Horse leg protection

Boots should be correctly fitted to each horse—if they are too tight they can cause discomfort and pressure injuries, and if too loose they may become dislodged or come off.

Incorrectly fitted boots will be uncomfortable, can cause rubbing and soreness, and can impede the horse's movement.

They are commonly seen on horses in western riding sports such as cutting, reining and similar events where quick stops and fast turns on the hindquarters may be required.

They are very long strips of polar fleece or elastic bandage material, wrapped around and around the horse's leg.

Bandages must be wrapped firmly to keep from unravelling, but not so tight as to unduly restrict movement, compress tendons and ligaments, or reduce blood flow in the legs.

If it is too tight, or uneven, it may cut off circulation to the lower leg, or cause "cording" or damage to the tendons (bandage bows).

They protect against minor scrapes and bruises, help prevent irritation from sand or arena footing, and provide support and compression similar to the puttee leg wraps worn by World War I soldiers.

The bandage starts just below the knee or hock, and ends at the floor, protecting the cannon bone, tendons of the lower leg, fetlock, pastern, coronet, and heels of the horse.

Some boot designs extend slightly above the knee and hock, offering protection to the joints in the event the horse bumps those on the sides of the trailer.

They can be used to cover wounds to prevent contamination by dirt, urine and feces through contact with stall bedding.