Polo wraps and trail riding ?

Question

I ride two different horses -- a workhorse mare (Percheron/Standardbred mutt mix) and a purebred TWH mare. I ride the workhorse mare on trails a lot, and I'm retraining the TWH to ride on trails (she is an ex-show horse). My question is: Should I buy polo wraps to use to protect their legs when riding ? I like Mill Crossings' polo wraps (http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=2e87c30a-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5). I want to get them because I want to protect their legs from getting bumped by various obstacles on the trails. Yay or nay ?

Note: Riding western, at all gaits.

Answer 1

Do you own these horses? If not, I would approach the owner with this and suggest the boots before purchasing an expensive pair of boots for a horse I don't own.

Answer 2

Polo wraps aren't very protective for riding like that. I would suggest some sports medicine boots or splint boots. I really like sports medicine boots for any type of riding. Splint boots don't protect as much of the leg. Depending on the brand, sports medicine boots can range from $20 per pair to around $100 per pair. You may also be able to get a deal on a good pair from your local tack shop.

http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/p...

^ I really love these. I used them myself and would recommend them to anyone.

I only used them on the front legs. You could use them on both front and back, but the backs seem unnecessary. Really, unless you are riding through serious undergrowth, you don't even need boots. Yeah, they are expensive, but they are very good. You could buy a cheaper pair (the ones I said are name brand).

And, like I said before, you could probably get a deal on them from a tack shop. And since "your" TWH is an average sized horse, the boots you buy for her should fit most horses you will ride. So that would save you in the long run.

Answer 3

i say nay.

polos are a hazard on the trail...if they become undone, they can cause great damage to the tendon...as in a bow, and can make the horse stunmble and even fall.

sportsmedicine type boots might suit better for trail riding protection.

edit...... front boots should be sufficient.  check with your local tack store to find out what their 3 day event riders use for protection.  sports medicine - preo choice is just one type...they are expensive but they are very safe and fit really well.  i would add a pair of velcro closing bell boots (front and back) if she is that skittish.so she doesnt clomp all over herself when she spooks.