Turnout boots?

[RileysMom]

Hi all,

I’m trying to find boots that will a) cover enough of the leg and b) not rub or get too hot. I tried these and they’re too hot and are rubbing him:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/cl…CABEgJ-u_D_BwE

I don’t want Sports Medicine boots because of that low strap that goes around the fetlock—I worry that barn help will pull it too tight.
He has destroyed even the toughest fly boots in 48 hours, so those are a no go too.
Right now he’s in polos, but obviously boots are better.

Any other ideas would be much appreciated!!

[firefoot]

Hopefully someone has a boot suggestion, but what about sunscreen? or even Desitin? If he doesn’t have to walk through water in his field, it might be a good option.

[RileysMom]

So sunscreen would work for a one-time thing, but his legs would get so gross so quickly and it’s a huge pain for the folks turning out. He’s also prone to scratches on those legs and keeping legs clean while using any kind of cream would mean washing them a ton.

[Haylter]

I would just use zinc oxide cream from any old pharmacy slathered on soooo generously the nasty top layer could just be wiped off and more applied or maybe those horse socks they make, but definitely NOT boots or polos for this scenario. I also think upside down bell boots have been used to prevent sunburn which seems like it would work if white is in the right spot. Again NOT BOOTS NOT POLOS for exactly the reasons you say TOO HOT and rub and sweat and dirt and yik. Zinc oxide with cortisone was recommended by my vet to treat scratches so I would not worry about it compromising the skin

[cbg]

You could try the Silver Whinnys socks. They can be left on for 2 or 3 days at a time, and they’d probably help with the scratches in addition to providing sun protection.

[joiedevie99]

The coolest turnout boots I’ve had are the LeMieux Mesh Brushing Boots. I also like the Professional’s Choice Pro Performance Hybrid.

[Feliz]

I’m in New Zealand where the sun is very harsh and own a pink skinned beast. The best product I’ve found is the zinc powder like this: https://vetpro.co.nz/product/sunblock-powder/

It provides at least 24hr protection, quite often I’ll only use it every 2nd day. It’s much easier to use than any type of cream and doesn’t get gunky

[Obsidian_Fire]

What about the fly leggings? The mesh kind that go with fly sheets. They would stay cool and provide UV protection.

[theresak]

Just checking - do you clip his white socks? I can’t clip my horse’s 4 white socks as it aggravates his scratches and makes them photosensitive.

I second the fly boots suggestion for being light weight and cool.

[WildGooseChase]

I have a filly with 4 stark white stockings and pink skin as well.
Here’s what I’ve tried:
Kensington: nice quality, but they are hot. They don’t breathe super well.
ShoFly Leggins: good idea, poor execution, they rubbed my filly raw in less than 8 hours.
Shires Turnout Socks: Soft, cool, washable. These are my favorite.

Here’s what I’ve found that helps in avoiding pastern dermatitis and burns:

1. Don’t clip unless you have to.
2. Use Desitin/Zinc Oxide when you can. It’s a great barrier.
3. On high UV index days, have your horse brought inside during the day. Reverse turnout allows the horse to skip the hottest part of the day.
4. Keep their legs clean and free of mud, but don’t over-wash or use any harsh soaps/sprays.
5. Keep your fly boots/socks CLEAN. If they are dirty, they will rub your horse. I also avoid using anything but the blue Dawn Dish Soap to clean them. I hand wash and then they go through a rinse cycle in the washer on low spin. Air dry!
6. Avoid bell boots in turnout if you can. they just trap dirt and moisture on the skin.
7. Only use the fly boots on days you really need to. If it’s overcast, I leave them off.

[CatPS]

Can you try getting a used pair of SMB boots and cutting off the fetlock strap? It isn’t really needed to keep them on. The barn manager requested SMB boots for my horse’s TO boots (he needed them to protect the fronts of his ankles)… they were able to put them on loosely and because of the way SMB boots are structured, they still stayed on securely while getting some air flow down in there. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked the best of a lot of meh options.
Really TO boots are all varying shades of terrible. You just have to find what is the least-worst for your particular horse and situation, and don’t be be afraid to McGyver it a little bit! 😉

[mydogs]

I sell HKM boots and they have a Breathable mesh boot. I really like them since they are lightweight and breathable, & come in white to help keep them cool.

I’d also give the Whinny soxs a try as well.