What are Horse Boots used for?
At Discount Equestrian, we are divided as to whether boots or bandages are best. So, we decided to create a blog post that celebrates the positives and highlights the limitations of each type of leg protection. We’d love to find out your views on boots vs. bandages - please let us know what you think!
Horse Boots and Wraps are available in a variety of styles to suit several differing uses. No matter your discipline, there’s a type of boot available for your horse. Innovation inspires the continuous development of new boots, meaning there are countless styles to choose from. The primary reasons horse owners opt for boots over bandages are as follows:
* Prevents brushing injuries with the use of strike pads – horse owners have become more aware of conformational issues in recent years, due to improvements in the understanding equine conformation.
* Offers gentle compression of your horse’s lower leg, providing enhanced support with less risk of over-tightening.
* Durability – boots last a long time when properly cared for.
* Save tacking-up time because they’re far easier to fit than bandages.
* Available in an ever-increasing variety of colours and styles.
Although we have listed the pros, there are a couple of cons to be aware of too, including:
* An increased possibility of dirt getting beneath the boots and causing discomfort.
* Most boots have to be hand-washed and air-dried, so keeping them clean is more time-consuming.
* Excessive pressure can be exerted if they’re too tight, which has a detrimental impact on your horse’s lower leg circulation.
* If boots are not properly secured, they can shift around your horse’s leg and cause discomfort.
* Potential of Tendons over heating with prolonged use of Tendon Boots
Here’s a helpful guide from Your Horse Magazine on how to correctly fit a brushing boot: https://www.yourhorse.co.uk/gear/advice/articles/fitting-brushing-boots
We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favourites:
* Hy Armoured Guard Neoprene Brushing Boots – because they’re available in a variety of colours, they’re lightweight and they’re long-lasting, as well as being suitable for front and hind legs.
* LeMieux ProShell Brushing Boots – because they offer 360-degree all-round protection whilst still being flexible, and they contain vents to allow for better airflow, so they’re kinder to your horse’s skin; they’re also machine washable.
* Roma Reflective Brushing Boots – because they’re suitable for use during exercise as well as turnout, and they’re reflective, making them great for improving visibility whilst riding on the road.
* Woof Wear Double Lock Brushing Boots – because the double lock feature makes them extra secure, they’re suitable for use in all terrains, and they’re made using breathable neoprene.
* Kentucky Turnout Boots Air – because they are suitable for turnout as well as for use whilst lungeing or on a horse walker, they’re anatomically designed to provide protection that extends to the fetlock area, and they’re suitable for sensitive skin as the lining has been crafted from artificial sheepskin.
What are Horse Bandages used for?
Bandages have traditionally been used to support the horse’s legs during exercise, to prevent legs filling whilst stabled, and to keep wound dressings in place. Many horse owners still choose to use bandages instead of boots during exercise for a variety of reasons, as follows:
* Protects your horse’s legs from injury.
* Supports your horse’s delicate ligaments and tendons.
* Safeguards your horse’s legs during exercise whilst recovering from injury.
* Due to being in close contact with your horse’s legs, when applied correctly, bandages prevent discomfort from dirt being trapped beneath them.
* Easy to care for – most Horse Bandages can be cleaned in a washing machine, using laundry detergent with a gentle formulation for sensitive skin.
However, there is a greater possibility of bandages being applied incorrectly, which can cause your horse significant discomfort. Implications of an improperly applied bandage are:
* Uneven pressure if legs are bandaged by different people.
* Pressure points developing if there are any creases or wrinkles in the bandage as it is secured.
* The risk of restricting blood flow and circulation if the bandages are too tight.
* Bandages can become loose during exercise if not adequately secured, posing a significant threat to horse and rider/handler safety.
For a guide on how to correctly apply a schooling bandage, please watch this British Horse Society (BHS) video: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/resource-hub/video-library/how-to-apply-and-remove-a-schooling-bandage/
Just a few of our favourites are:
* Hy Elite Fleece Bandages – because they are great value (sold in sets of four), they’re available in a variety of colours, and they’re easily fastened with Velcro instead of string.
* Acavallo Gel Leg Bandages – because not only do they provide shock absorption without the risk of slipping, they can also be chilled and used as cold therapy bandages to reduce swelling.
* John Whitaker Thornton Elastic Bandages – because they’re made with a thick fleece inner padding for extra protection, they have elasticated material on the outside so they’re easier to fit, and they look super smart at shows with matching items such a saddle pad, fly veil and headcollar.
* Kentucky Repellent Working Bandages – because they are breathable, extra secure with a heavy-duty Velcro fastening, and repel dirt so are really easy to keep clean.
* LeMieux Luxury Polo Bandages – because they’re convenient to use on their own or can be used with under bandage pads when extra protection is needed, and they make colour-coordinating easy as they look amazing with matching LeMieux saddle pads.
