Should i use boots for my horse?

Question

I've got a young horse that has just started serious work. He's in training to be an event horse so lots of ground work, lateral, circles and also controlled hacking to build up his stamina. He's a very careful jumper but my yard owner suggested I get some boots for him to support his legs and help prevent knocks. I was looking at getting tendon and fetlock boots for his ground work, would these be ok for jumping too? He doesn't have any confirmation defects, except slight brushing at the back.he's a careful jumper but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thankss :-)

? · Accepted Answer

I would stick to a set of brushing boots all round and overreach (bell) boots if he ever overreaches.

You mention he brushes behind anyway, so these would be the best protection for him for flatwork. They will offer the support and protection needed and not cause any hot spots or pressure spots that can be caused by someone inexperienced using exercise bandages. 

For jumping I would use open fronted tendon boots and overreach boots on front and brushing boots or fetlock boots on hind. 

Cross country, Total protection tendon boots, overreach boots and total protection for hind as well...like these:-

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/horse-clothing/leg-foot-protection/competition-boots/eventing-boots.html

Queen of &#39;Tude · Answer

I like sports medicine boots for everyday training on all four legs. I add bell boots to these on the front feet of course. For everyday work I highly recommend this combination. For jumping classes and training though I would recommend some open-front boots unless your horse is extra careful. I know some people might not like the sports medicine boots especially since they are associated with Western riding, but I have had good success with them.

? · Answer

Tendon and tendon boots are for jumping.

Do you lunge him at all? Do you have brushing boots you use for lunging? If you do (you should) then use those on the flat until he's got his balance sorted

EDIT
I meant tendon and fetlock. My brain doesn't work on Sundays :L

? · Answer

Tendon boots are just fine for jumping! I assume you mean open front? This is good for stadium jumping but you may want something with a closed front for cross country.

orangebunny · Answer

based on your yahoo username, your horse will be needing that extra support at some point in his career, may as well get him used to working in protective leg gear sooner rather than later. and they should be fine for jumping as long as they fit your horse properly and you get him used to flatting in them first (assuming he isn't already used to wearing boots).  you may also want to get him some bell boots to prevent him pulling a shoe.

good luck :)

JUMPER! · Answer

Tendon boots work great for jumping, also splint boots would work good as well.

Stephen Burkusmaximus · Answer

mine prefers Superdrug

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Should i use boots for my horse?

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