Some horses with particularly fragile legs... especially those with suspensory ligament and superficial digital flexor tendon issues... may benefit from a good pair of support boots with a sling that cradles the fetlock. These boots are nice because not only do they offer some some longitudinal support, but they provide 360 degrees of impact protection. The downsides are that, because of their design, they may hold in a lot of heat. In addition, if these boots are used every day on a horse who doesn't necessarily need the support, the horse's legs may become somewhat dependent on the boots. This can be avoided by only using the boots when your horse is more likely to strain his legs. Originally marketed by Professional's choice, many brands have adopted the sports medicine boot design. Here are some of my favorites:
THINLINE COBRA SUPPORT BOOT: I have never personally used these but I love the idea. Made from ThinLine's signature high-density open-cell foam, these boots are thin, will mold to the horse's legs, shouldn't rub, and have anti-fungal properties. The ThinLine material, which I have felt in person, seems like it would offer really nice support, not to mention fantastic impact protection for not having a hard shell. In addition, ThinLine claims that their boots, pads, and other products are breathable and will keep heat out of your horse's legs. These boots come at a fair price of $77.00
http://shop.thinlineglobal.com/p/thinline-cobra-boot
BACK-ON-TRACK THERAPEUTIC EXCERCISE BOOTS: I have never used these but seem like a good option for horses with arthritis and circulation issues, or who take a little longer to warm up. The Back-On-Track material is infused with ceramic powder which reflects the horse's body heat back towards the horse, improving circulation and providing infra-red therapy. The boots claim to keep the muscles in the lower legs cool and tight. I find this statement interesting because the soft tissue in the lower leg is mostly made up of tendons and ligaments, not muscles; however, many people swear by Back-on-Track products. These boots are slightly more expensive at $99 for a pair.
http://www.backontrackproducts.com/Horse-Products/Horse-Exercise-Boots/Exercise-Boots-Front-WHITE-BLACK-p298.html
STRETCH & FLEX TRAINING WRAPS: These are nice boots that I have felt in person and are popular for their Stomatex material, which is extremely breathable, lightweight, flexible, and soft. Reviews rave of their suitability for horses with sensitive, easily-rubbed skin. They claim to keep legs cooler, which is a huge plus. The material is slightly stretchy but is so soft it seems as though it wouldn't provide as much support as a boot made of something more sturdy. They are pretty thin and offer fair impact protection but if your horse is likely to do more than graze himself, the impact protection might not be adequate. These boots are the most expensive of the bunch at $102.95 for a pair.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/equilibrium-stretch-and-flex-training-wraps-6707p.aspx?cm_vc=Search
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Leg Protection Part 1: Wraps
Only an equestrian can understand making the tough decision of which leg protection to use for your horse. Hopefully the next few posts will make it easier.
*Note: I realize there is a lot of debate as to whether or not bandages or boots can actually provide support. For the purposes of this blog, let's just pretend that we KNOW some leg gear can provide support.
Wraps:
Wraps are often used to provide contoured and custom protection and support for equine athletes' fragile legs. I like to wrap if a horse tends to stock up or get any swelling, or if he is predisposed to soft-tissue injury. The benefit of bandages over boots is that they have less of a tendency to rub if your horse has sensitive skin; they can be applied to have a custom fit on a horse with lumps and bumps; or they can be wrapped to offer more support in areas where a horse needs it. I find that they tend to breathe better than boots as well, and cool tendons are healthy tendons. The downsides are they have very little impact protection, so should only be used if your horse isn't likely to do more than brush his legs together. They are also much easier to apply incorrectly than are boots, and an incorrectly applied bandage can cause injury.
So what are your bandage options?
STANDARD POLO WRAP: These are handy-dandy little fleece bandages that provide a low level of protection if your horse interferes. They come in fun colors and are great if your horse has sensitive skin. You can find them pretty cheap at most tack shops and online stores.
