enhances its visual assessment. It is important to prevent the excessive pressure of the bandage, when founded on horse’s legs, because it can lead to impaired blood circulation. It’s recommended, in order to provide better circulation and reduction of pressure, to put on the washers Fetlock boots It’s one of the most popular types of protection.It works well when starting from recreational riding up to the jumps. It also protects against injures of fetlocks, especially the outer and inner side. Inexperienced riders have to be careful, not to pull the bur too hard, as this may lead to venous thrombosis.   Jump fetlock boots These are open fetlocks boots. They adhere to the rear of tendon and side of the leg, but the front is without protection. They mainly protect the back part of the fetlock against hitting usually a shoed hoof of hind legs. The materials from which they are made do not differ substantially from conventional fetlock boots Travel boots Służą do ochrony nóg konia przed stłuczeniami i obtarciami w trakcie transportu konia. Over-reaches Another product next to fetlock boots, which is put on the front of a leg, is over- reach boots. They protect sensitive heels and coronet band. They can be made of thick rubber, neoprene and other materials. Often, the upper part is trimmed with medical fur in order to reduce the risk of abrasions. There is also an offer of over- reaches for graspers. They provide full protection of heels and what is most important they do not move while riding a horse. We encourage to choose these products which were subjected by manufacturers to independent testing of ICEEP or they were done by themselves. All important information can be found on the leaflets. We should also keep in mind to use fetlock boots no longer than it is required. I recommend visiting the official website of ICEEP. You may also find useful a video showing why horses should wear horse work boots during a training.  

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