Therapy Boots 101

Leg injuries are the most feared injury among horse owners. Treatments normally include anti-inflammatory drugs and rest.

By following a fitness plan and learning to recognise how your horse is feeling, you can reduce the chances of exercise-induced injuries. There is also a lot you can do post exercise, to cool and rejuvenate your horse’s legs.

What’s the purpose of Therapy Boots?

Typically, therapy boots are used when there is a known injury or condition to treat, and aid recovery to legs and tendons. Equally, they can be used to help with recovery after strenuous exercise, i.e. after cross country, to relieve tension, promote relaxation and general well being of your horse.

Why use Therapy Boots?

Therapy boots provide an easy and effective way to cool down your horse’s legs, reducing inflammation, and therefore discomfort, to treat or prevent injuries after a difficult workout.

Whether you have an older horse that is starting to stiffen, or a horse with an existing injury, there are plenty of products on the market designed to help relieve stiffness or reduce swelling.

What types of Therapy Boots are there?

Support boots: Support boots are used pre- and post-exercise to maintain healthy muscles and relieve tension. They can be used on horses whose legs are vulnerable, perhaps from a previous injury, but also as a preventative measure.

Cooling boots: These are used to cool hot, hard-worked, bruised or strained legs. Some contain crystals that form a gel when soaked in cold water, some use ice packs, while others use a hosepipe or incorporate a water pump system.

Check the instructions for how long you need to soak them and how long they can be left on.

If you have been competing on hard ground, it’s useful if you can leave them on as part of travel protection for the journey home.

Magnetic therapy boots: Magnets are a natural therapy that influences the body’s own healing process by boosting circulation. Blood is an electrical conductor and blood cells have a natural current flowing through them. When injury occurs, they are knocked out of alignment.

Magnetic therapy can help recharge the cells and put them back in place. It can be used for a range of problems, from muscle strains and windgalls to arthritis and general stiffness. As with any alternative therapy, do check with your vet first. Do not use on open wounds or recent injuries.

Magnets should last a lifetime and there are many products available. Most can be left on overnight, but check manufacturer’s instructions.

All our Therapy Boots are available with free and fast UK delivery.