Which boots are best? Splint or exercise?

Question

Once I get my saddle altered, I plan to start riding again. It has been 9 months since my horse has been ridden, naturally I will be taking it slow with us both, short rides at the walk for starters. He is a pretty green 9yo Arabian pony- green due to my long term shoulder problem, and my refusal to let other people ride him.

My question is, would it be worth getting him boots? I was considering buying a pair of Roma neoprene Splint cushion boots, or would the Roma Merino sheepskin Exercise Boots (both sold at Horseland) be better? 
Which would you recommend for a horse just starting to be ridden again? 
Is there another type of boots I should consider?
Or would he be better off with no boots at all?

I am planning on getting him bell boots as he does tend to step on his heel bulbs and the backs of his pasterns.

He has had a few leg problems in the past with his right foreleg (heat with some swelling), and so I would like to minimise the chances of him hurting himself after so long away from the saddle.

? · Accepted Answer

Splint boots are for horses that are prone to injuring their splint bone or the soft tissue on the inner, lower leg. These horses would benefit from splint boots. Generally, splint boots do not extend below the fetlock, so they offer no concussive support on the joint. Most exercise boots are designed for general protection of the entire lower leg from scrapes and bumps, as well as support for the tendons of the lower leg, and the fetlock, but they don't not usually have the hard, protective surface on the inner surface, designed to protect a horse from splint injury.

Here is some info on splints.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/89-093.htm

What type of boot you buy would depend on what type of protection you want your horse to have. If you are specifically looking for splint protection, choose the splint boot. If you are looking for general protection and support for the lower leg, go with the exercise boot.

Personally, I like the Professional's Choice Sports Medicine Boots. They're easy to put on and off. They clean up well, and offer good, overall protection for general riding. They also come in a myriad of fun colours!

I don't use boots on my current horse. She has never needed them, but on a horse that has been injured in the past and shows a need for some extra support, using a boot during riding might be a good idea.

Trudy · Answer

I would have a farrier reviw the way the horse moves, they may be able to help minimise the problems with trimming/shoeing. Protective boots are a good idea sometime but only bandages will offer support to limbs inclined to heat up or swell, boots only protect against knocks and blows/

Anonymous · Answer

I usually use polo wraps but when I do use SPLINT boots I use Justin Boots. The Velcro is AWESOME!! And I have been us using them on all my horses and they have latest , so far, a year. And they are still awesome and easy to clean! You can get them anywhere too and they are a little pricy, that's why I use polo wraps, but they are totally worth it! I also use splint covers on them too!

Kilmouski · Answer

I use the Equilibrium Tri-zone Brushing Boots on my horse whenever I ride him, and I have never had nay trouble with them. I chose the black ones so they wouldn't show up eth dirt as much as the white ones. I got them from Horseland.

? · Answer

I use the same Roma ones just for everyday riding on my welsh pony

Which boots are best? Splint or exercise?

5 Answers