Bandages VS boots AGAIN

[Gemma16]

Hi everyone. I have been thinking long and hard about which would be better for Taffy and myself.

After reading another thread on the pros and cons of both I just need a summary of which is best for each thing.

I use boots currently for protection on taffy front and back.

I have learnt that bandages give more support, but this can lead to tendon probs if they are used all the time? Could someone clarify this for me as I would only be using them for hacking and schooling

Most boots give just protection from knocks etc but sports medicine boots give suport like bandages? ( sorry about all the qestions but I think its important I'm clear on this as I don't want to damage his legs:D )

Ok now what is eveyones personal pref and why? Could any one suggest any boots that are good for general hacking and schooling.

Bandages: Where do you bandage up to cause I haveseen a few variations, from over the fetlock joint, to just above the joint. Do they restrict any movement?

Thanks and sorry for all the dumb questions:D ;) :rolleyes:

[galadriel]

Support, boots or bandages, can keep a horse from developing strength in his own legs. If you wore a wrist brace all of the time, your wrist would not get stronger. If you then tried to take the wrist brace off, your wrist would feel very weak; if you tried to do harder work, your wrist would not be up for it as it had no strength of its own.

So using support routinely can keep a horse from developing the strength he needs, in his bones, ligaments, and tendons. For everyday work it's probably better not to use leg support.

I usually use support when I'm asking something unusual of a horse. At shows, or in unusually strenuous schooling (xc jumping) etc. I use SMB-type boots for support.

For just general riding, if you want to use leg protection, the simplest thing is probably a set of splint boots. They're easy and quick to put on, they provide protection from knocks, they're easy to clean, easy to store. They don't provide unnecessary support. They work well, in my opinion.

[Esther.D]

I go with Galadriel on this one. I don't use boots at all when hacking but only when I am asking something more of the horse eg jumping or in driving trials where there is a lot of hard fast work and potentially lots of little stones etc flying about. Rupert came to me with a full set of brushing and over-reach boots, which I have never used as he neither brushes or over-reaches - I think they were a fashion accessory, like his clip was :rolleyes: and I still haven't located the reason for his martingale he came with, he never throws his head up :rolleyes:

Anyway that is beside the point!

Ideally wear nothing unless necessary, wear boots for light protection against knocks/brushing etc and bandages as a support (as well as against knocks).