Turnout Boots / Mud Socks.

SmartiePants

SmartiePants

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I have to clip my mares legs and I was wondering if Turnout boots such as the Premier Equestrian ones would keep her legs warm? Or if there are a type of boot that would do this. Its the first winter that I'm having to keep her out in and I really have no idea what would be best to keep her precious leggys warm!

Thank you :)
 
I used them on my mare for a while - they're great, unless the field is particularly muddy (ours was!) in which case they end up like Nora Batty stockings round the fetlocks. They also get very wet and don't dry overnight, so you would be better with two sets. My mare trashed every pair, so I don't bother any more - she doesn't seem any the worse for it!
 
I was tempted to use Mud socks, the shires ones, but I was too paranoid about mud going in between the boot and the leg, resulting in the mud rubbing and being uncomfortable.
 
Yes use them they are great. They keep in the warmth and keep the mud out, but like someone has mentioned 2 sets would be a good idea, if your field is particulalry muddy they will take a coupke days to dry. I threw mine in the washing machine but i know thats not an option for all peeps ;-)

Mine dont move BTW, however muddy and wet they get ;-) I have a set of Sportabac socks and a set of Equilibrium Hardy Chaps. They are both great but i do prefer the Sportabac socks. Mud tends to clog under the Hardy Chaps because they cover the foot like an over reach boot.

I bandage at night with wraps underneath. A few friends have stable wraps/chaps but these do fall down :-/
 
I used them now and again when our two had mudrash. I used the derby house ones as they were half the price, and they were pretty good. We have deep boggy clay fields, and they only came undone on the bottom straps of my mare's boots as she tends to slop around in the deep wet stuff. Not much mud got inbetween the boots and the legs. My issue is that you have to have them on pretty tight, and I don't like having them on for more than 3 or 4 hours.

Are you just worried about cold legs because of the snow? If she is cold the hair will grow back PDQ anyway.. You could put a bit of baby oil on her legs to give her a bit of protection, but I wouldn't worry too much.

Ps. we always had two sets per horse so that they could dry out..
 
I just returned two pairs of the Shires Mudsocks as I was dissappointed with the fit.
I've used these type of boots for the last 12 years or so and I have found you have to do them up as tight as possible (especially the one just above the fetlock joint) before you turnout because when they warm up and soften they can slip down.
They don't keep the wet out but I think they will help to stop the abrasion of the mud on the skin (provided they are put on tight) which will help to prevent mud fever or cracked heels. I usually plaster his heels with udder cream before fitting the boots if he has any hint of any scabs.
Over the years I have bought three sets made by three different suppliers. The first two were shaped to fit snug over the joint so didn't put any uneven pressure anywhere, I was happy for my horse to wear them whilst turned out all day but I returned the Mud Socks because they weren't shaped at all, I felt they would cause pressure sores round the back of his joint.
I hope they will modify the design because on the whole I like Shires products, they are usually reasonable quality and good value for the money.
 
I use sportabac mud boots and find them to be a godsend on a fine skinned horse. The bottom of the boot needs to be well down over top of hoof and the boot stretched evenly around the leg (they are shaped). I put a smear of cow salve (much cheaper that equine products) in pastern and bulb of heel. Not had mud rash since.
 
Equichaps turnout boots are great - easy to wash (hose off or chuck in the washer), wear well and do the job.

BUT they're pricey, you need to buy two pairs to allow for drying and they need a good stretch first or you'll think you've bought a size too small (they *are* designed to go on tight, but I couldn't even do mine up to start with).

My arthritic lad had his front feathers shaved off for an ultrasound and the boots have keep him warm and mobile this Winter.
 
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