Utilizing Back On Track and Ice Boots For Horse Longevity

[hunterjumper98]

I thought this forum would be the perfect place to discuss this topic and hopefully find the answers I am looking for. After all, all of us are concerned with keeping our horses healthy and sound for years to come!

There are SO many pre- and post-workout therapies out there now that I’m a little overwhelmed by it all. Back On Track, a variety of ice boots, and Ice Vibes all seem to say that their products are what’s best for your horse’s longevity, but is that really true?

I am an avid fan of BOT items and use them frequently (quick wraps and mesh sheet), but after seeing how many people utilize ice therapy after hard jumping at shows, I am starting to wonder if I should be doing that too. Of course, my horse isn’t jumping obscene heights and is pretty young (7), but it couldn’t hurt, right?

So tell me, what is your post-workout recovery routine after show days for your horses? Do you use BOT boots, ice boots, or a combination of both? BOT in the winter and ice boots in the summer? Enlighten me! I am really interested to see how others in the industry care for their athletes and keep them sound!

[raisethebar]

Following! Love to hear others recovery routine.

I can’t find it now, but there is a thread on using ice and how it is no longer recommended. I don’t have “ice boots” but I purchased the igloo packs that I wrap a polo wrap around if needed for a cut that has a little heat or a puffy leg. I found them to work surprisingly well and they are $6 on Amazon - score! I also do a lot of liniment in the summer for that cool out effect after a hard workout or just a hot day.

In the winter, I love love my BOT quick wraps and mesh sheet. Unfortunately it is just too darn hot in the summer to use but I feel like these work great!

Another thing to add to your list which is on mine for this summer as I am slowly rehabbing my horse - poultice and packing feet!

[EventerAJ]

Not exactly the answer you’re looking for, but the best way to keep a horse sound for a long career is to keep him fit in appropriate work for his age and condition, and allow him to move with lots of turnout. Unfit horses are more susceptible to injury, as muscles get tired.

Recent research actually shows that frequent “preemptive” icing is a waste of time, and potentially harmful. Inflammation is a NORMAL body response to stress, and may be a signal to reduce workload while the body catches up. The body will adapt to controlling its own minor inflammation if allowed to do so; icing is fine for a known, acute injury…but icing every day just to make yourself feel better is not helping the horse.

The Back On Track products work by increasing bloodflow to those covered areas. You know what also increases bloodflow? Walking. Take your horse for a brisk 30 minute walk, it will do more for him than standing around wearing a blanket. Similarly, turnout allows the horse to move around, which does a lot of good to eliminate swelling and stocking up in the lower limbs. Nothing wrong with using BOT wraps if your horse is stalled at night, but gentle movement is really the best therapy.

[Scribbler]

Adding to this, there’s new research that suggests always wearing polos or boots isn’t great for the tendons either. Heats them up too much and doesn’t really support anything… Of course boots to prevent knocks jumping make sense, but pre emptively wrapping for every ride could be counter productive.

Continuing on from the response about continual movement, I also think fitness work by hacking out walk/trot briskly on straight lines is a really good break from the continual circles in an arena. Working on something else other than soft arena footing is good.

[alterGS]

A lot of longevity comes from how the horse is worked. So definitely top of the list is ensuring the horse is fit, muscled correctly and warmed up properly for the work they do. I’d recommend bringing out a massage therapist or other horse body worker who can really help you understand where your horse may be lacking muscle (or otherwise ouchy). A lot of the horses who are still working at a high level into their 20s do so because they have been working properly their whole lives without extended breaks. If your horse is suited for it, living outside and constantly moving is also great.

I’ve been told specifically by my vet to ice my guy after jumping, so that’s my routine until I’m told otherwise. He’s a bit of a special case with his conformation so I don’t know if that’s the right answer for every horse.

I find the BOT stuff is really good preworkout. Warming all the muscles, especially the back, before I’m even sitting on him allows him to start his real work quicker and thus we get what we need done with less pounding on his legs.

[btswass]

I agree with what everyone else has said. My guy is home and although he can go in and out of his stall when he wants his door never closes. He’s big and being stuck in a stall 12 hours a day definitely was the cause of him stocking up now and then.
My guy is also a special case with pedal osteitis in his front right hoof. I find that using BOT bell boots at night works better than icing. And CBD pellets on days he’s worked. Combined with use of the arcequine unit and he’s stayed sounder and fitter than ever.
A long walking warm up and cool down is something far too people do too which will go very far in keeping your house sound and happy