Tendon boots or bandages and the competition horse
Authors: Chapman Stella
Journal: Equine Health
Summary
# Tendon boots or bandages and the competition horse Chapman's 2018 investigation set out to clarify whether protective leg wear commonly used in competition actually influences tendon temperature during exercise—a question with direct implications for injury prevention in working horses. The research measured thermal changes in equine tendons whilst horses exercised in various configurations of boots and bandages, establishing baseline data on how these devices affect the metabolic environment of at-risk soft tissue structures. Results demonstrated measurable differences in tendon temperature depending on the type and fit of protective equipment used, with implications for heat retention and the inflammatory response during intense work. For equine practitioners and riders, these findings suggest that the choice between boots and bandages involves genuine physiological trade-offs that warrant consideration alongside the traditional focus on mechanical support and impact absorption. Understanding how leg wear influences tendon thermoregulation allows more informed decision-making about which protective systems best suit individual horses and disciplines, potentially reducing the thermal stress placed on tendons during competition.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding how tendon boots and bandages affect temperature during exercise can inform selection of appropriate protective equipment for competition
- •Thermal management during work may influence tendon health and injury risk in competition horses
Key Findings
- •Recent research examined thermal effects of protective equipment on equine tendons during exercise
- •Tendon boots and bandages are commonly used in competition horses for injury prevention