[Paintlover]

I have never really thought of horsey boots of being bad, except when they prohibit the leg from maturing strengthwise (when overused).
But my friends mom (barefoot movement people), said that boots were very bad for a horse's legs because the heat they cause makes them more suspectable to injuries. What are your guy's facts and opinions?

[naughtygirl]

hmmm after reading about wot ur frends mum sed......it made me wonder, i use boot on my horses all the time (mostly back one, only front wen jumping) i only use them cos im scared they r guna cut them selves.....but hmm im guna hav 2 pass wot she sed by an instructor and c wot they say

[Super_Trooper]

When jumping I use open front leather boots....I dont like to inclose the whole leg...personal preference..I dont use them often, just XC.

[Paintlover]

Dawn and BW, I'm waiting for you too, lol.
It just seems weird to me that almost everyone in gaming uses them and never seem to have problems (but they also like polo wraps better, because they trap less heat, right? I think I read that on the forum once).

[jumpinhorselvr]

i dunno i never use back boots (pointless i think... well at least the ankle boot thingys) but i sometimes use eskadrons in the front for jumping

[i_luv_moth]

Well i use bandages when excercising.When jumping x country its splint boots but when its show jumping/jump training its always open front

I never bother with back boots/bandages unless i ride x country and i rearely use them.

[MissBandit]

I would think that Polo wraps would trap MORE heat. I suppose it depends on what type/how much work you are doing as to whether or not wraps are beneficial or not. I'm sure this is one of those "six of one - half dozen of the other" type discussions.

[Paintlover]

I'm sure this is one of those "six of one - half dozen of the other" type discussions.

What do you mean?
They also said that any support boots have to offer is lost after the first jump or round of canter. I am not looking for ideas to argue back at them, I was just curious on whether or not they based thier opinion on facts or myths.

[Dawn]

I don't have a problem with boots because of heat. I have a problem with boots because, more often than not, they're not fitted properly. It's impossible for them to be with all of the different leg conformations and only 3 or 4 sizes of the boot. I use polo wraps when I use anything. I used them when I first started working Reno as she was rather 'frail' and lacked muscle so she would hit herself. When I start really working Rusty, I'll probably use them on him because, well he's a bit of a clutz. I have used open fronts for jumping before. They were alright, but I didn't like the way they fit. I do not like using boots like smb's all of the time. Or for that matter any boot, but particularly one that offers that much support. It inhibits the tendons, muscles, etc...from developing as they should. That's why you turn your horse out in the field and he gets a bowed tendon, when you work him hard every day and nothing ever happens to him.

[Paintlover]

Or for that matter any boot, but particularly one that offers that much support. It inhibits the tendons, muscles, etc...from developing as they should. That's why you turn your horse out in the field and he gets a bowed tendon, when you work him hard every day and nothing ever happens to him.

I've heard that one before. Would the heat they trap (they must trap some) 'help' cause injuries?