EQUIFIT T-SPORT WRAPS: These are support wraps with some stretch that are lined with Equifit's famous T-foam, known for its support, shock absorption, and suitability for sensitive-skinned horses. These provide a good amount of impact protection for how thin they are because of the lining, but if your horse is likely to do more than just brush or nick himself something more substantial might be a better option. These wraps stretch, providing better support than a regular polo wrap, and are very low-profile. Equifit claims that these wraps trasfers heat out of the leg, a must in hot weather. The downside to these wraps is that they are very high-maintenance. They come with a hefty price tag as well: $93.50 for a pair.
http://www.equifit.net/products/t-sport-wrap
SARATOGA BANDAGES: These are my personal favorite. I use them on a regular basis. These are very thin and very stretchy track bandages, but the stretch is firm--thus providing excellent support. The company claims that these bandages "offer more support to the lower leg than any other product of its type." They have silicone applied to the inside of the wrap to prevent slipping, and they are very low-profile when applied without padding (however, also provide next to no impact protection, so should only be used if your horse is unlikely to interfere). They are extremely versatile, and can be applied alone, with bandage liners of your choice, or you can go old-school eventing and put on Porter Protectors underneath. You must be a very good wrapper to apply these without padding because they are so stretchy. They come at a good price of $59.95 for a set of 4.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/saratoga-bandages-321p.aspx
DRAPER EQUINE THERAPY PERFECT POLO WRAPS: I have never used these but I would like to! They are half Saratoga, providing super support, and half Celliant material, which supposedly can relieve pain and swelling, as well as increase oxygen levels in blood. These space-aged wraps go for $60 for a pair. Read up on the technology of the Celliant material here: http://www.drapertherapies.com/Draper_Equine_Therapy_Perfect_Polo_Wraps_p/perpolo.htm
ESKADRON CLIMATEX BANDAGE LINERS: I love these as well. To be used under exercise bandages like the Saratogas or something similar, they provide a nice thick layer of impact protection... less than the hard shell of a boot but more that a polo wrap. The best part about them is that they wick away sweat and breathe, keeping the legs cool. In the heat of summer, your horse's legs will still be sweaty. I have not yet found the miracle wrap that keeps that from happening. But on a nice day, I have found my horse's legs to be cooler and dryer with these than with plain Saratogas or boots. They go for $47.95 from smartpak for a set of 4.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/eskadron-climatex-bandage-liners-7802p.aspx?cm_vc=Search
EQUIFIT T-FOAM BANDAGE LINERS: These are fantastic high-quality bandage liners that provide some of the best impact protection you can hope for without a hard-shelled boot. Made from T-Foam, they shouldn't rub and mold to the legs beautifully, providing fantastic lateral support. They claim to transfer heat from the leg. You can get the standard bandage liners for $77.95 for a pair.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/equifit-tfoam-bandage-liners-4954p.aspx?cm_sp=CS-_-EquiFit%20T-Foam%20Bandage%20Liners-_-NA&cm_vc=Rec
PRO CHOICE COMBO BANDAGES: These are a less expensive option that provide a low level of impact protection and a bit of support as well. They are half fleece and half elastic, and I have found them to do a great job of keeping my horse's legs cool because they are so thin. They go for $39.95 for a set of 4.
http://profchoice.com/i-7261558-combo-bandages.html
Remember no leg protection is 100% sure to prevent injury.
*Note: I realize there is a lot of debate as to whether or not bandages or boots can actually provide support. For the purposes of this blog, let's just pretend that we KNOW some leg gear can provide support.
Wraps:
Wraps are often used to provide contoured and custom protection and support for equine athletes' fragile legs. I like to wrap if a horse tends to stock up or get any swelling, or if he is predisposed to soft-tissue injury. The benefit of bandages over boots is that they have less of a tendency to rub if your horse has sensitive skin; they can be applied to have a custom fit on a horse with lumps and bumps; or they can be wrapped to offer more support in areas where a horse needs it. I find that they tend to breathe better than boots as well, and cool tendons are healthy tendons. The downsides are they have very little impact protection, so should only be used if your horse isn't likely to do more than brush his legs together. They are also much easier to apply incorrectly than are boots, and an incorrectly applied bandage can cause injury.
So what are your bandage options?
STANDARD POLO WRAP: These are handy-dandy little fleece bandages that provide a low level of protection if your horse interferes. They come in fun colors and are great if your horse has sensitive skin. You can find them pretty cheap at most tack shops and online stores.
