For decades, leg wraps and horse boots have been considered vital pieces of equipment for working horses. From supporting tendons and ligaments to safeguarding legs from the harmful effects of impact, it is easy to understand why so many equestrians utilize daily equine leg protection. In recent years, however, traditional pieces of equipment are being looked at in a new light.
As advancements in human technology of workout gear, socks, and sneakers have developed over the years to incorporate wicking fabrics and breathability, some equestrians have become concerned with the heat-trapping materials of traditional equine boots, such as fleece polo wraps, neoprene sports medicine boots, or memory foam tendon boots. A group of researchers at the Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN, went to work to examine if excess heat from the boot and wrap materials could potentially cause tendon damage.
In the study (A comparison among equine boots and legwraps on leg surface temperature during and after exercise), the researchers explained that horses rely on a process known as convection to cool their legs during exercise, as they have no muscles below their knees. This means that airflow carries heat away from the horse’s legs as they move. This process is crucial for the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) because this tendon is already naturally warmer than other parts of the leg.
The study recorded temperature readings underneath different styles of leg wraps and horse boots before, during, and after exercise while also using a bare leg as a control. As expected, the bare leg dropped in temperature at the beginning of the work (due to convection) before plateauing at a higher than original temperature. The booted and wrapped legs had consistent temperature increases before reaching a much higher temperature. Previous research has shown that tendon cell death can occur at temperatures of only 42.5°C (108.5°F), meaning that the convection cooling process is essential to the long-term soundness of performance horses. While none of the horses’ legs reached this critical temperature, even those wearing boots and wraps, the covered legs were much warmer than the bare legs.
The lead author, graduate student Lucas Brock, concludes, “The results support the hypothesis that boots and wraps impair convection cooling during exercise. Given that the skin temperature of the lower leg has been correlated with underlying tendon surface temperature, this suggests that even in a moderate intensity exercise bout in moderate ambient conditions, a booted or wrapped limb may reach damaging temperatures.”
In response to this study, several equine boot manufacturers have turned to cooling technology that’s typically been used for human athletic equipment. By ensuring that equine boots are breathable and capable of wicking heat and moisture away from the tendons, your horse will have better support to stay sound and more comfortable over the duration of their work.
The new ARMA Oxi-Zone line of breathable boots from Shires Equestrian utilize a hard outer shell for impact protection and a wicking liner that was specifically designed to regulate temperature. These boots are thoroughly ventilated in 360 degrees for increased airflow in various weather conditions. According to Shires Equestrian, “Directional venting of the outer shell and open structure fabrics keep air circulating all around the leg to dissipate heat and reduce moisture levels.” The ARMA Oxi-Zone boots come in a number of styles for the serious equestrian, including tendon boots, brushing boots, and fetlock boots.
The Professional’s Choice 2XCool Sports Medicine Boots are made with lightweight yet supportive materials to support your horse’s leg while minimizing heat build-up. Professional’s Choice explains, “The liner of the boot is made with 2XCool performance fabric, a technologically advanced textile that combines natural cooling minerals, active wicking, and rapid drying to create a ‘Triple Chill Effect’ that instantly and continuously draws away heat and moisture.”
Back on Track is another equestrian manufacturer that has incorporated additional ventilation into their boot design. The Back on Track Airflow Tendon Boots feature air holes along the tendon and the sides to encourage convection cooling, while the proprietary 3-D Mesh technology allows for a multi-directional anatomical fit, providing comfort and support.
While additional research is needed to confirm the correlation between wraps and boots, leg temperature, and tendon damage, one thing is for certain: new cooling technology is quickly making its way to the equestrian scene. These new and innovative tendon protection boots aim to keep your horse happy, comfortable, and sound, all while staying cool, too!
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