 |
| So dang cute. |
8/21/13
Opinions on Polo Wraps??
Okay, I've been considering making Red some polo wraps and I've gotten mixed signals. Red and I are mostly on trails, and I like for him to have protection on his legs to prevent scratches, bugs and etc. I've used splints but I honestly wasn't overly pleased with them and how they kept COMING UNDONE. :P Grr. We're also going to be doing a LOT of ground work and work in the round pen SOON, which includes sidepassing, backing, typical Western work. What do you guys think of polo wraps? Yay or neigh?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I have been wondering the same thing... = )
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to use polos on River once we get past walk/trot work, but mostly to help support his tendons and ligaments during heavier work, since his pasterns are a smidge long. For just bug and scratch protection, I'd probably go with something easier to put on/take off!
ReplyDeleteI use to wrap all my horse's legs in polo wraps because (a) it looked cool and (b) the maryville college equestrian team made us do it. But then I thought, why in the world am I actually doing this? So I kind of researched it and my suspicions were confirmed: no good reason. I think polos are appropriate as tendon support when you are doing fancy dressage movements, but otherwise, I don't really see much use in them. For brushing protection, they don't do anything. Not to mention if they get wet they can rub and if you put them on wrong they can really mess up your horse's legs. I have owned a pair of professional choice splint boots for years and never had an issue with them. Granted the brushing boots don't really offer any tendon support, just protection. SO, for trails, I would suggest some type of brushing boot- the professional choice splint boot or some brushing boots. I got a pair of brushing boots from Bridleway at Rolex this year, and I REALLY liked them- and the price is fantastic. http://www.bridlewayequestrian.com/shop/product.php?productid=16141&cat=250&page=1 you have to convert the price to US dollars but it's only about 35$ a pair, very high quality, and I've run all kinds of cross country and had no issues with slipping/coming undone. Plus, they wash clean.
ReplyDeleteFor the ground work etc, I'd prefer something that has support and a little bit of protection if he accidentally hits himself. Bridleway also has a nice pair of 'training boots' that are sort of a combo of polo wraps and boots: http://www.bridlewayequestrian.com/shop/product.php?productid=16387&cat=250&page=1 . I think they look comparable to the professional choice SMB boot but possibly much cheaper.
In my opinion, polo wraps don't really do much but look pretty and possibly add some tendon support, while also possibly unnecessarily straining your horse's legs if they are wrapped wrong. But, I've recently become a "no boots unless absolutely necessary" kind of girl lately (ex: cross country, field work, doing some intense jumping grids, and will consider a flat work boot or polos for when we get more advanced in dressage), after doing some online research. But I also don't have shoes on my horse. So maybe I'm just a hippie :D
Thanks for the awesome answer, helped a ton!! Going to check out those links!! The tendon thing was my main concern, I really don't want to ruin my horse, especially since he's 100% SOUND. :)) Don't want to throw that away. I don't like shoes, unless they are completely needed, I can't stand what they do to some horses, so if you are a hippie, I'm a hippie too, lol!! I really don't want to blow tons of money on something that I may not even like or use. I was excited about the splint's but they didn't seem to work as well?? I don't know if they are just a size too large or what, going to try them one more time before I decide.
DeleteFor trail riding I wouldn't recommend polos, only for the fact that they could catch on something and then become unraveled. If I put boots on my horses I tend to use professional's Choice SMBs or my Impact Gel boots (LOVE!) I've always bought my SMB's used and never paid more than $20.
ReplyDeleteI'll google those!! I don't want to spend over $30 so that's awesome, haha!
DeleteIf you are interested in a pair of SMB's I have some laying around the barn that I can sell you for a great deal! email me at goodtimetoreview at Hotmail com.
Delete:-)
I will email you! :) Thanks!!
DeleteTry schooling boots. They are designed to be easy to take off and put on but also provide protection to the lower legs, knee to pastern. They are much simpler and provide more protection than polo wraps.
ReplyDeleteWill do! Thanks!!
DeleteI read that they are not so good for cross country and trail riding because they absorb water. They may work if you don't cross rivers though. Not sure.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I heard. I occasionally take Red-man for a little spin around the creek so I don't want them ruined...
DeleteOne more thing. What about interference boots(also called brushing boots). they don't come unraveled and are often used during turnout to protect the lower leg.
ReplyDeletePolo wraps are generally for arena work, because they're one of the only leg wraps/boots that offer tendon support. That being said, they don't offer tendon support if you don't wrap them correctly and they can actually hurt your horse if you put them on too tight.
ReplyDeleteFor trail riding, I'd get some cheapy fleece boots. I use fronts that you can get from Dover or SmartPak for around $40. Those splint boots you have won't come off if they fit and are put on correctly.
Ooh!! Thanks, going to look for some on Dover or Smartpak. Yeah, I don't think I put them on properly...we shall see!
DeleteYou've already gotten some great advice here. I agree polo wraps on the trail are not a good idea. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for the tips!!! I've decided to either buy a better pair of splints or some sport medicine boots. Thanks SO much!!
ReplyDeletePolo wraps are fine for arenas, if you know how to use them. As mentioned above, when done incorrectly they can injure your horse. If you're looking into purchasing some SMBs, I actually have a pair I don't use anymore and would be happy to sell them at a deep discount. Email me if you're interested! buckeyequine (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteOh cool, I'll shoot you an email soon! Thanks!!
DeleteI was going to reply, but everyone's answers above are awesome. I am a huge fan of polo wraps, but for trails they aren't the most practical because of brush and/or water. SMBs are the BEST. I would surely save up for some. I know they are expensive, but that are the best and totally worth it!
ReplyDelete