EQUIFIT T-SPORT WRAPS: These are support wraps with some stretch that are lined with Equifit's famous T-foam, known for its support, shock absorption, and suitability for sensitive-skinned horses. These provide a good amount of impact protection for how thin they are because of the lining, but if your horse is likely to do more than just brush or nick himself something more substantial might be a better option. These wraps stretch, providing better support than a regular polo wrap, and are very low-profile. Equifit claims that these wraps trasfers heat out of the leg, a must in hot weather. The downside to these wraps is that they are very high-maintenance. They come with a hefty price tag as well: $93.50 for a pair.
http://www.equifit.net/products/t-sport-wrap
SARATOGA BANDAGES: These are my personal favorite. I use them on a regular basis. These are very thin and very stretchy track bandages, but the stretch is firm--thus providing excellent support. The company claims that these bandages "offer more support to the lower leg than any other product of its type." They have silicone applied to the inside of the wrap to prevent slipping, and they are very low-profile when applied without padding (however, also provide next to no impact protection, so should only be used if your horse is unlikely to interfere). They are extremely versatile, and can be applied alone, with bandage liners of your choice, or you can go old-school eventing and put on Porter Protectors underneath. You must be a very good wrapper to apply these without padding because they are so stretchy. They come at a good price of $59.95 for a set of 4.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/saratoga-bandages-321p.aspx
DRAPER EQUINE THERAPY PERFECT POLO WRAPS: I have never used these but I would like to! They are half Saratoga, providing super support, and half Celliant material, which supposedly can relieve pain and swelling, as well as increase oxygen levels in blood. These space-aged wraps go for $60 for a pair. Read up on the technology of the Celliant material here: http://www.drapertherapies.com/Draper_Equine_Therapy_Perfect_Polo_Wraps_p/perpolo.htm
ESKADRON CLIMATEX BANDAGE LINERS: I love these as well. To be used under exercise bandages like the Saratogas or something similar, they provide a nice thick layer of impact protection... less than the hard shell of a boot but more that a polo wrap. The best part about them is that they wick away sweat and breathe, keeping the legs cool. In the heat of summer, your horse's legs will still be sweaty. I have not yet found the miracle wrap that keeps that from happening. But on a nice day, I have found my horse's legs to be cooler and dryer with these than with plain Saratogas or boots. They go for $47.95 from smartpak for a set of 4.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/eskadron-climatex-bandage-liners-7802p.aspx?cm_vc=Search
EQUIFIT T-FOAM BANDAGE LINERS: These are fantastic high-quality bandage liners that provide some of the best impact protection you can hope for without a hard-shelled boot. Made from T-Foam, they shouldn't rub and mold to the legs beautifully, providing fantastic lateral support. They claim to transfer heat from the leg. You can get the standard bandage liners for $77.95 for a pair.
http://www.smartpakequine.com/equifit-tfoam-bandage-liners-4954p.aspx?cm_sp=CS-_-EquiFit%20T-Foam%20Bandage%20Liners-_-NA&cm_vc=Rec
PRO CHOICE COMBO BANDAGES: These are a less expensive option that provide a low level of impact protection and a bit of support as well. They are half fleece and half elastic, and I have found them to do a great job of keeping my horse's legs cool because they are so thin. They go for $39.95 for a set of 4.
http://profchoice.com/i-7261558-combo-bandages.html
Remember no leg protection is 100% sure to prevent injury.
Half Pads
As equestrians, most of us feel obligated to do something to protect our horses' backs from our inadvertent and inevitable bouncing. A good option to do so is with a good-quality half pad to absorb concussion and disperse pressure. But sifting through the half-pad market can be a long process. So made a list of my favorites...
ECOGOLD MEMORY FOAM TRIPLE PROTECTION HALF PAD: Based on the research I've done, this is my favorite half-pad option. I use it on my horse every day. It conforms to your saddle and to your horses' back, filling in gaps and improving fit. The three layers of foam work together to protect your horse's back from impact. And it's thin enough that it doesn't make the saddle fit too tightly, or interfere too much with feel. Reviews rave of its tendency to encourage horses to round up through their backs. It comes in black, ivory, and brown, with a price tag of $165. Not cheap, but not overly expensive for a pad of this quality.
https://www.ecogold.ca/product_info.php?products_id=110&osCsid=b1bbpr1ia1sekqoa0uqpiqcj97
Impact test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kpv9LYbIVjg
Pressure Scans: http://www.dynamicsaddlefitting.com/ecogold-saddle-pad-scans.html
OGILVY JUMP MEMORYFOAM HALFPAD: This pad came in neck-and-neck with the Ecogold according to reviews across forums and online stores. It is slightly more expensive at $199, but it's a favorite of many high-level jumpers. In fact, Ogilvy sponsors the incredible Reed Kessler. The pad is made from anti-friction materials and Ogilvy claims that "This half pad will have your saddle fitting perfectly on every horse, even with custom made saddles." While most reviews claimed this pad was significantly thicker than the Ecogold, the memory foam will squish down to 1/8 of an inch thick. Still concerned? For an extra $40 Ogilvy makes a "Gummy" half pad that is thinner and denser than their standard memory foam model.
