Sports medicine boots

[No_Angel]

Anyone got sports medicine boots? Do they offer more protection to tendons than other types of tendon boots?

[Jessey]

I have SMBII boots and I think they are fantastic, offer all round protection and support - I love mine :D

Having said that I only use them for competitions, normally unless I am doing a very hard session my horses go un-booted.

There was some reasearch reacently that said that boots generally were not good for tendons as injuries are more common when the legs get warm and also the legs don't toughen up as much when they constantly have support.

The only things I don't like about the SMBII (and all those sorts of schooling wraps) I find they do tend to pick up dirt, I tend to take mine off every few hours and brush the legs and boots out if I am working in an arena or other dusty place.

J x

[Iron Maiden]

My friend has been using them on her eventer for a few years now & they have been fine, although having read about the research Jessey refers to we've splashed out on some of the ventilated xc boots for him this season. I do like the Sports Meds though, they seem to give very good support & protection, have been hard wearing and aren't too much of a faff to put on.

[Shadowlark]

You have got to watch them. They can really weaken the leg - because the leg is supported, the tendons don't need to develop as much.

I know of a lot of people who use them and love them - I don't even own a set, when I run barrels I will use Polos since they provide very little support, but are excellent cushion in case a hoof clips the other leg (and they are cheap!)

[Iron Maiden]

That's interesting. I can't be bothered to bandage these days & have never been a fan of using boots for anything other than xc, I thought I was just being lazy but maybe I have been doing the neds a favour after all:o

[Ms Kitty]

We use them for Polo, very good for that, always stay in place and protect feet well. I agree with Shadowlark though, if you don't have to wear them all the time, don't, they can "over protect" the horses feet as well.

On my own horses (non-Polo) I use any kind of boots only if they absolutely require them, either because of faulty movement of feet causing injuries or riding in such a terrain that needs extra support/if I am doing something such as jumping.

Nina x