Types of Hoof and Leg Protections for Horses:
Before there were specialized horse boots, wraps were the predominant method of leg protection. However, with an increase of options on the market, also comes a universal controversy as to which method is best. As is often the case, both wraps and boots have their pros and cons and therefore need to be considered specifically for the individual horse's needs. A lot of horse owners love polo wraps because they're inexpensive, easy to use, machine washable and available in a wide range of colors. Many peoples' primary hesitation with using polo wraps is their commonly believed correlation with bowed tendons. While too tight/restrictive bandaging can certainly result in inflamed tendons, surprisingly little research has been done to support the belief that polo wrapping damages tendons. Boots on the other hand, come in many types and are arguably much more supportive. However, they are more expensive, harder to clean and can also damage a horse's legs if used incorrectly. Not to mention, closed-front boots can be poorly ventilated. When soft tissue is overheated, the risk of strains, pulls and damage increase. A tendon's elastic structure (which generates heat when repeatedly loaded and unloaded), in combination with their relatively poor blood supply, leave tendon temperatures quite high naturally. In fact a study done at the University of Bristol in 1997, found that the temperature inside the tendons of a horse galloping could reach 113°F. Furthermore, in a later study, the same group published results revealed that when tendon cells in a test tube were heated at 113°F for 10 minutes, 10 percent died, but when heated with only an addition 5°F (totaling 118°F ), around 80 percent of the cells died (Birch et. al, 1997). If tendons can reach mildly damaging temperature after just a few minutes of galloping without boots, imagine what kind of tendon cell and tissue damage is occurring with boots? This is why it is important not to leave boots on for long periods of time and to remove them promptly after a workout.
As is the case with most things, using protective boots or wraps has both pros as well as cons and it is important to consider both before deciding which to use. For example, one study examining the energy absorption capacity for horse boots found that they reduce fetlock hyperextension (Balch, 1998). Another study which experimented with four different types of leg support, found that all the boots reduced extension and increased tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (Kicker, 2004). However, if was noted that while these boots were benefiting the horse by reducing hyperextension, they were also restricting overall join movement and range of motion. Restriction of movement may cause discomfort and injury. In addition, by reducing the range of motion of a joint, the load/strain is likely to be placed on another structure and may be detrimental. This study also suggested that such restriction could have adverse effects on fiber alignment if used over a long period of time. Jadine Birchall, a student at Hartpury College, conducted another study whose findings further support this conclusion. She found that the average range of motion of the fetlock joint at all gaits was 42° without a boot and only 36° with one (Marlin, 2010). Sanders (2009), however, did not find a correlation with boot use and reduction in fetlock extension; while Luhmann (2000) concluded that leg supports not only did not reduce shock but seemed to increase asymptotic frequency in the third metacarpus. It is suspected the support boots, as compared to polo wraps, were therefore "acting to stiffen the limn and therefore increase spring constant of the leg support-limb system". In conclusion, wraps are more often used for protection while boots appear to be preferred for support. That being said, both options have risks. If used or applied incorrectly, either form of leg protection/support can increase your horse's likelihood of leg damage compared to using neither. So it is incredibly important to research which boot is best suited to your individual horse's needs as well as how to properly use it, and have someone experienced in polo wrapping present the first time you do apply them.
