Why would you use these?

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Why would you use these?

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  • Why use splint boots on horses
  • Why splint boots?

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    09-10-2011, 09:04 PM
Why would you use these?


So I am just wondering why you would use splint boots, polo wraps, bell boots and things like those? Some lesson horses use them but I was wondering why and hoe you decide whether to use them or not?

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    09-10-2011, 09:13 PM
Some horses are prone to whacking their own legs together because of conformation or laziness. Also, horses in hard work might wear boots/wraps because they are using their body in a more extreme manner and we don't want them to accidentally hit themselves because then they may not try as hard the next time. Think horse learning to do an extended trot. When they are still finding their balance they might swipe their legs together accidentally and then decide not to try to extend to their full extent again because they remember that it hurt the last time they did. Or think of a horse learning true collection and maybe overstepping and clipping their front leg with a hind hoof during a strong half-halt.
I don't do much jumping at all, so I don't know how this relates to that. But the above is what I'm learning doing dressage. Also, a horse in clean white polo wraps does look fancy. ;)
    09-10-2011, 09:18 PM
To add to what IslandWave said, for jumping, it's mostly about impact. Wraps/boots help minimize the stress on the joints and give more support.
    09-10-2011, 09:24 PM
Originally Posted by RockandRide    



Most of the time folks use splint boots while schooling green horses that haven't quit figured out how to carry themselves and have a tendency of striking themselves on the legs. Bell boots are used for horses that have a very active hind end and tend to clip(over reach) the front heels with the toe of their hind hooves. Polo wraps and splint boots are also preventive way to avoid strain in the lower legs.

The best way to tell if you need them is to watch your horse move while being lunged. Sometimes while ridding a horse that tends to over reach you can actually hear them kick the bottom side of the front hoof when they step under themself with their hind leg/hoof.

Someone may correct me if I'm wrong or if I forgotten something. These are the reasons I've used them for while riding/lunging. Some people choose to use them and some don't. Just depends on the horse and owners preference.
    09-10-2011, 09:28 PM
Guess I didn't type mine quick enough because now I have echoed everyone's response...Oh well :P
    09-10-2011, 10:54 PM
Thanks everyone!!!! Do some peoples horses wear bell boots 24/7 like even when they are in the field?
    09-10-2011, 11:00 PM
Yes. Some people use the bell boots for the reason: over extending the back legs and clipping the back of the front legs. And also if a horse has front shoes. I know someone had a thread about it a few months ago because their horse would catch the back hoof on the back of the front hoof and tear off shoes. The bell boots prevented that.
    09-11-2011, 10:42 AM
I used to have Excel in bell boots 24/7 because he was tearing shoes off like crazy from overreaching.
    09-11-2011, 10:58 AM
I have my horse turned out in bellboots at all times. He has a tendency to clip his heels and twist shoes, so it really helps. Really he lives in his bell boots anytime out of the stall because he has a generous reach with his hind end. Makes me nervous when I take them off for a dressage test. Originally he was always booted up or wrapped on all fours, but now that he's better balanced, I only use brushing boots when jumping above 3' or going XC.
    09-11-2011, 12:14 PM
Green Broke
I use bell boots everytime I ride, right now my boy is really learning to use his butt after loads of incorrect riding. However when I compete I always try to put on either SMB boots or atleast splints to help the impact of turns and such (thats only once a month though)

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