This blunt trauma can be massive, causing substantial tendon damage. That said, an exercise bandage or boot can guard against external trauma, which typically occurs due to an over-reach – when a hind foot strikes the back of a forelimb. The superficial digital flexor tendon undergoes a peak load in excess of one tonne during exercise, so surrounding it with a bandage will have no influence. It is sometimes claimed that exercise bandages support the flexor tendons, but it is difficult to imagine how. These newer boots can be used while the horse is at pasture or even being ridden, but they are not insubstantial and are intended for injury convalescence rather than routine use.Ī simple cloth bandage applied to the cannon region – a so-called “exercise bandage” – obviously provides no support to the fetlock joint, as it does not cover it. Achieving this requires the application of more rigid materials, such as a splint or fibreglass cast, or orthotic boots ( EqueStride or FastTrack, for example).

Ez boot horse