After events??

[silly_billy]

Just wondering how everyone cares for their horses legs after an event.

I don't usually do much (other than washing off of course) but loads of people wrap up their horses' legs.

Hope to hear what everyone does as i feel a bit mean on my little horse!!

 

[JenHunt]

i think it really depends on your horse, so don't feel mean!!

I wash down with hibiscrub (just in case he's caught himself somewhere), then apply icetight. I only apply the icetight because he's a heavier ID type and I'm more concerned about the concussion than any soft tissue injury. I don't tend to wrap his legs up, just aim to get the heat out and get him home. Once home I wash off the icetight and turn him out. At 16 I've never had any problems with his legs.

My sisters horse tho gets mollycoddled - he's a complete fairy. Came in yesterday with gravel and you'd think he'd broken his leg from the way he's carrying on. He gets washed off with hibiscrub, then ice tight until we get home, then washed off and stable bandages on and in overnight. Hacked out at walk the next day to check for stiffness.

they're just two totally different horses with different requirements.

 

[milliepops]

I make sure the legs have been washed off well, check for lumps, bumps or scratches, then turn out and let her get on with it

TBH I've not been able to find any convincing evidence that clays etc do any good so I just don't bother. I used it once at a 3 day but all it did was make her socks extra-white I think there is more danger of covering up minor scratches or bruises that you would find more quickly if the leg was uncovered. Also I'm not a fan of bandaging unless absolutely necessary. The cool boots I've seen appear to warm up very quickly so would be counterproductive unless you had a way to keep on cooling them.

OP, if your horse is doing well with the current regime, don't change because you feel 'mean' - he/she won't be feeling hard done by

 

[joe_carby]

i have an heavyish type ISH and a spindly ISH i always do my horse in the same way no matter what they are. i get back from hunting wash them all off then hibi scrub them then wash them off again then bandage them up all ways take them for a steady hack next day to let them stretch check for aches and pains. also if they have cuts then they get sprayed with cut and heal.

 

[charlimouse]

I make sure the legs have been washed off well, check for lumps, bumps or scratches, then turn out and let her get on with it

TBH I've not been able to find any convincing evidence that clays etc do any good so I just don't bother. I used it once at a 3 day but all it did was make her socks extra-white I think there is more danger of covering up minor scratches or bruises that you would find more quickly if the leg was uncovered. Also I'm not a fan of bandaging unless absolutely necessary. The cool boots I've seen appear to warm up very quickly so would be counterproductive unless you had a way to keep on cooling them.

OP, if your horse is doing well with the current regime, don't change because you feel 'mean' - he/she won't be feeling hard done by

Completly agree with this. I just wash off my horse's legs, and check thoroughly for any injuries. Once horse is home, if it is still light I turn out for a while. If not I put the horse straight in the stable. I don't bandage as this will mask any swelling which may occur. All swelling occurs for a reason, so I would rather leave the legs to swell (if that is what they are going to do). Then at least you know where you stand next morning!!!! I have worked for an olympic rider/badminton winner, non of the horses ever had any clay or bandages applied after XC, even at 3 days. My boss was of the opinion that clay and bandages mask any problems, yes your horse may pass a trot up, but then SJ will cause alot more damage to the legs long term. Better the acknowledge the problem and withdraw, sort out the problem and have a sound horse for another day!!!

 

[Sheri]

I compete in endurance with my arab and when he comes home he only has one thing on his mind.....OUT!!

Hes washed off after the ride at the venue and has tied leg gell on under his travel boots (don't use this under bandages) and then I give him a brush off when I get home and a mouthful of feed with his electrolytes in and then hes out for the rest of the day.

If I'm home late he goes out for an hour while I do the mucking out and see to my mare.