Protecting a tendon thats gone in the past

McNally

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What boots would be recommended for a horse who has done a leg in the past and is coming back into work now?
I would like to support it but on the other hand really want to keep it cold!

or, is there no need will it just strengthen with roadwork (although from my new yard there is not much road work- unless i go main road its bridleways and fields!)
 
I would always prefer NOT to use any boots or bandages as they can mask symptoms to give you a fale reading, also it's very easy for grit to get inside which makes more of a problem. I always checked them on return (and any other time I was passing the stable as well) so I knew the minute something changed from cold to hot etc. and gave me an indication if I needed to ease off or anything.
TBH, it's not just roadwork needed although that is very helpful but, just slow work, preferably at good marching pace, building up very gently over time. The longer you can stay in walk the better for me and I've kept something just walking for over three months before now and we covered miles of roads and tracks - which worked, not a day's lameness since then from five seasons hunting.
 
Charlies got a slightly bowed tendon. He did this 2 years ago when i first got him, hoolying around in the field! (although i think it was a previous racinj injury that flared up)

He is turned out in premier equine air cooled cross country boots, i love these as they mould to their leg shape after a few times and keep the leg cooler than any other boot ive tried (although ive heard only good things about the dalmar boots too so when my PE's finally give up the ghost i'll be trying these!)

He's schooled on the flat with no boots at all and again hacked out walk and trot with no boots but if we canter out or jump i have a pair of tekna tendon boots. I will only buy one type of tendon boot for support of a bowed tendon and the tekna fits the bill, it has an insert down each side of the tendon which support better than most tendon boots. GFS, and jeffries do leather versions with the insert but i prefer the tekna ones as they are velcro (lazyness im afraid).

It will also depend on what type of tendon injury theyve had, some will need support around the fetlock aswell. Some injuries heel better than others and although in a perfect world you wouldnt want to use boots i see nothing wrong in doing so if you think they are of benefit. (i dont see it as any different to injuring your knee say and then wearing a knee support after)
 
Thats something I asked my Vet after my horse injured her DDFT. He told me best not to used boots atall so as to keep the leg as cool as possible. Roadwork is a big factor in the healing of tendons too, lots and lots of walking. Its what we did for months.
 
Thats something I asked my Vet after my horse injured her DDFT. He told me best not to used boots atall so as to keep the leg as cool as possible. Roadwork is a big factor in the healing of tendons too, lots and lots of walking. Its what we did for months.

I agree with this. Lots of Walking.I dont think boots support tendons, they just protect them.
 
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