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Breathable horse boots

Most horse owners now prefer breathable horse boots and over the years, leg protection technology has improved so much that we no longer have to compromise protection over breathability. Many breathable boots now offer incredible protection and breathability. But do we really understand the importance of choosing a breathable boot for our horses?

 

The horses’ leg

 

The horse’s leg is made of many bones, joints, and muscles with a complex structure of tendons and ligaments that support the weight of the horse’s body.

Because of the workload often put upon them, tendons and ligaments are frequently put under immense pressure. As the tendons are repeatedly loaded (when the limb is on the ground) and unloaded (when the limb is in the air), they generate heat.

 

Heat in the leg

 

Alan Wilson and Allen Goodship (1994) at the University of Bristol showed that the temperature inside the tendons of horses galloping without boots on could reach 45°C. This is only the second-highest to muscle temperatures.

Generally, the blood supply can help remove heat from an area. Tendon temperatures are high due to heat production within the tendon itself with loading and unloading but also because tendons have a poor blood supply.

 

Equilibrium Horse Temperature Guide 

Are these temperatures a concern?

 

In 1997, Alan Wilson and Allen Goodship published the results of a scientific study in which they showed that isolated tendon cells in culture were sensitive to heating.

When the tendon cells were heated for 10 minutes at 45°C, around 10% died, but when they were heated to 48°C for 10 minutes then around 80% died.

 

Horse temperature before and after exercise


What happens when a boot is used on the leg?


These results were also confirmed by a more recent study of equine tendon cells in Japan (Hosaka et al. 2006). This study also showed that the higher the temperature, the more tendon cells that died.

Not only do some standard boots or bandages have the potential to heat up legs further, but they may also stop a sweaty leg from ‘breathing’.

When skin is in contact with moisture for a long time it becomes hyper-hydrated; similar to the effect you see if you stay in the bath for too long.

Wet skin cannot “breathe” normally, and it becomes more permeable allowing greater absorption of anything on the skin. Wet skin also carries an increased risk of abrasions and grazing as well as being more susceptible to bacterial or fungal attack.

horse wears tri-zone horse boots

 

Considerations when looking for a breathable horse boot

 

Many boots claim to be breathable but some are more ‘breathable’ than others and the main thing to take note of is the material(s) used in the boot and the boot structure.

Here are a few questions you should be asking when looking at breathable horse boots:

  • - Do the boots you currently use leave your horse’s legs hot after exercise, are the legs sweaty?
  • - Do they look well ventilated?
  • - How do they allow the heat to escape from the leg?
  • - Do they have a hard outer shell or rigid panels that cover a large area?
  •  

You might want to do some research on the materials used within the boot you are using too.

black tri-zone horse boots

Choose the right boot for the job

 

Primarily horse boots are worn to protect the horse’s legs during exercise or turnout. Think carefully about the right boot for the activity you are doing. Often a highly protective boot isn’t necessary for low-level schooling and will often be bulky and heavy and without allowing the horse’s leg to breathe. Could you opt for a lighter boot in this instance?

 

Limit time on the leg

 

Make sure boots are used only during the period of actual exercise and not left on for long periods when the horse is not active, especially after exercise. Removing boots soon after exercise and cooling the legs is advisable.

 

Conclusion

 

It is important to choose boots or bandages that allow a good rate of heat loss and that they suit the exercise being completed at the time. Also, consider the length of time boots and bandages are worn by the horse and cool down legs as soon as possible once the boot is off the leg.

Extracts included are from The Pros & Cons of Equine Boots

 

Equilibrium Products Standards

When developing boots not only do Equilibrium Products source advanced technical fabrics with breathable properties, but the boots are tested in an independent laboratory to make sure they are protective, breathable, flexible, and lightweight.

 

Check out the range of Equilibrium products available at Harry Hall here.