Leg Guards

Horses have no padding from muscle tissues in the lower leg. It means that tender bones like splints, ligaments and tendons have no natural protection. Horse leg guards help protect the delicate structure of the leg from obstacles as well as own horse hooves.

In the meantime, there are many styles of leg guards for thin skins that protect and support the tendons and leg ligaments. No matter how light the workload is, some horses are prone to forging, interfering and injuries themselves. This is why each type available in the market addresses different problems of horses and sporting activities. Here, the point to note is that manufacturers do not use the same names to describe all boots. Meanwhile, different brands incorporate different sets of functions in their boots. What remains common is the ticker padding inside these leg joint protectors that help your horse stay safe and perform well. Today we will discuss some of the common types and features of leg guards available in the market and how they can be helpful for your horse.

All about protective leg guards for horses

You may have seen horses wearing leg protection. Have you ever wondered what the purpose or safety is? Although in some instances they are called “boots” they don’t serve the said purpose. Instead, they protect the delicate structure of the horse’s leg from bumps and hooves. No matter what type you pick for your horse, it must fit well. Experts suggest chaffing these guards in case of chaffing or any other type of damage. Commonly built-up sweat, dust and grit can make them uncomfortable and can cause damage to the delicate skin of the horse. With these basic tips of care, now let’s explore the possibilities a horse owner can consider.

The bell boots

These boots circle the pastern, whereas the bell shape covers the hoof area. Generally, they are made of rubber, leather with fleece lining or heavy synthetic material.  Usually, these boots are worked in the paddock, stall or while ridden. In any case, they prevent the horse from self-hurting. They are more reliable when the terrain is muddy and rough or where the horse is negotiating obstacles like jumping. It also offers protection from hitting a hard surface. On the other hand, the fetlock ring helps in preventing the horse from injuring its hind fetlocks. This is because these simple rubber doughnuts ring stretch over the hoofs and sit perfectly on the lower fetlock of the horse.

Brush, Brushing or Splint Boots

Splint boots or brush boots are used on the front leg. They help in preventing the horse from hurting himself during hard work. Occasionally they are used on hind legs as well. They are commonly used during lunging and canter work. Plus, they are a must for activities like jumping, reining or any sort of fast-moving is involved. Or where there are chances for the horse to hit its leg with a hoof. These boots sit on or above the pastern joint and secure the lower bones as well as soft tissues in the lower legs. These boots come with thicker padding on the boot that protects fragile splint bone along the inside of the cannon bone of a horse. Generally, they are made of synthetic material or leather.

Open front boots and leg wraps

Open leg boots are another common type of horse guard. These boots are used when the rider wants the horse to feel when hitting a jump. Some horses become smug and scrub over the rails of jumps. An open front boot can encourage these horses to be more honest about tucking their knees upward and clearing the obstacles while offering some protection. In the meantime, the open front boots also offer better airflow around the lower leg. On the other hand, leg wraps are the oldest type of boots used for horse leg protection. Also known as polo wraps, these are the most common types of standing and riding bandages used in a stable.

The sports medicine boots

This type of boots offers both support and protection side by side. They cover the lower let, back and front from the pastern to below the knee area. However, they are not as padded as the splint styles. Even then, they offer impressive support to the ligaments and tendons. You can commonly see them on endurance or jumper horses as well as others that are meant to ride tough terrains. Traditionally they are made of high-quality leather or highly processed synthetic materials.  Sometimes you can find them in materials specifically designed to retain heat. This property helps when the horse feels increased blood flow to the leg (generally due to extreme physical activity like competitive running).