| An ongoing debate in the equine community is whether | | | | support is minimal though, and many feel that it is |
| it is better to use boots or bandages when working | | | | better to do without. While there are elastic wraps |
| your horse. While both sides have a point, the right | | | | available for performance support, it is far too easy to |
| answer is not based on the products themselves, but | | | | apply them incorrectly and cause more harm than |
| the purpose for which you are using them. | | | | good. |
| Many people choose to use boots or bandages as | | | | If you are seeking strong support, Sports Medicine |
| protection. There are many things that can cause | | | | Boots are probably your best option. Designed with |
| damage to a horse's legs while working, from ramming | | | | support in mind, these boots offer an amazing amount |
| into the rails of a fence, to twisting, to banging a tendon | | | | of support for the suspensories and some even claim |
| with an errant hind foot. | | | | that that have helped to heal debilitating injuries. |
| If you are looking for protection, boots are likely your | | | | Boots also have the advantage that it is difficult to put |
| best choice. There are several types of boots that are | | | | them on wrong. Wraps on the other hand can be |
| designed to protect the horse's legs when working. | | | | misapplied and can cause serious damage. If you are |
| Brushing boots, for example, are designed to protect | | | | not experienced with wrapping a horse, it is wise to |
| the inside of the cannon and fetlock against | | | | have an experienced horse person show you how to |
| interference from either a hind leg, or the other front | | | | apply a wrap before trying on your own. |
| leg. If you horse tends to wing or otherwise travel | | | | There really isn't a right or wrong answer as to which |
| crookedly, brushing boots offer great protection. | | | | is better. Boots and bandages both have their uses, |
| Tendon boots are designed to protect the tendons, | | | | and always will. Choose the product that best suits |
| while leaving the front of the leg open. This is so that a | | | | your horse's needs, and learn how to apply them |
| jumper can feel the rails he hits, while he is protected | | | | properly. That way your horse will get the support and |
| from accidentally hitting his tendons as he works. | | | | protection he needs, and you will be able to rest |
| On the other hand, many people wish to offer their | | | | assured that you have done your best for him. |
| horse support. Other than Sports Medicine Boots, most | | | | And finally, no matter what you choose to use - boots |
| boots do not offer any support at all. If support is | | | | or bandages - remember that when shopping for |
| required, it is more sensible to consider bandages. | | | | them, a product research should be done as well. Your |
| Polo wraps, probably the most common wraps used | | | | horse comfort should always be the main priority, so |
| on working horses, offer a small amount of support. If | | | | buying the cheapest items or unknown brands may |
| wrapped properly, they gently support the fetlock, | | | | not worth compromising your horse feet. |
| easing the strain on the suspensory ligaments. This | | | | |