Leg heat? Bell boots instead of splint boots...

[Lusoluv]

So in light of concerns about using leg protection (tendon or brushing boots) which can cause heat build-up in the tendon, would using bell boots alone be a viable solution?

I have a youngster who occasionally knocks herself in front, so I’ve been using Woof boots. I’ve noticed that even when it’s not that warm (under 60F) her legs are sweaty when I take the boots off. Was thinking I could ride her in a bell boot (rubber or ballistic nylon, etc.). If she bumped herself with a padded hoof, that should minimize injury, and her legs wouldn’t be heating up under the boots.

Any opinions on this theory?

[flyracing]

Some heat may actually be good for the legs, by increasing blood flow (reducing risk of injury, encouraging hoof growth, and improving recovery), especially in the winter. Excessive heat is the concern (such as may occur running cross country on a 100 degree day with thick boots on), because it then may decrease blood flow and increase oxidative stress. I think it is something to be aware of and try to use boots or wraps that do not build up as much heat. However, I think the use of reasonable protection in a horse that can knock themselves far out weighs the risk of theoretical heat damage. For those that knock, I like to use eskadron wraps with polos AND thick neoprene bellboots (like professional choice) that reach all the way to ground.

I also theorize that excessive tightness is as much or greater cause of decreased blood flow and potential cellular damage to the legs than the actual heat. Many people put boots or wraps on much tighter than they could possibly tolerate on their own limbs for 10 minutes. While the median artery would be uneffected, it is not difficult to occlude the vessels in the palmar digital neurovascular bundle at the level of the fetlock (the place where the digital pulse is often checked).

[atr]

I agree with flyracing. My big gangly boy is well, gangly… I prefer a little protection for ring work. I use Eskadron climatex all in one wraps wrapped so they sling under the back of the fetlock joint. Enough cushiness to take the sting out of a knock, but no heat build up. On the hinds, I just use fetlock boots.

[theresak]

Heat is not good for the tendons and ligaments; there is a study that shows working the horse even without boots raises the temperature at the core of the tendons.

For strike protection, I’d look for the most breathable cross country boots you can find. The other option is something lined with natural sheepskin, which holds less heat than neoprene or other materials.

My horse has a big splint, so I don’t like to use splint boots with a stiff strike plate. I use Equilibrium Stretch and Flex boots and love them - the leg is cooler than the rest of the body and usually less sweaty when I take them off. They don’t offer a ton of strike protection though, mostly just brushing protection.

And when you are done working, you can always cold hose or ice the legs to help bring the temperature down more quickly. I think the study indicated that the temperature of the tendons can remain higher than desirable for a significant time after work.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks for your replies so far. Maybe I could have been clearer in my OP…

I understand that heat isn’t good for tendons. The theory I want to put out here is instead of insulating the lower leg from a possible hoof strike (boots), how about insulating the hoof (neoprene bell boots) so if it bumps the leg theoretically nothing would happen? IOW, cushion the striker (hoof/shoe) vs. the strike place (lower leg).

[cnm161]

Bell boots protect the coronet band and heel bulb, which usually doesn’t come into contact with the front leg unless something really funky is going on. You’d need something to pad the hoof and shoe (if you have one) itself if you want to protect the foreleg from strikes.

[belgianWBLuver]

No turn bell boots & polos - Every ride. Bells/ splints for t/o. wash everything regularly.

[SonnysMom]

[QUOTE=cnm161;8379295]
Bell boots protect the coronet band and heel bulb, which usually doesn’t come into contact with the front leg unless something really funky is going on. You’d need something to pad the hoof and shoe (if you have one) itself if you want to protect the foreleg from strikes.[/QUOTE]

I think OP is trying to protect the front legs in those times when a young green horse loses track of his legs and the inside of the front hoof comes into contact with the inside of the front leg. If the horse has no bell boots and no leg covering the edge of the hoof/shoe cuts the inside of the opposite leg.

She is thinking that if she has no leg wrap/protection but uses a bell boot then the bell boot is hitting the opposite leg not the hoof/shoe. The bellboot is padded enough that it doesn’t cut the leg.
I am thinking she means a longish bell boot that really covers the whole hoof and one that is the more padded style. This way the protection from the hoof is on the hoof not on the leg. Since the leg is not covered there is no heat build-up in the leg’s tendons/ligaments.

OP is that what you are getting at?

I personally have used polos for those times I am working in a ring and want leg protection but no heat. I don’t use leg protection much. My current horse rubs at the drop of a hat so polos are a really good option for him.

[cnm161]

[QUOTE=SonnysMom;8379747]
I think OP is trying to protect the front legs in those times when a young green horse loses track of his legs and the inside of the front hoof comes into contact with the inside of the front leg. If the horse has no bell boots and no leg covering the edge of the hoof/shoe cuts the inside of the opposite leg.

