Bandaging or booting for schooling

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MagicMelon

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Ive always booted for flatwork schooling, usually tendon boots on front and brushing on backs. Ive tried wrap type boots but the legs got too hot under them. I know bandages can offer more in the way of support, so Im wondering if Id be better doing that - one of my horses has a pretty decent sized splint on each front as he has quite a high front leg action. I only have a paddock to ride in (and cant hack) where I have to try and keep him fit enough for eventing & BSJA. So do you think he'd get more support (and less likely to worsen or get another splint) if I bandaged?
 
If you want support but get too much heat, I'd reccommend the Equilibrium Stretch & Flex Training Wraps. They are fantastic, keep the legs really cool but are shaped just like SMB boots and the like. £50 a pair but worth it if that's what you're after! Boots and bandages can't prevent splints, although they can stop existing ones getting knocked and stirring them up again, and the Equilibrium wraps are pretty well padded to protect the legs in that way.
 
ive just brought a set of SMB Elite Boots from ebay - £70 for the whole set including postage from America! They are normally £70 a pair!

I cant b bothered to bandage as its too fiddly - Archie is currently in the equlibrium flatwork boots, and has the wraps for competing. I wanted something extra for protection for when im schooling at home as hes doing more advanced movements now.
 
I'm not sure that bandaging for exercise offers much support - you've got at least half a tonne of horse coming down on each leg! Not sure a bit of material would stand up against that!

But they will protect the legs from knocks and brushing, and they are more flexible that normal brushing boots.

I like the equilibrium flatwork boots as I think you get the same flexibility as a bandage with the fiddling about.
 
I second the equilibrium Stretch and flex training wraps....i love them!!
My mare is funny about things on her back legs and she accepts these fine!
I have them in white and i use them every day so they probs get washed at least once a week. They get chucked in the washing machine and come out brand new!!
Well worth the money!
 
I use polo bandages but purely for protection. I used to use boots but found sand got inside them which I'm sure must be uncomfortable. Also if he has a touch of mud fever or chapped skin he objects to having boots on but is still quite happy with bandages.

I disagree with people who say badages don't offer support, I know how much better my dodgy ankle feels with a couple of wraos of bandage over it. I think you'd need to firmly apply proper exercise bandages over pads to have any benefit though & unless you're used to doing this I'd strongly recommend getting someone to show you & check your first few attempts. Wrongly applied bandages can do a lot of damage
frown.gif
 
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