I've tried a lot of things. I have ice boots but they have been used
more on human injuries than on my horse. They don't seem to do much for
the horse and after a conversation with a good vet who said something
like, "it seems everything thing that can go wrong in a horse can end
up in his feet and the lower legs and feet are on the verge of
suffering from insufficient circulation to start with - why would you
want to use and ice boot and limit the circulation even more as
prophylactic measure?"
I've ridden and traveled all over the country without any special care
for the legs other than sufficient rest after a ride - don't go home
the day of the ride and if there is a problem take another day to help
it rest. If there are any potential issues I perfer to treat it
biochemically rather than externally - i.e. a little bute.
I've never had any problems with stocking up following this simple
protocol.
I do from time to time slap a little clay poultice on right after a
ride - left uncovered. It probably does me more good thinking I might
be helping the horse than it actually does the horse.
Truman
Ed & Wendy Hauser wrote:
What about ice boots??
?
Cooling prevents swelling, reduces
inflammation etc.? The lower leg does not have muscles in it so it is
unlikely that warmth will prevent stiffness the next morning.? I also
have a hard time believing that a wrap will significantly "support" the
tired leg and thus prevent problems, though a compression bandage can
also reduce swelling.
?
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875
