Page 112 - November 2021

VETERINARY VIEWS
PROTECTIVE BOOTS:
SUPPORTED EXPECTATIONS?
by Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Not every horse has perfect on the leg and are notable for trapping foreign
conformation, nor does every horse
have the perfect job or the perfect footing in which to work. With this in mind, horse owners seek every available technology to protect a horse’s limbs against injury. Manufacturers have risen to the challenge
to produce a variety of leg protection and support boots. Riders have an expectation
of the usefulness of bandage support and protection, so how much do protective leg boots live up to their claims?
THE FUNCTION OF PROTECTIVE LEG BOOTS
Leg wraps, interference boots, skid
boots, and splint boots have practical application for horses with problems related to interference and sport hazards. Protective leg gear is used ostensibly for two purposes – protection from trauma and support of lower leg structures.
The reason most horses wear protective
leg gear is to provide a barrier to self-inflicted wounds. Some horses traumatize themselves by the interference of one limb hitting another, especially when fatigued. But care should be taken since boots can create ‘dings’ and sores
objects, mud or sand, and they may twist out of position on the leg, becoming rather than preventing a problem.
Trauma to the skin from poor fit,
rigid materials, and excess movement of a “protective” boot is problematic. Proper fit, application, and adjustment with periodic rechecking minimizes these issues. Remove the boots at intervals to ensure that dirt and debris have not collected between the boot and the skin, and that there are no rub lesions. Also, a horse may develop subtle tendonitis that might go unnoticed on a booted leg, while swelling might be evident if the boot is removed.
Benefits derived from boots can be weighed against potential disadvantages. Added weight to a leg, especially low down, potentially contributes to fatigue, especially with protracted exercise endeavors. Synthetic materials, like neoprene, that are light and breathable seem to be the most popular and are less likely to rub, chafe, or contribute to fatigue.
When possible, it is most practical to address and eliminate the reasons for the need for protective boots in the first place.
“When possible, it is most practical to address and eliminate the reasons for the need for protective boots in the first place.”
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Care should be taken since boots can create sores on the leg and can trap foreign objects, mud or sand in them. They can also twist out of position on the leg, becoming the problem rather than preventing it.
Remove boots at intervals to ensure there are no rub lesions and that dirt or debris has not collected between the boot and the skin.