She is thinking that if she has no leg wrap/protection but uses a bell boot then the bell boot is hitting the opposite leg not the hoof/shoe. The bellboot is padded enough that it doesn’t cut the leg.
I am thinking she means a longish bell boot that really covers the whole hoof and one that is the more padded style. This way the protection from the hoof is on the hoof not on the leg. Since the leg is not covered there is no heat build-up in the leg’s tendons/ligaments.[/QUOTE]

I agree, but I think a bell boot is the wrong tool for the job. Rubs and knocks happen as the opposite leg travels forward, and bell boots are on the wrong side of the traveling leg to serve as leg protection. You could, I suppose, put on oversized bells or put them on backwards, but either way that adds more movement to the boots. I wouldn’t trust them for protection of the opposite leg.

I’m with you in that the easiest way to go that I’ve found is to put on polos.

[Lusoluv]

SonnysMom - you are the first one to reiterate my idea correctly! The cone-shaped neoprene bell boots by Professional’s Choice, Horze, and some others basically cover the entire hoof pretty evenly. I know riders who use large bells where you can’t see any hoof AND boots. I’m sure they want to protect their expensive and flamboyant moving horses from side strikes as well as from the back foot over-reaching.

My youngster doesn’t regularly hit herself and when she has, it’s not like she’s drawn blood or giving herself welts, etc. I could probably go without anything and that’s what I was tempted to do when I took her Woof boots off the other day. Her forelegs were as steamy/sweaty as her back was when I removed my saddle! It was only 50F out and it’s not like I rode the pants off her. I can’t imagine how hot the legs must be in the summer 80F when I can’t see steam and she’s moist & sweaty all over!

[SonnysMom]

Our high level dressage trainer at my barn uses polos over a ridged or channel pad of some kind on all of her horses. I don’t know what type of pad it is she uses under the polos. They are thinner than a lot of pads. She worked for S. Martin for a while so I don’t know if that is where she learned about them or if it something she prefers.
Boots are easier than polos but the polos seem to breath the best.

[belgianWBLuver]

[QUOTE=SonnysMom;8380524]
Our high level dressage trainer at my barn uses polos over a ridged or channel pad of some kind on all of her horses. I don’t know what type of pad it is she uses under the polos. They are thinner than a lot of pads. She worked for S. Martin for a while so I don’t know if that is where she learned about them or if it something she prefers.
Boots are easier than polos but the polos seem to breath the best.[/QUOTE]

Yeah - the Eskadron climatex bandage lining under polos or something similar does the trick in really hot, humid climates. I’ve used them before.
Unfortunately many peeps either don’t want to use polos with or without linings, don’t “have the time” or just simply don’t know how to wrap the polos much less with linings underneath.

[merrygoround]

Polos,- I know re-rolling them is a nuisance, but It’s something you can do in your sleep.

[CHT]

I think that bell boots kind of raise up a bit when the leg is in motion. So they may look like they cover the front of the hoof when the horse is standing, but not so much when the horse is trotting and the leg is moving. I just don’t think you will get the type of protection you are looking for.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks everyone for your input!! Makes a lot of sense

[magienoire]

I bought N.E.W. Airoflow brushing boots, they are ventilated for exactly this purpose, and still have a nice strike guard.

http://www.newequinewear.co.uk/shop-online/horse-boots-and-accessories/brushing-boots-for-horses

[gymangel812]

i use Equlibrium TriZone Airlite AllSports. lots of ventilation, use them for turnout too. neoprene is to be avoided. i wondered the same thing, if bell boots would remove the need to use actual front boots, i haven’t been daring enough to try no front boots though.

[LarkspurCO]

[QUOTE=gymangel812;8383343]
i use Equlibrium TriZone Airlite AllSports.[/QUOTE]

I have a set of these and like them a lot. They do not heat up the legs. However, last spring my horse tripped over a pole and skinned up the front of his fetlock, the area where these boots are open. I also find the velcro comes loose fairly easily so I personally would not trust them for turnout.

I recently bought a set of Eskadron Climatex bandage liners and LOVE them. They make wrapping really easy and the combination of the liner with an exercise bandage provides a nice protection for the legs. I actually find wrapping with these is easier than polos alone.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks for the referral to TriZone. I had considered them in the past and kind of forgot about them. I was trying to find the N.E.W. Lite boots, but they’re not sold in the US. I did like the vented look to them, but will search again on the TriZones! Oftentimes I’m riding after a rain or going through water, so polos or any wrap/bandage is not for me. I still think they retain heat and my trainer won’t use polos for that reason. I know finding the perfect combination of protection, keeping dirt/sand out, and breathability is hard!

[gymangel812]

mine do not have any open part of the boot… perhaps a newer version?

[QUOTE=LarkspurCO;8383385]
I have a set of these and like them a lot. They do not heat up the legs. However, last spring my horse tripped over a pole and skinned up the front of his fetlock, the area where these boots are open. I also find the velcro comes loose fairly easily so I personally would not trust them for turnout.

I recently bought a set of Eskadron Climatex bandage liners and LOVE them. They make wrapping really easy and the combination of the liner with an exercise bandage provides a nice protection for the legs. I actually find wrapping with these is easier than polos alone.[/QUOTE]