how can i Best protect my horses legs when working and jumping on the hard ground as i compete?

Answer 1

they sell protective leg boots in just about every horse magazine that I know of for performance horses. i use county vet supply myself for my reining horses. just do a search on equine products.

Answer 2

There are loads of boots on the market to protect horses from strike injuries but nothing will stop the wear and tear you will cause by working and jumping on hard ground. If you appreciate your horse then the best you can do is to only work on good surfaces. It's not such a big sacrifice to pull out of a competition when the ground isn't at it's best because you will have many more opportunities to enjoy riding your horse. If you cause concussion injuries by riding too much on firm ground then you are shortening your horses working life.

Answer 3

Purchase sport boots for your horse. They will protect and sport his legs. Some owners buy the boots that are partially open in the front so that the horse can feel it when he hits the bar going over a jump. It's a matter of personal choice but all horses really should be ridden with protected boots.

Answer 4

There are lots of boots on the market a little research will tell you which ones are best for you. But remember the after care of competing on hard ground is essential and if necessary hose or icepack the legs after. And the everyday work of your horse to bring him up to the level you want to compete is oh so important. Don't expect him to do immense amounts of work on hard ground without doing the groundwork before.
And Good luck

Answer 5

Honestly, to protect legs when working on hard surfaces, I'd say polo wraps are the way to go. Remember, boots will protect more from direct blows, like burns when doing slide stops, rubs & knocking rails when jumping, or forging. Polos will help support the soft tissue (tendons & ligaments) during any activity.

No need to see a vet on this one, just a good groom or barn manager to show you how to apply them, and with what tension. The rule of thumb is, "Inside to out, front to back", or clockwise on right legs, counter clockwise on left legs.

But some people think the way you wrap isn't important. Personally I don't risk it.

And, as another poster mentioned, the best thing you can do to protect his legs is consistent conditioning and regular turn out where he can keep himself fit.

Answer 6

ok you cant actually protect his legs from the hard ground - you can just make it a bit easier for him when you get him home by hosing his legs with cold water - this wil help prevent any swelling that he might have incurred from the hard ground - also ON his actual lets you can put on tendon boots - these will just protect him if he brushes off any poles - also over- reach boots will stop him overstepping and catching his front heel with his back toe.
Also I find a days rest the day after you jump is quite beneficial and you could try putting your horse on a vitamin to encourage healthy growth in his hooves - and get your farrier to trim and shoe him regularly.

Answer 7

Like others have said Polo wraps are a good way to go. There are also boots out there, like open front jumping boots and Professional Choice boots that are used for protecting against impact. Talk to you farrier about shoeing that may help. Make sure that if you decide to wrap with polos you learn the proper way, you should make sure that there are no wrinkles, and it should only go from the fetlock to below the knee.

Answer 8

Not much to add on here. Polo wraps are a great choice. Also, all purpose boots, bell boots, and splint boots, help for impact. Your horse may need shoes, which help protect soft and tender hooves from massive impact with hard ground. I hope this helps!

Answer 9

Make sure that routine farriers visits are a part of your Horse's maintenance. There are a various sundry of leg wraps, bell boots, etc that you could apply to your horse, I would contact your vet to see if any of these are really a necessity. Just make sure Trigger is on a good diet for his age, as older horses would be more prone to arthritis and tendon problems. Also, good warm ups and good cool offs, and only exercise at a safe intensity for your horse's fitness level. Have fun and wear your helmet!

Answer 10

Stop jumping your horse and go into another competition like dressage or trail or Western Pleasure. Jumpers always have lot's of leg problems because jumping is not healthy for horse legs.

Answer 11

Splint Boots, Polo Wraps, Bell Boots (Professionals Choice)