Low fetlocks and sports medicine boots?

hayleyanderson

hayleyanderson

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I have a horse who has very low hind fetlocks and has done since birth. I am fully aware these could cause problems in the future but he is fine for now and I am looking for some extra support for them when he is ridden. I have heard sports medicine boots could help but they are quite expensive so any tips/ reviews on them before purchasing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
I use them on my ex racer who loves stepping on himself! I prefer them to brushing boots just because I like the fact they cover the entire fetlock (and they look nice :))
I use premier equine ones - come in great colours, aren't too expensive and there's different specs, basic, slightly tougher and toughest! I've found the premier equine ones don't heat his legs up and are nice and soft, I have some weatherbeeta (I think!) ones that make his legs a bit warm and can rub a bit.
Not much help in wether they'll be useful for your horse but I didn't want to read and run!
 
I use them on my mare as she's coming into work recovering from a DDFT injury and I want to support that whole area. Really like the equilibrium strech and flex, they're not ridiculously expensive and they last really well. Her set were on in the field for about 6 months when she was initially lame and still look good. They're breathable and she doesn't seem to get too hot in them.
 
Great thanks! I have heard they have a strap that supports the ligament and since his are low due to a lack of support thought it might just give that extra he needs. Interesting to read the different brands and people's experiences. The vet said he could lead a normal life or he could only last ten years as a ridden horse. I'm just going to make sure he has extra feet support and be careful what and how much I do with him like jumping but other than that I want him to have an almost normal ridden career. Never had a days lameness so far - touch wood. He just looks very strange, he'll never make a show horse! Haha
 
They are great for protection, but will not do a thing to support the joint - sorry. I mentioned in another thread yesterday that my vet had said that the only thing that is capable of supporting the internal structures of the leg is a plaster cast - SMB's don't!
 
I agree they wont support the ligament or the joint. I hate them as they're made of thick neoprene which overheats the leg, makes them sweat and gets uncomfortable if any arena surface gets in there.
You cant use a boot to help your horse but you can work it sensibly and help to avoid damage- dont work on deep surfaces, dont trot on hard ground/ tarmac and limit the amount of jumping you do
 
Yes he'll be on very limited jumping, he keeps jumping out his field so he is obviously feeling ok in his self haha but he will not be jumping that height with me! Haha the surface in our school isn't deep and is nice for him and no he won't be trotted on hard surface, he's a happy little chap at the moment but I will be careful what I do with him. Thanks :)
 
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