We can all agree that when you decide to start putting on and off bandages on horses every single day, you will probably realize in one point of your life that it is quite a time-consuming process.
On the other hand, you can also consider finding appropriate boots that are a much better solution for horses, but the question of whether it is necessary to cover the horse’s legs. For horses that has big movements in gaits, and interferes, protective boots are recommended. One type of horse boots that protect a horse’s legs from interference is dressage horse boots. These are usually made of materials that are easy to clean.
Meanwhile, read on to know determine whether boots or bandages are better protection for your horse:
Scientific Perspective
According to European specialists and veterinarian, over the years a wide array of dressings and boots entered the market, but their effectiveness is still in research. Some people choose them due to aesthetical reasons since they can look amazing on the horse’s limbs.
The idea is to consider finding boots as protective gear, which means that this footwear for horses can support the lower leg as well as limbs from trauma based on the surface where your horse is performing and running.
Most scientists think and believer that boots are perfect for optimal prevention and conditioning against fatigue, which means that it will limit fetlock, and self-trauma that could happen along the way.
Boots will provide you with much better protection when compared with bandages since bandages can quickly wear off. It is essential to find a proper adjustment and fit when it comes to boots, because dirt can be collected between skin and boots, and that could lead to skin irritation.
Bandages will provide you with additional support, but not according to scientific studies. Both bandages and boots will increase the limb temperature, and the increase will be higher when using bandages.
Have in mind that bare legs can pose risks to your horse, but everything depends on the type and discipline you wish to enjoy. Therefore, you have to find a way to protect their limbs from trauma, which is the main problem for racing horses.
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Bandages vs. Boots
Science has researched the effectiveness of horse injury prevention and wearing protective gear.
The idea is that lower limbs in horses are prone to injury and quite vulnerable when compared with other areas, so it is vital to find a way to protect and cover lower legs of horses for support and protective purposes.
Bandages are traditionally used to prevent stocking up and cover wounds, especially when the horse is in small space for an extended period, which is excellent protection so that horse cannot knock itself up.
Most of them come from an absorbent material, which is also elastic so that you can wrap it around leg without padding. On the other hand, you can find vet-approved bandages that will stabilize fractures and joints.
Boots can be made from a wide array of materials from Kevlar to neoprene and leather. They can be unlined and lined, and the main design is to fit on the cannon bone and over fetlock so that you can secure your horse’s limbs by Velcro or straps.
Adding boots is useful for additional protection especially when it comes to penetration, scrapes, and bumps. They will minimize the damage with a horse that will interfere with legs due to biomechanical and conformational faults.
Brushing or sprint boots are perfect for protecting the horse’s legs during fast work performance since this particular moment can cause severe damage and induce problems along the way.
Therefore, leg protection became the necessary equipment that you should use during the horse riding process.
