More pointless questions... using tendon boots vs "cooking" legs

I too don't see the point of keeping an effective pair of boots for 'best' when protection is needed at all times (well at home just as much as comps).

I don't boot anymore but he is chunky and not shod.
 
Re sj boots, just be careful they don't change/impede the horse's ability to fold its legs properly. I've seen lots of cases where a horse does not jump as well wearing boots if they are even slightly too tall or restrictive. This is a particular issue if you're only using them sporadically as you're much less likely to notice the problem or blame it on other factors.

If I'm going to have any piece of equipment f for 'good' I want to be using identical equipment at home.
 
I use bandages for schooling and I believe the benefits far outweigh any negative impacts they have on my horse, yes his legs are warm (not hot) after a long session but his legs have been protected.

For jumping I would be tempted to use your nice pair of 'holey' jumping boots, like some have said there is no point keeping things for best when you actually probably ride and train more often than you do compete, therefore your horse is probably more at risk at home than he is out and about competing.
 
I've managed to obtain a second hand pair of holey tendon boots (although a different make to the best ones).

Well aware that boots not fitting could possibly impede performance. I know how my horse "normally" acts well enough to get a good idea if a piece of equipment is causing the problem
 
yes, but I think that TS has an important point to the horse being used to certain pieces of equipment and performing in them before they wear them at shows.
 
But equally you can only really test some equipment at a show to see if if works or not... Like bits for example! Horse may go well in it at home, doesn't mean he will listen at a comp!
 
hence me saying certain pieces of equipment - not all, ie same applies to stud girths/half pads not so much bits.
 
ClobellsandBaubles said:
I understand the use of boots for protection against strike etc. but how much do they support the tendon during work as I often here that sited as a reason??
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Tendon damage is usually caused by hyperextension of the fetlock so boots would not prevent this at all, but provide protection for strike injuries as you rightly say.
 
ClobellsandBaubles said:
I understand the use of boots for protection against strike etc. but how much do they support the tendon during work as I often here that sited as a reason??
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There isn't any. A few manufactures have done a bit of research and experimenting with strike plates etc but the consensus is no boot or bandage can be strong enough to support the structure of the leg because the forces of horse locomotion are so extreme. Any material that could do that wound also he hugely restrictive
 
I prefer my horses to learn to avoid knocking themselves. They wear full boots xc and tendon boots for bigger jumping (1.10 plus) but nothing the rest of the time
 
TheMule said:
I prefer my horses to learn to avoid knocking themselves. They wear full boots xc and tendon boots for bigger jumping (1.10 plus) but nothing the rest of the time
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Agree with this! The only time I boot up all round is for lunging. Unless a horse actually has such poor action as to knock itself when working I don't use boots. If they knock themselves by hitting jumps they tend to learn quickly that it hurts and not do so again.
 
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