It is well worth paying as much care as possible to the horse's sensitive lower legs. The gracile structures that support the horse's massive body are like strong, elastic steel springs - but unfortunately they are also unprotected and relatively fragile.
It is definitely much easier to prevent possible problems than to reverse inflammatory processes or heal established tendon injuries.
Back on Track's shin guards and boots are designed for maximum protection, comfort, durability, fit and ease of use. They protect, support and relieve stress, while the horse's joints, tendons and ligaments are enveloped by our therapeutic Welltex® technology.
What characterizes the horse's lower legs?
The legs are the escape animal's most important asset and the explosive power they can develop has been the difference between life and death. Through evolution, this has resulted in springy, elastic tendons, slender bone pipes and highly mobile, complicated joints. The skeletal structure has evolved to take on new, highly specialized roles. The horse's knee, the carpal joint, corresponds to our wrists, for example. The vertebrae correspond to our knuckles. This means that the vertebra corresponds to a single finger (or a single toe).
Horses therefore constantly stand on their outermost fingertips and toes, and these support the horse's entire body weight. The construction lifts them high above the ground and the strength of their compact muscles propagates along long legs that can take long, powerful strides. This has made them both fast and strong.
But the lower legs are exposed to hard wear and tear and great stress. At the same time, they lack muscles that support, stabilize and protect. Tendon injuries are very common - and they can occur as a result of everything from overexertion and improper loading to impacts and missteps.
Prevent with leg protection and exercise
The way in which the hoof is set into the ground affects the structure of the skeleton as a whole. In the same way, the biomechanics of the rest of the body determine the degree of load to which the lower legs are exposed. The best thing a rider can do is to give the horse versatile training, so that it learns to balance its body, use the right muscle groups and stress the joints in the right way. Long-term durability requires biomechanics that do not wear out and that the horse carries itself in a well-balanced manner.
Overloading of tendons, ligaments and joints can give small and few warning signs; such as slightly increased heat and slight swelling. But if the incipient problems are not detected in time, they can in the worst case lead to inflammation and injuries that are not noticed until they become visibly painful for the horse. Always consult a veterinarian if the horse appears to be in pain or if an injury has occurred. These conditions can otherwise deteriorate further and require both prolonged rest and care.
You can reduce the risk of injuries to the greatest extent possible by using good training methods and good leg protection. Back on Track has developed many different types of leg protectors to protect, support and stabilize the most exposed structures in the horse's lower legs. We have suitable protection for every activity - including transport and box rest.
Discover our range of therapeutic leg protectors with FIR!
Back on Track's leg protectors have different functions and different areas of use. They are intended to protect specific structures that are particularly vulnerable in certain situations.
Work boots/Exercise Boots cover parts of the tibia, the entire vertebral joint and the vertebral bone with a shock-absorbing layer. The ironing coats
Our Brush Boots have reinforcements on the inside that protect against impact from the hooves.
Our Quick Wraps provides both support and FIR therapy during box rest.
All products are lined with Welltex® technology, which can contribute to increased blood flow by reflecting the body's natural infrared energy - without the protections becoming hot.
