It's definitely much easier to prevent problems than to reverse inflammatory processes or heal established tendon injuries. Our boots and braces are designed for maximum protection, comfort, durability, fit and ease of use. We offer leg protection for every activity - including transport and box rest.

What are the characteristics of the horse's lower leg?

Lower leg injuries are very common in horses and can occur as a result of overexertion, improper loading or external forces. The lower legs are a particularly vulnerable part of the body that is subjected to heavy loads and high levels of strain.

Legs are most important asset of a flight animal. The explosive force they can produce has meant the difference between life and death. This has resulted in long, resilient tendons capable of transmitting the power from large muscle groups along fine, elongated bones that meet in flexible, complex joints. The lower legs do not hold any muscles at all and predominantly function as springs.

Making the most of our common structures

During the course of evolution, the skeletal structure shared by most vertebrates has evolved in the horse to take on new and very specialised roles. The carpal joints, located in the middle of the front leg (the knees), correspond to our wrists. The fetlock joints correspond to our knuckles. This means that the pastern bones correspond to those of a single finger (or toe) that now carries the entire body weight.

Hence, horses are constantly standing on the tips of their fingers and toes. This design lifts them high off the ground and their muscle strength can propagate through long legs, able to make long, powerful strides. This has made them both swift and strong.

Prevention is key

The way in which the hoof meets the ground affects the structure of the entire skeleton. Similarly, the biomechanics of the body in its entirety determines the degree of stress exerted on the slender lower legs. Long-term sustainability in horses requires versatile training, so that they learn to balance their body, use the right muscles and load their joints and tendons correctly. It also requires great attention.

Overloading and straining of tendons and joints can occur with only small and few warning signs that may be overlooked, such as a slight increase in heat and insignificant swelling. In a worst-case scenario this can lead to inflammation and then to damage that goes unnoticed until it becomes visibly painful to the horse. It is important to consult a veterinarian if the horse appears to be in pain or has suffered an injury. These conditions may otherwise worsen and necessitate both prolonged rest and medical intervention.

Consequently, the absolute best thing to do is to prevent strains and injuries from occurring – to the best of one’s ability. This is best done by consistent, well thought-out training methods and by also protecting the most sensible parts of the legs.

Back on Track has developed many different types of leg protections that support the most vulnerable structures, especially in areas where there are no muscles to stabilise or cover joints and tendons.

Discover our range of therapeutic horse boots with FIR!

Back on Track's boots have been developed to offer protection to structures particularly exposed in certain situations. For example, our Exercise Boots cover parts of the cannon, the entire pastern joint and the pastern bone with pressure-distributing and shock-absorbing foam. They are therefore an excellent choice for work and training.

The Brush Boots have reinforcements on the inner sides of the hooves to protect the pastern against knocks and blows.

Our Quick Wraps offers protection during transport and provide both support and care during box rest.

All products are lined with our unique Welltex® technology, which can help increase circulation and blood flow by reflecting body heat as natural far infrared energy (FIR).