As a proud horse owner, you know that your horse's legs are invaluable to its health and performance. These vital body parts bear the horse's weight and undergo daily stress during riding and even in the pasture. Unfortunately, they are also particularly vulnerable to injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to use the right leg protection. In this blog, we delve deeper into the importance of leg protection and explore the different types of leg protectors available.
The importance of leg protection
A horse's legs are not only crucial for its mobility but also particularly sensitive to injuries. During riding, the legs are continuously under pressure from the horse's weight and the intensity of the movements. A wrong step, a hard landing, or an uncontrolled movement can quickly lead to tendon injuries, bruises, or other wounds.
Leg protection helps reduce these risks by providing extra support and absorbing the impact of shocks. The proper use of leg protection not only ensures that your horse moves more comfortably but also helps prevent both acute and long-term injuries, which can improve your horse's lifespan and performance.
All-purpose protectors
All-purpose protectors are a popular choice among riders who train their horses in various disciplines. As the name suggests, these protectors provide broad coverage for the horse's legs and can be used in a variety of situations. They are designed to protect the tendons, fetlock joints, and shins from knocks, scrapes, and other injuries that can occur during riding or in the pasture.
The versatility of all-purpose protectors makes them ideal for both recreational and competitive riders. Whether you're taking a quiet trail ride, engaging in intensive dressage training, or navigating a jumping course, all-purpose protectors offer the horse the necessary protection against daily risks. They are often made of strong, durable materials such as neoprene or plastic, ensuring they are resistant to wear and last a long time.
Additionally, they usually feature a shock-absorbing layer that helps reduce the impact of unexpected movements or knocks. With convenient closures, such as Velcro or elastic bands, all-purpose protectors are easy to apply and offer a comfortable fit without restricting the horse's movement.
Leg protection during jumping
During jumping, a horse's legs undergo significant stress. The horse makes big, powerful jumps and lands with a lot of impact on the ground. This not only puts pressure on the tendons and joints but also increases the risk of knocks and scrapes with the poles or obstacles. Therefore, leg protection when jumping is absolutely essential to prevent injuries and support the horse's performance.
1. Tendon protectors
Tendon protectors are a commonly used form of leg protection in jumping. These protectors cover the back part of the forelegs and provide support to the tendons and ligaments that are heavily stressed during the jump. They are often made of hard materials like plastic or leather to absorb knocks against the obstacle and protect the legs from scrapes or injuries. Moreover, many tendon protectors feature a soft, shock-absorbing lining that offers extra comfort for the horse.
2. Fetlock boots
Fetlock boots are designed for the horse's hind legs and protect against brushing, where the horse can strike its own legs during takeoff or landing of a jump. Especially for horses that tend to place their hind legs close together, fetlock boots can help prevent painful scrapes or injuries.
3. Bell boots
Bell boots are ideal for protecting the horse's heels from knocks and wounds during jumping. They cover the hoof and the lower leg and prevent the horse from injuring itself, for example, by striking its front hooves with its hind hooves during takeoff or landing.
Eventing protection
Eventing tendon protectors are specially designed to protect the horse's tendons and ligaments from the impact of running and knocks. They are often made of sturdy, shock-absorbing material such as plastic or neoprene and usually feature extra lining for a comfortable fit. The reinforced outer layer helps absorb the force of impacts and prevents damage to the tendons and joints during jumping over obstacles.
In addition to tendon protectors, fetlock protectors are also essential for eventing. These protectors cover the fetlock joints and provide extra protection against knocks and scrapes that can occur when hitting obstacles or jumping over hurdles. They are often made of strong, flexible materials that offer a good balance between protection and freedom of movement.
For extra protection, bell boots are often used in combination with other leg protectors. Bell boots protect the hooves and lower legs against knocks and injuries that can occur when hitting harder surfaces or obstacles. They often feature extra padding to cushion the impact on the hooves and reduce the risk of damage.
Bandages
Bandages can also be used but offer limited protection. However, they are fun to combine with a saddle pad and ear net! Additionally, you can tie under-bandages under the regular bandages. Just make sure not to tie the bandages too tightly.
Transport protectors
Transport protectors are essential for protecting your horse's legs during transport. Made of sturdy, breathable materials with extra padding, they offer both cushioning and protection. A good fit, with adjustable closures, ensures comfort without obstructing blood circulation. Regular maintenance and inspection are important to maintain effectiveness and to ensure your horse arrives safely and comfortably at its destination.
Care products
To ensure your horse's leg protection stays in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. There are various care products you can use to extend the lifespan and effectiveness of your leg protectors: cleaning agents, disinfectant sprays, maintenance products, and detergents for bandages. Kentucky Boots Cleaner is, for instance, a very effective spray for cleaning and maintaining leg protectors.
Conclusion
It is clear that leg protection is indispensable for your horse, regardless of the activity. The choice of the right protection depends on your horse's specific needs and activities. By using the right care products, you ensure that the protection remains clean, comfortable, and in top condition. This not only contributes to your horse's safety but also to its overall well-being. At Emmers Equestrian, we have a wide range of leg protectors from luxury brands such as: Kentucky Horsewear, Lamicell, eQuick, Acavallo, Veredus and many more brands!
Note that not all leg protection is allowed in competitions. For this, it is best to contact the competition organization. For other questions about leg protection, our experts at Emmers Equestrian are ready to assist you, so be sure to contact us or visit one of our stores.
