What would you prefer for a young horse just starting barrels, Front or Hind sport boots?

Question

I have a three year old that i have been working with constantly and he has been doing excellent. I have been watching Clinton Anderson videos and i would suggest them to anybody. He is easy to understand and everything that i have learned so far has worked wonderfully. It is all worth it. So, i was wondering what sport boots i should get for him just starting barrels. I probably will eventually end up getting both someday but i don't want to spend my money until i get some ideas. Thanks.

Answer 1

My horse runs with Professional's Choice boots. I would recommend investing in the front boots because it is usually the hind legs that are injuring the front. Bell boots are used to keep the hind hoofs from slamming into the front legs. Bell boots work wonders TRUST ME! The splint boots are used to keep the one front leg from doing damage to the other front leg. Also helps with damage from the rear legs. Hope this Helps!!!!   Clinton Anderson is AWESOME!!!!

Answer 2

For barrels, you definitely want a pair of front boots as the front legs

     a)  bear most of the horses weight, therefore they need      more support

     b)  are consistently being rubbed and bumped by the hind legs.

Just as important as a pair of splint boots, if not more important, are a pair of bell boots.  When a horse is impulsive and really using their hind end, they have a tendency to overreach with their hind legs and "clip" the tendons on the back of the front legs, just below the fetlock.  This causes great pain to the horse and can lead to a couple different scenarios.  

1:  The horse will decide that it hurts too much, and will shorten up their stride in the hind end, and therefore, speed and impulsion is lost.

2:  Over time these tendons will become extremely sore and will begin to calcify.  These are called Sidebars and are extremely painful for a horse and will require anywhere from 6 months to 2 years of straight pasture rest as well as special shoes and pads, therefore resulting in large farrier bills.  

The way I see it is if you are willing to put the money into the purchase of a horse, you better be willing to protect the horse.  Its kind of like buying a car but not purchasing insurance.  I think you need to invest in a full set of boots for your horse because it will help save your horses legs.

Good luck with everything!