Why Do Horses Wear Splint Boots?

Brushing boots or splint boots are used to protect a horse’s legs during exercise, protecting the lower leg from injury that may occur if one leg or hoof strikes the opposite leg.

Do splint boots help horses?

Splint boots provide an added level of protection to the delicate lower leg. They are a helpful tool for horses recovering from injuries or those with conformation causing undesired interactions between legs.

Why do horses need tendon boots?

Tendon boots protect the horse’s front legs from strikes from the hind hooves which can occur when landing a jump. In comparison, fetlock boots are used on the horse’s hind legs and just protect the fetlock from brushing injuries. There are many different styles available.

Do splint boots prevent splints?

Splint boots protect the splint and ankle on the inside of the horse’s leg; galloping boots protect the back of the ankle and tendons, plus the inside of the splint and ankle area. Boots can only do their job if they are the right size and put on correctly.

Why would a horse wear boots?

A horse boot is a protective boot or wrap designed to prevent a horse’s lower leg or hoof from experiencing trauma. These injuries could result from activities like walking on rough terrain or damage from a gait irregularity. Horse boots offer protection and also absorb shock when a horse’s hoof hits the ground.

Will splints affect my horses future?

Most horses with splints recover and return to work. Once in a while a horse may develop a callus around a splint bone fracture that damages the ligaments running behind the cannon bone. In this case, the horse may need surgery to remove part of the splint bone. These horses are at greater risk of long-term lameness.

Are horses lame with a splint?

For the most part, splints are cosmetic blemishes that don’t interfere with a horse’s long-term athletic ability. However, some can result in significant lameness, especially in the immediate injury period or, in rare cases, where there is impingement of the suspensory ligament.

Are brushing boots and splint boots the same?

Brushing boots (traditionally referred to as splint boots) are a type of protective boot used to protect the lower part of the horse’s leg.

Why is barefoot better for horses?

Better shock absorption and energy dissipation. Barefoot and booted horses’ hoofs are better able to absorb shock and dissipate energy than metal-shod horses’ hoofs, which can equate to increased performance and longevity, particularly on hard surfaces.

What are the disadvantages of splints?

Compartment syndrome, thermal injuries, pressure sores, skin infection and dermatitis, and joint stiffness are possible complications of splinting and casting. Patient education regarding swelling, signs of vascular compromise, and recommendations for follow-up is crucial after cast or splint application.

What are splint boots good for?

Brushing boots or splint boots are used to protect a horse’s legs during exercise, protecting the lower leg from injury that may occur if one leg or hoof strikes the opposite leg.

How tight should splint boots be for horses?

The boot shouldn’t feel too tight – you should be able to get your finger in between the boot and your horse’s leg. If it’s too tight it can cause injuries, pinching and pressure points. Similarly, the boot shouldn’t be too loose – you should not be able to move the boot around the horse’s leg.

How do you know if your horse needs boots?

Protective boots are particularly important if your horse has big movement in his gaits, has sustained an injury, or if he interferes– meaning he has a propensity for one or more hooves to strike another leg during movement.

Do boots help horses with arthritis?

Hoof boots are a great help through all three stages of equine arthritis, as they provide cushioning and shock absorption, which will relieve the stress on the aching joints.

Do horses really need boots?

Proper booting helps provide support to tendons, thus helping reduce tendon fatigue during work. Wear-and-tear accumulates from daily work and becomes a tendon injury. Booting may also help to protect against contusions.

Are splints painful for horses?

Some splints can be small and relatively non-painful, whilst others can be quite sore. New splints are often surrounded by soft tissue swelling, and may be painful to touch.

How long should splints be worn?

A splint usually stays on for several days to weeks. If the injured area is very swollen, a splint may be used first to allow for that swelling. If you need a cast, your doctor will remove the splint and apply a cast. Casts that are kept in good condition can stay on for several weeks.

How long is a horse lame with a splint?

Prognosis with splints is generally good, especially if they are detected early and managed well during formation. It can vary from horse to horse but you need to be thinking something from around 4-6 weeks at least, with longer cases taking around 12 weeks in total to settle.

What does it mean if a horse pops a splint?

When a horse “pops a splint,” it means something has caused pain, heat and swelling in the area of the splint bone. Splints can be caused by direct trauma, overtraining, conformation or shoeing that leads to interference; being overweight; or even being malnourished.

How do I get my horse back into work after a splint?

Start with short bursts of trot and then back to walk. Build on the length of time you remain in trot as the weeks go by. By week 4 you should introduce some trot hill work. You should start to notice your horse’s fitness levels gradually increasing which you should keep monitoring.

How do you deal with a splint on a horse?

Treatment of Splints in Horses
Pressure bandaging may be utilized to reduce the swelling. Medications like NSAIDs and topical anti-inflammatories like dimethyl sulfoxide may be used that will help decrease the inflammation your horse is experiencing as well as stop there from being too much bone growth.