Boot advice

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Baileyboo

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What boots should I use, if any, when out hacking on my pony. I have had her for 5 months, here old owners didn't use any. We are now doing quite a bit of fast work when out hacking. On my old horse I just used brushing boots but Cerys does not brush, does she need something to offer support.
 
Well see thats what I don't know. I know its all a con but I really get sucked into different adverts and things and just wanted some honest advice.
 
I'd avoid boots which provide wraps which go down over the fetlocks for hacking if you can - might be more likely to cause problems if they get heavy with mud and drag on the leg. The most I use for my horse are sturdy brushing boots in case she bangs herself for faster work, and always boots in the school for the same reason. But I think generally if it isnt broken, dont change it - so if she has never had probelms when not wearing boots, might be best to bleave it that way, and if you want boots, save them for if you compete her or have a lesson.
 
Thank you, I think sometimes you just get worried when you see all the things that other people have and worry that I'm not looking after her and protecting her enough!!
 
i have a pair of professional choice boots that have the wrappy thing to support the fetlock and they are great for my mare as she stoped racing due to tendon issues and then i bought her. i think i use them more for my peace of mind rather than anything else and the were so expensive i couldnt justify it if i didnt use then but to be honest i think a pair of bog standard brushing boots does the job.
 
I have heard that when using boots that offer any support at all (which is not a lot and usually they don't!) that area of the the horse can weaken slightly as the body becomes dependent on that support.

If she has never brushed, probably best not to use them.

Those with splints, past tendon problems, windgalls, etc use them as protection in case they knock them.
 
When hacking out you really need to use knee boots, once you've seen the results of a horse going down on it's knees & the horrible injuries that occur you never forget it.
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I wouldnt put boots on, if she doesn't brush either. As someone said before don't get sucked into gadgets when theyre not needed! I hacked and jumped my horse for years and years with no boots and hes only worn sport boots for the last 5 years on a vets advice after an injury, ( hes 30 now! )
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no boot can support the structures of the leg, according to my vet. correctly-applied bandages might supply a tiny bit of support, but they're so easy to overtighten, with disastrous consequences.
Most people use boots to stop the horse from brushing. if she doesn't, she doesn't need them.
there's a newish school of thought that boots/bandages can do more harm than good anyway, as they can "cook" the legs, stopping them from being naturally air-cooled, and tendon fibres start deteriorating once at a certain temperature...
i use boots xc but it's more to have good tendon guards on their legs than for anything else really.
 
I don't 'need' to use brushing boots but always hack out in reflective boots as have to do a lot of road work. I got a pair of Legacy ones and so many people have commented on how good they are, really bright. Motorists will notice the movement of the boots a long way from you so hopefully makes things safer for you and your pony. Also they are good general brushing boots, fit well and wash up well too, so 2 products in one really!

http://www.v-bandz.co.uk/Store/Equestria...each-Boots.aspx
 
Think they come up big, I have a cob so hard to say if you know what I mean! Has plenty of bone!

Mate next door got some for Xmas for her TB they come in size 1-4 anyway I have 3 on front (size 3 that is he doesn't have 3 front legs!) and 4 on back. She got size 3 but they fit the TB's back legs.

They really are amazingly bright just the job for all this c&*p weather!
 
I always hack out in reflective brushing boots and knee boots on the front. They weren't reflective so I got some reflective stickers and stuck them on. You can tell I'm addicted to hi-viz can't u :
 
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