turning out in medicine boots - good/bad idea?

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flying_tackle

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I have a typical clumsy tb who is always coming in from the field with cuts/grazes to his legs. In the last week he has twice knocked/been kicked on his off hind fetlock which both times swelled like a balloon and left him hobbling.

he is already turned out in over reach boots to stop him pulling his shoes off but I was wondering what people would recommend for turnout to protect him from injuring himself! I have been given 2 pairs of medicine boots which seem ideal. They cover all the "problem" areas, stay put and don't rub. However, did a search on here and some advising that they should not be used everyday but other people seem to turn out in them with no problems/concerns...

So, opinions/advice on the medicine boots as a turn out boot gratefully received. And any suggestions for any alternatives?

Thanks
 
If they are the Pro Choice SMB's, which are great boots, they should not be used for turnout as they will rub. Trust me I know, I've tried it. An alternative option might be the sportabac schooling wraps or turnout socks, they are more flexible and should not rub.
 
I haven't found that they rub, but are a bit hot and did cause my mare's fetlocks to get a bit puffy. They'd be Ok for an hour or so, but no more.
 
why not try equilibrium turnout chaps?
depending on material of boots will heat legs up or rub
I use bioflow boots and she has them on fronts all night and hinds all day - they are designed for field use. but are for magnets not really protection.
 
If I feel I need extra protection I tend to just use bog standard brushing boots on my TB. He doesn't tend to sweat under them & they are soft enough not to rub. Equilibrium do several boots I believe which are breathable. I know a few friends who turn out in them. I didn't like their chaps though. However that was for mud fever use. They seemed to just soak up the mud & dirt & actually magnified the problem.
 
i personally wouldnt way to much heat thats why i don like them boots to even ride in.

premier equine do a few boots with air vents in, i use a pair for my girl for turnout and riding and they dont heat her legs like most boots do and there really light.
 
In an ideal world horses wouldn't be turned out in boots. That said, certain horses always seem to come in from the field with a cut or scrape, also they can be prone to injure themselves when turned out after having a period of box rest. I think you just have to weigh up the pros and cons. Protection v overheating/rubbing.

I have used SMBs for turnout in the past and personally had no problem with them but they don't come far up the leg. Ironically my horse cut herself above the SMB, but the boot did help support the bandage and stop it slipping down the leg!

You do need to keep them clean, rinse them off each day, and don't dry over a radiator as direct heat makes them go stiff and more likely to rub. I also wouldn't use them for long periods in the summer.
 
Having 2 show horses i only ever turn out in boots (sorry if this offends some people) and always uses medicine boots on my hunter and equi turnout chaps on my RH neither horses suffer with rubs, puffy fetlocks etc.

I suppose best thing is for you try him for a couple of days and see how he gets on.
 
we use the equilibrium hardy chaps on front legs of the anglo mare we have in winter (dont use them once they are out 24/7, they cover all the important bits, they don't move, rub and they dont disintegrate in the wet (like the sportabac and derby house ones we have had)
 
thanks everyone. I don't have much choice tbh but to turn out in boots as he gets bored of eating pretty quickly and wants to play and is always messing about and trying to get the others to join in the fun! This means he always comes in with some sort of injury from a bit of a graze to open wound to swollen joints....you get the idea!

Guess its just a matter of trial and error then with which boots work best. I was just making sure the use of these boots for everyday turnout wouldn't do any damage (other than obvious rubbing of course).

Thank you for your replies
 
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