Turnout boots time limit

J

Jade75

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23 July 2014
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Hi guys,

*this is not my horse*

A horse on the yard I’m on, has been turned out 24/7 due to corona, with boots on all round. They’re not turnout boots they’re actually tendon boots. I’ve always been told not to leave boots on, even when the horse is just stood, as in once exercised they come off. What truth is there to this? Is there a risk posed from turnout 24/7 with the boots? Personally, I wouldn’t do it myself but were just being nosey as to the truth behind them not staying on and what does it actually cause.
Thank you!!
 
If they are on 24/7 never coming off as it gets warmer the legs will be getting even hotter which will potentially be damaging the hair, skin and the ligaments/ tendons within the limb, I wouldn't be surprised in this example if the horse is not going bald under them as it is coat changing time and the dead hair will be building up with nowhere to go.
It may not be your horse but a tactful word with the owner would be a good idea if it is not likely to be met with abuse, the owner possibly has not thought it through or is inexperienced and unaware of the damage that could be done thinking the protection from injury is a priority, although in my experience it is other parts of them that are more likely to be injured in a field accident, not a strike injury to the tendon.
 
^^ bp speaking good sense as usual
I use turnout boots occasionally but I'd say half a day max really and take care to use clean boots and make sure the legs are clean and dry in between. leaving them on is asking for a problem.
 
My huntsman vet would have a melt down at this, he wholly disapproves in horses being turned out in boots, unless it is for a first time out after box rest day and only for an hour at max. Reasons, boots heat the tendon which then creates a weakness. If mud, a thorn or something gets inside then it can lead to a nasty wound, and if left on for hours and days, then who knows what is going on under their.
 
Last edited:
As above.
I used turn out boots for a period but I would never ever again. They caused a nasty bout of cellulitis which was caused by mud getting trapped under and rubbing to create a small open wound and ‘boof!’ infection. That was them getting changed each day, I had a few pairs and washed them each time.
 
Oh god that’s awful!! I will be taking them off later on and messaging her to let her know. If she puts them back on then fair enough I suppose
 
They need to come off a friends sharer left boots on her horse overnight once and the legs looked pretty nast the following morning, and that was just one night!
 
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