Gummy Pad: https://www.ogilvyequestrian.com/details.php?id=29
MemoryFoam HalfPad: https://www.ogilvyequestrian.com/details.php?id=12
THINLINE: This pad is one many equestrians swear by. It is known for its incredible shock-absorbing abilities despite its thin structure. At a good price of $84, this pad is a good option if your saddle fits well already but you want a little extra padding without bulk to protect from impact.
http://shop.thinlineglobal.com/p/thinline-half-pad?pp=12&pp=12
Impact Test Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DnlzA1lJa0
CASHEL: I had this pad for years from when I half-leased my first pony 7 years ago to when I upgraded to the Ecogold. I didn't use it consistently but it still looks great and is perfectly functional. It comes in several different thicknesses as well as a wedge option. It is very lightweight and does a fair job of conforming to your horse's back, and is a good option if you want some inexpensive impact protection. At $36.95, this pad is great for your horse's back and for your wallet.
http://www.cashelcompany.com/Product.aspx?DepartmentID=6&CategoryID=33&ProductID=9190
Remember that no pad can substitute a well-fitting saddle. But the above pads are great investments in your horse's comfort.
ECOGOLD MEMORY FOAM TRIPLE PROTECTION HALF PAD: Based on the research I've done, this is my favorite half-pad option. I use it on my horse every day. It conforms to your saddle and to your horses' back, filling in gaps and improving fit. The three layers of foam work together to protect your horse's back from impact. And it's thin enough that it doesn't make the saddle fit too tightly, or interfere too much with feel. Reviews rave of its tendency to encourage horses to round up through their backs. It comes in black, ivory, and brown, with a price tag of $165. Not cheap, but not overly expensive for a pad of this quality.
https://www.ecogold.ca/product_info.php?products_id=110&osCsid=b1bbpr1ia1sekqoa0uqpiqcj97
Impact test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kpv9LYbIVjg
Pressure Scans: http://www.dynamicsaddlefitting.com/ecogold-saddle-pad-scans.html
OGILVY JUMP MEMORYFOAM HALFPAD: This pad came in neck-and-neck with the Ecogold according to reviews across forums and online stores. It is slightly more expensive at $199, but it's a favorite of many high-level jumpers. In fact, Ogilvy sponsors the incredible Reed Kessler. The pad is made from anti-friction materials and Ogilvy claims that "This half pad will have your saddle fitting perfectly on every horse, even with custom made saddles." While most reviews claimed this pad was significantly thicker than the Ecogold, the memory foam will squish down to 1/8 of an inch thick. Still concerned? For an extra $40 Ogilvy makes a "Gummy" half pad that is thinner and denser than their standard memory foam model.
Gummy Pad: https://www.ogilvyequestrian.com/details.php?id=29
MemoryFoam HalfPad: https://www.ogilvyequestrian.com/details.php?id=12
THINLINE: This pad is one many equestrians swear by. It is known for its incredible shock-absorbing abilities despite its thin structure. At a good price of $84, this pad is a good option if your saddle fits well already but you want a little extra padding without bulk to protect from impact.
http://shop.thinlineglobal.com/p/thinline-half-pad?pp=12&pp=12
Impact Test Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DnlzA1lJa0
CASHEL: I had this pad for years from when I half-leased my first pony 7 years ago to when I upgraded to the Ecogold. I didn't use it consistently but it still looks great and is perfectly functional. It comes in several different thicknesses as well as a wedge option. It is very lightweight and does a fair job of conforming to your horse's back, and is a good option if you want some inexpensive impact protection. At $36.95, this pad is great for your horse's back and for your wallet.
http://www.cashelcompany.com/Product.aspx?DepartmentID=6&CategoryID=33&ProductID=9190
Remember that no pad can substitute a well-fitting saddle. But the above pads are great investments in your horse's comfort.
Overview...
I finally broke down and created this blog because my friend Alexa inspired me with hers: http://equestrilifestyle.blogspot.com/ She has the best taste and well-rounded knowledge of all things Equestrian Fashion.
Anyways, I'll be talking about different products, brand names, and weird things you might not have considered for your equine companions. I hope you enjoy... after all, who doesn't love to be told why they should spoil their horse?
Anyways, I'll be talking about different products, brand names, and weird things you might not have considered for your equine companions. I hope you enjoy... after all, who doesn't love to be told why they should spoil their horse?
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