leg protection for the trails

[SonnysMom]

I don’t use boots on Finnegan when trail riding or foxhunting. Some places I have hunted is rocky, twisty, trappy with lots of undergrowth.

I did trail ride with another COTH member one spring and she had me put on the SMBs since the rattlesnakes were just starting to wake up in that area. It was a just in case for protection against a snake bite. We don’t have those in my area of the state so no need for them regularly.

I used to use bell boots since he used to pull his shoes jumping on trails. Better farrier got rid of that need.

[Flash44]

I also use Woof boots, love them. They don’t slip and can go through anything.

[UlysMom]

We do a lot of heavy trail riding throughout California, in all sorts of terrain. We camp up and down the state, desert, mountain, beach, canyons… I have friends who boot up every time they ride. I rarely do. I don’t like the heat build up on his legs and, honestly, I am of the opinion that my horse’s legs are made stronger not relying on SMB’s or the like (except for straight interference issues).

Exceptions would be when we ride during rattlesnake season in areas we will be riding a lot of unmarked or bunny trails. I don’t know if it would help if we were ever bitten, but it’s a precaution I take now.

[rcloisonne]

I don’t do much trail riding but did free lease one of my Arabian mares to a woman I know who did. As she was nearby, I agreed as I was doing nothing with the mare who was youngish (8) and completely sound barefoot. I was welcome to visit any time.

On the second ride the mare whacked herself mid left front cannon on a sharp rock (boulder) in a tight part of the trail. The gash wasn’t too large - about 1" wide- but deep. The leasee didn’t think much of it and didn’t treat other than cold hosing one time. In a few weeks the would healed over with proud flesh. When I saw this I called my vet who cut off the PF and gave me a tube of Panalog. I handed the leasee the vet bill and cancelled the lease at the end of the month because she refused to use leg protection on my mare which I requested after the injury.

She came back a couple of months later begging for the mare back because she could find a better horse to lease for free and promised to use thick flannel wraps (not polos). Had to think about it but eventually agreed. The wraps she bought were easy to put on and take off with 3 or 4 velcro strips. IMO, unless the trails are wide and cleared of brush and large rocks/boulders, some sort of leg protection should be used.

As far as bell boots go, any good farrier will tell you they protect the heel bulbs from a strike but will not prevent a shoe grab. They don’t cover the bottom back of the shoe.

[Beverley]

The reference to rattlesnakes prompts me to make a passing observation, I hope you don’t mind the digression. In my experience the risk of a rattlesnake bite on the legs is minimal, far greater chance of a horse getting bit on the nose when grazing in the back country, for example. Which is why I carry two lengths of garden hose in the saddle bag, to insert in the nostrils so breathing is maintained when the nose swells up. Actually I do recall one snake bite on a horse while foxhunting in Wyoming- that horse was nailed on the belly.

[SonnysMom]

@rcloisonne;7916729

IMO, unless the trails are wide and cleared of brush and large rocks/boulders, some sort of leg protection should be used.

On the other hand the boots can collect silt at water crossings. Burrs, pieces of sticks, sand and other foreign object can work their way under the boots and cause rubs and discomfort. I think leg protection has its pros and cons. I have tried to trail ride in a couple of types of boots but gave up since they seemed to collect debris and I was concerned that was more of an issue. For the riding I do leg protection is not generally needed.

For the bell boots Finnegan wasn’t overreaching he was interfering front to front . The bells helped a little bit but he would still pull them. Hence a new farrier.

[UlysMom]

[QUOTE=Beverley;7917034]
The reference to rattlesnakes prompts me to make a passing observation, I hope you don’t mind the digression. In my experience the risk of a rattlesnake bite on the legs is minimal, far greater chance of a horse getting bit on the nose when grazing in the back country, for example. Which is why I carry two lengths of garden hose in the saddle bag, to insert in the nostrils so breathing is maintained when the nose swells up. Actually I do recall one snake bite on a horse while foxhunting in Wyoming- that horse was nailed on the belly.[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with you on the likelihood of a nose strike over a leg strike (I think garden hoses or trimmed syringes should be standard saddlebag supplies for those of us in rattler country). I’ve been riding in diamondback country my whole life. I see snakes all the time in the summer months, but have never been bit, nor seen a horse bit. But I did have one turn all crazy cobra-like on me when i tried to “encourage” him off the trail when on foot.:eek:

Snakes are cool. I like snakes. I have had snakes. I just don’t want my pony bit by one if I can help it. I guess I could bubble wrap him every time I go out… LOL

[lawndart]

[QUOTE=SonnysMom;7917231]
On the other hand the boots can collect silt at water crossings. Burrs, pieces of sticks, sand and other foreign object can work their way under the boots and cause rubs and discomfort. I think leg protection has its pros and cons. I have tried to trail ride in a couple of types of boots but gave up since they seemed to collect debris and I was concerned that was more of an issue. For the riding I do leg protection is not generally needed.[/QUOTE]

Well this is particularly true on Finnegan, I would think. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another horse enjoy a water crossing quite as much as he does

[wendy]

I never use boots on trails regardless of how rough they are. The one and only time I got injuries to the legs was when at the urging of someone else I put some boots on. They got sand under them and caused some nasty rubs.

[Mukluk]

Usually nekkid. She’s a tough old OTTB.

[Flash44]

I’ve been through rivers, deep mud, etc and never had a problem with sand or silt causing rubs with the Woof boots.

[Sooner_or_Later]

Mostly stay with trails/logging roads here. Some XC in sagebrush, but I let him pick his own way through. So, for me, I don’t see a need for leg protection. No worries so far.

[quietann]

[QUOTE=tabula rashah;7915373]
I use woof brushing boots up front. Those things have gone through rivers, crazy mud bogs, sand, up and down mountains- and they’ve never budged. They have saved my horses’ legs from being torn up though.[/QUOTE]

Agree with this! I use the basic Woof boots on all 4 legs for trail riding. Our terrain can be quite rocky, there are tree roots if you are riding in the forest, etc. Mare needs splint/brushing boots in general for riding because of how narrow she is up front; she’s taken herself out of commission a couple of times by whacking one front leg with the other (always in an arena, though.) I have never had a problem with the Woof boots.