Decision time - which of these cold boots/bandages should I buy?? PICS

[Hollyhorse]

I've decided to buy a cold boot to put in my first aid kit and to use next time my horse comes in with a swollen knee/leg! I've done quite a lot of researching and have narrowed down to two boots but I can't decide which one to get as the first 'stay cold' boots are more expensive (£55) but have had lots of clinical trials done, but the second 'EasyIce boots' are cheaper (£35) stay frozen for a day so could easily take to competitions and they're green! Has anyone used either of these boots before or have any thoughts?

'Stay cold' boots

EasyIce boots

I think I'm also going to get an Equetech Bonner Bandage (£35) as it does the same thing after only 10 mins in the freezer and being a bandage I could use it on places where boots can't! Any thoughts?

Any thoughts either from personal experience or just advice would be great!

 

[scotsmare]

I prefer bandages as once they're on they stay on - I got these fab ice boots from FMBS you put the middle bits in the freezer till they set then put them inside the protective sleeve before you bandage them to your horses leg with normal stable bandages. They're perfectly effective. Depends on how regularly your horse damages itself though or if you find the boot easier.

 

[Hollyhorse]

I'll look it up! I've decided to get one boot and one bandage. I can then use the boot for simple leg swellings as it's a bit quicker and easier, and have a bandage for using on places where I may not be able to use a boot very easily, like the hock or nearer the stifle area.

 

[RachelB]

What you really want is a boot/bandage that stays colder for longer. Bonner bandages are, I think, widely recognised to be rather brilliant at what they do and they stay cold for absolutely ages. As soon as the boot/bandage heats up, it is applying hot and not cold (which is why good old cold hosing is still the best as the water takes away the heat with it)

Don't be fooled by some of these "clinical trials" - some are not worth the paper they're written on. Make sure any tests have been properly carried out (ie on more than one horse etc!) If they're good scientific tests then that's great