Should I get sport or split boots for my horse?

[arkarianscribe]

I have an 11-year-old gelding, quarterhorse-paint in Westernaires, which can be very hard on a horse's legs. He doesn't know where his feet are most of the time, despite the various exercises I've given him, and he continuously cross-fires and runs in the wrong lead. With all of this, is it worth it to invest in sport or splint boots? On just his front legs or on all four? What brand? What type? What are the benefits? Concerns? Basically I just need information on them.

 

[k.lauralynn]

If your main goal is to prevent soft tissue and bone injury from interference, I would go with leather padded splint boots. As for brand, it's a matter of personal preference, and I have found that different brands fit different horses differently... I would definitely protect his front legs, as for the back --how much does he interfere back there? If he is cross firing and striking in the rear, I would buy boots for all four legs.

Best of luck...

 

[Kitty]

splint boots are awesome for any horse please do

 

[littlemiseternity]

Howdy! With what it sounds like, I would go with sport boots on all four legs and bell boots. I have used professional choice boots forever, they are durable and work very well. They help with support, discourage bowed tendons and just overall protect the lower legs. Splint boots help more with the inner side of legs rubbing, more commonly used with jumpers and eventers. Better to use than polo wrapping, as someone who was not taught properly can do more harm than good. Good luck!