Some of the basics - such as putting splint boots on a horse to jump - become common sense as riders increase their knowledge of horses. However, other aspects of leg injury prevention are not nearly as prevalent in the horse world, and horse owners must keep abreast of the latest developments in horse health.
Riding Safety
It is possible to prevent most horse leg injuries simply by paying attention. Before riding in a field, horse owners should inspect the ground quality for holes, divots, thorny flora, snow, ice and other hazards. It is never a good idea to go on a trail ride, for example, when unfamiliar with the terrain.
Of course, horse owners should not forget about leg injury prevention when riding in an arena. Many riders feel a sense of false security when riding in familiar places, but even a sand arena can present numerous problems.
For example, sand becomes slick after a long, heavy rain, and deep sand can suck down on horse hooves, potentially pulling tendons or ligaments. Whether riding on grass or sand, there are numerous opportunities for horses to hurt themselves. Conduct an inspection of all riding areas that includes an evaluation of:
- Consistency of surface
- Sudden changes in elevation
- Hardness of surface
- Slick or slippery areas
- Insects, rodents or other organisms
- Materials that may have fallen or blown in (screws, nails, strips of wood, etc.)
Paying attention to one's riding area can go a long way toward leg injury prevention and also increase rider peace of mind.
Splint Boots
Splint boot is a blanket term used to describe any boot that is wrapped around the horse's leg for riding or turning out. They generally extend from just below the fetlock to midway up the cannon bone, and help prevent stress leg injuries and other problems.
For trail riding, cross-country jumping and other out-of-arena activities, neoprene splint boots are usually the most effective. They absorb water and are not weighed down by moisture, which is essential when crossing rivers, streams or water complexes.
Sports medicine boots, on the other hand, are used on both the front legs and the hind legs, and provide efficient fetlock support. They are designed to dip down under the fetlock with a Velcro strap that comes up from the bottom of the boot. These are most effective for arena exercises, such as reining, dressage, jumping and speed events.
Bell Boots
In many equestrian sports, horses suffer leg injuries because they are encouraged to "track up" in the hind end, which means bringing their back hooves as far underneath themselves as possible with every stride.
Unfortunately, while this leads to better utilization of muscle and more forward impulsion, it can also cause horses to clip their front heels with their back hooves. Bell boots prevent these types of leg injuries by draping over the hooves, and can be made of rubber, neoprene or other materials.
Some bell boots are open with Velcro straps, while others are designed for constant wear and slip over the hoof. Horses that are turned out in a pasture for long periods at a time might be prone to leg injuries, and will therefore benefit from bell boots all the time.
Polo Wraps
Another way to prevent horse leg injuries is with polo wraps, which can be used for riding as well as medicinal purposes. Polo wraps must be applied correctly, however, and wrapping them too tightly can result in bowed tendons.
It is important for all horse owners to learn how to wrap with polos in order to prevent leg injuries. A riding instructor or horse trainer can teach novices how to do this correctly. It is also important not to use polo wraps in the field, as they can snag branches or become saturated with water, thereby losing effectiveness.
Shipping Boots and Wraps
Shipping boots or wraps are not used for riding, but rather for transporting horses via trailer. They protect the horse's legs against shock and the pressure of standing in the same place for long periods of time, and extend above the hock for maximum protection.
Shipping boots are often the easiest to use because they take less time. Wraps, on the other hand, usually consist of pillow wraps and polo wraps to hold them together. Either way, a professional should teach novice riders how to apply them correctly.
There are numerous ways to prevent horse leg injuries, but accidents happen. If a horse develops an injury while riding or playing in the pasture, call a veterinarian immediately. Many of these injuries can heal when given the proper treatment.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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