Turnout - Leg Protection

[Skye24]

My pony has moved to a new yard and summer turnout is due to start shortly.

As he will be going out with the two other geldings for the first time, I’m wanting some leg protection for him, so wanted to ask what everyone uses when they turn out? Tendon Boots/Turnout Boots etc?

I know horses will be horses but if I can get something which will offer some protection I will feel a little better about the whole thing

Thanks

 

[Barton Bounty]

If you are turning out with boots in the field , make sure they are breathable as the legs heat up pretty quickly

 

[JBM]

My friend did a study in college about the effects of boots on horses legs and she found they damage the cells is the horses legs because of the heat they cause
So just be careful about leaving boots on for long periods of time often

 

[Goldenstar]

I don’t use boots in the field ever you need to keep a horses legs cool if they are to last them a lifetime .

 

[silv]

I don’t use boots in the field ever you need to keep a horses legs cool if they are to last them a lifetime .

This with bells on!

 

[Widgeon]

The main thing I would be looking at is, are the other horses prone to drama, and are any of them shod on the back. Can you introduce your pony to the other two over a fence first? Maybe electric tape off a section if they're all respectful of electric? Then they can get introduced without being able to kick or mess around too much.

 

[Ceifer]

I have a horse that is prone to knocking himself in the field. I use tri-zone boots as they are vented and over reach boots.

Boots aren’t going to protect from major injury but they will help with any scuffs/small knocks.

 

[deicinmerlyn]

Brushing boots and then when settled remove them as others have said they can over heat tendons and cause damage if left on for long periods of time.

 

[Alibear]

I used Tri-zone all-sport boots on my field hooligan and over-reach boots due to her habit of pinging shoes.
I'd rather not boot in the field, but she injures herself without them.

As they tend not to move at speed for very long whilst turned out, that helps mitigate the risk of overheating tendons.
But still best to use boots with the lowest heating effect if you can.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I always used to use Woof Club boots for turn-out when on a yard with big group turn-out. They are soft with no stitching on the edges that can rub and not too expensive. I do agree about the potential over-heating though. Now I don’t use anything which is definitely preferable as better overall for legs but I do understand the concerns as there were always injuries either from rough play or disagreement in group turn out.

 

[sbloom]

Good introduction policy far preferable to boots. Barefoot behind too, if possible.

 

[Mrs B]

Overreach boots would be about my limit for reasons people have mentioned but personally, I always introduce over a strong fence first, preferably for a week and especially if all parties are shod.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

A good introduction policy is preferable but having been on a number of livery yards that isn’t always an option. Plus you can get things like random field changes and regular turn over of liveries. Even in a relatively settled herd boys especially, often rough play.

 

[Kaylum]

Agree woof wear brushing boots then take them off when they have settled.