The fetlock cap: what is it used for?
As a rider, you have probably heard of the fetlock boots, one of many ways to protect your horse's legs while riding. But what exactly is the fetlock boot needed for? You can find out everything you need to know about fetlock boots here.
Interesting facts about the fetlock boots
The fetlock cap is one of the utensils used to protect the horse's leg. However, compared to the better known gaiter, the fetlock cap is significantly shorter. It does not have the tendon-supporting function like the gaiter, it is only intended to protect the fetlock joint from injuries caused by a "stroke". Many Horses Your hooves do not swing straight when you move, so it can happen that one rear hoof strokes along the other hind hoof as you move forward. If your horse wears iron, it can cause injuries. This is exactly where the fetlock boot offers protection. It is reinforced on the inside of the fetlock joint, it is closed on the outside of the joint, usually with a Velcro fastener. There are different types of fetlock boots, but they all have the same function:
- Most of the commercially available fetlock boots are lined on the inside with a soft, supple neoprene layer to prevent sore from friction. This is important because a fetlock boot doesn't fit as tightly as the gaiter, for example. The cap can give a little while moving, as it does not have to fulfill a supporting function. The outside of the fetlock board is made of a harder plastic layer that absorbs any blows from the hooves. In addition, the plastic does not wear out as quickly, but withstands "grinding".
- But there are also anatomically shaped fetlock boots that you can individually adapt to the fetlock joints of your horse. These caps are made of a material that becomes soft and pliable in hot water. These softened fetlock boots can now be adapted to the fetlock joints of your horse, which then take on the exact shape of the joint. In this way you can optimally protect your horse, but these caps are no longer interchangeable and you cannot use them for other horses.
What you use the fetlock boot for
Fetlock boots are designed to protect against injury from friction or kicking, so there are several situations and reasons you can use them for.
- In show jumping, the fetlock cap is a classic part of the joint protection. Especially during the flight phase over the jump, when a horse pulls its legs under the body, the legs can easily come into contact at joint level. Since jumping horses mostly wear irons, this contact without fetlock boots can lead to serious injuries.
- You can also use these caps in dressage, for example if you plan to practice sideways movements with your horse. In the traversal, pirouette, but also in reinforcement and assembly, many horses tend not to put their legs straight forward. Here the fetlock boots also protect against injuries.
- Very young horses that have not yet found their equilibrium under the rider cannot control their steps either. You should also put on at least fetlock boots for these horses.
- Another reason you can use the fetlock boot for is when you release your horse to pasture. If you are afraid that it could jump wildly, you should protect your legs and joints with these caps as well.
Do your little protégés want nothing more than riding? A riding participation ...
In principle, you can always use fetlock boots if the protection against injury alone is sufficient and you do not want to additionally support the tendons.