As is the case with most things, using protective boots or wraps has both pros as well as cons and it is important to consider both before deciding which to use. For example, one study examining the energy absorption capacity for horse boots found that they reduce fetlock hyperextension (Balch, 1998). Another study which experimented with four different types of leg support, found that all the boots reduced extension and increased tension on the superficial digital flexor tendon (Kicker, 2004). However, if was noted that while these boots were benefiting the horse by reducing hyperextension, they were also restricting overall join movement and range of motion. Restriction of movement may cause discomfort and injury. In addition, by reducing the range of motion of a joint, the load/strain is likely to be placed on another structure and may be detrimental. This study also suggested that such restriction could have adverse effects on fiber alignment if used over a long period of time. Jadine Birchall, a student at Hartpury College, conducted another study whose findings further support this conclusion. She found that the average range of motion of the fetlock joint at all gaits was 42° without a boot and only 36° with one (Marlin, 2010). Sanders (2009), however, did not find a correlation with boot use and reduction in fetlock extension; while Luhmann (2000) concluded that leg supports not only did not reduce shock but seemed to increase asymptotic frequency in the third metacarpus. It is suspected the support boots, as compared to polo wraps, were therefore "acting to stiffen the limn and therefore increase spring constant of the leg support-limb system". In conclusion, wraps are more often used for protection while boots appear to be preferred for support. That being said, both options have risks. If used or applied incorrectly, either form of leg protection/support can increase your horse's likelihood of leg damage compared to using neither. So it is incredibly important to research which boot is best suited to your individual horse's needs as well as how to properly use it, and have someone experienced in polo wrapping present the first time you do apply them.
WrapsPolo WrapsPolo wraps are shorter and narrower than other wraps because they are used alone and often cover less of the leg than shipping or stable wraps (otherwise they risk restricting movement). Polo wraps serve multiple purposes: protection, support, and appearance. They are soft and pliable, often making them a less irritating bandage for sores or superficial lower leg wounds. Polo wraps also protect a horse from scraping or nicking themselves and can prevent bruising if a horse rubs a rail while jumping fences. Provided they are wrapped correctly, polo wraps can hold tendons and ligaments in proper alignment during workouts which provides support and protects the tendons from overreaching. Some riders also use polo wraps to aid in training (brightly colored wraps make it easier to see and correct leg position while riding or lunging), show (white wraps on all four legs can make a horse's movements appear more symmetrical and balanced), and even on trail (such as wearing neon orange wraps during hunting season). Standing a.k.a. Stable WrapsStable wraps consist of a bandage wrapped around cotton or thick quilts, are wrapped from just below the hock to the bottom of the fetlock, and most often used to prevent lower leg swelling after a strenuous work-out or when stalled for long periods of time. Stable wraps are also often used to secure dressings, keep an injury clean, and provide protection from mild cuts and bruises in the stall. When a horse injures a leg, it places more weight and stress on the other legs to compensate. This is another instance where stable wraps may provide beneficial support by preventing swelling in the uninjured legs. When accompanied with bell boots, these wraps can be used to protect the horse during shipping too.
Video on polo wrapping: |
BootsBrushing Boots a.k.a. Sport BootsDesigned more for protection than support (much like shin pads for soccer players), these fully closed boots are popular in event rides, endurance races and dressage. They are usually lined with sheepskin or other shock absorbing materials and should have a breathable outer shell, as the main risk with a closed boot is heat retention.
Split BootsAn open-front boot made of synthetic materials or leather, that protects only the inside of the horse's leg. These are the least expensive boots you can buy. That being said, many find they provide inadequate impact protection unless lined with hard plastic or shock-absobing technologies.
Hoof BootThese are common among trail riders, as they provide traction on uneven terrain, padding on rocky terrain for barefoot horses, and can be used in place of a lost or tossed shoe so as to prevent lameness on the ride home. In addition, hoof boots can be beneficial in transitioning a shod horse to going barefoot because they will protect their tender feet on the road or trail.
Bell BootsUsed to protect the coronary band and prevent the horse from pulling off his front shoes, this boot covers the whole hoof and is usually made of rubber but can also come in synthetic material or fleece-lined leather.
Other bootsThere's an enormous array of boots available, an option for just about every discipline: shin or knee boots for jumpers, coronet boots for polo, dressage boots to prevent a horse's legs from interference during flat work, cross country boots, boots specifically designed for horses that over reach and nick themselves, heel boots, hock boots... there are even "kicking boots" available for mares during service to protect stallions from injury. With so many options available, it is important to research them and even discuss with a professional which is best suited to your individual horse's needs.
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