Travel boots or bandages?

[sandi_84]

In preparation for moving myself and Loki to OH's (moving day is getting closer and closer - theory test week after next and mock driving test same week ) I have been um-ing and ah-ing about whether to buy travel boots or whether to bandage. Big dilemma right?

Anyway we will be traveling for over an hour (journey minus horse box takes about an hour but am guessing with horse box it will be a fair whack longer) and even though he is brilliant to travel I would feel more comfortable knowing his legs and tail are protected from knocks so I'd appreciate advice

Bearing in mind if bandages are the way to go I'll need to get in some practice as it's been years since I've bandaged a horse for anything ha ha! Mind you saying that, whatever we end up using we'll have to practice with as he's not had bandages or boots on for a couple of years if ever

 

[sandi_84]

P.s he's unshod

 

[mrogers]

boots, in correct bandaging can lead to numerous problems.I would pull boots up a bit higher as they always slip down but just over an hours journey is not a long trip. Especially when some people travel 6 hrs to shows in travel boots without any issue

 

[Lynds]

boots. far easier. Although I sometimes go without either if horse travelling alone.

 

[mga4ever]

I'd go bare legged. Bandages incorrectly used can cause major problems and if horse is not used to boots they can upset them if they slip.

 

[Nannon]

I bandaged my old boy and boot my new one - old boy hated having boots on and had a tendency to stand on himself, new boy doesn't mind so much and it's just quicker! Have heard of all sorts of nightmare stories from wearing both but all my horses seem to enjoy standing on themselves just to annoy me!

 

[Maesfen]

I'd go bare legged. Bandages incorrectly used can cause major problems and if horse is not used to boots they can upset them if they slip.

This. I used to travel mares, foals and stallions worth thousands and none of them would be bandaged/booted for the danger of them slipping or the legs becoming too hot which can cause problems in itself let alone the upset if they're not used to them.

It might be an idea to practice your bandaging skills though, never know when you might need it.

 

[wiglet]

My girl just has brushing boots and over-reach boots on now. Tried her with travel boots but found she travelled much more happily without them - seemed to keep her balance better - the bulkiness of the travel boots made her stomp her feet a lot.

 

[mischamoo]

My girl just has brushing boots and over-reach boots on now. Tried her with travel boots but found she travelled much more happily without them - seemed to keep her balance better - the bulkiness of the travel boots made her stomp her feet a lot.

Ditto this - I also now use brushing boots and over reach boots and having recently brought some decent knee boots, I also put them on too - much more comfortable for my horse who doesnt seem to like the bulk of travel boots and my bandaging skills arent up to much to bandage to travel!

 

[sandi_84]

It might be an idea to practice your bandaging skills though, never know when you might need it.

Definitely! I'll rope my aunt into helping one day so I can get some practice in
Thanks everyone, I'm probably being a worry wart since he always travels well but I would be devastated if he hurt himself when we were moving