Should I be using Splint & Bell boots?

Hello,

I am currently in the process of training my 4 year old Quarter Horse. We are working on lots of different things and I was wondering if I should be using boots to protect his legs. I have been doing alot of research on horse training. I'm not really having any problems with my boy with an exception of barn-sourness but I have read (and seen on the pictures) that I should be using Splint and Bell boots. I have never used them before on any of my horses so I'm not too sure what their purpose is. If someone could explain this..that would be great! I am going to start working with him on the barrel pattern when he is completely finished and I have heard that I will need these boots for that but, should I be using them for training as well?

Also, seeing as I haven't used them before..im not completely sure of how many I need. I have seen pictues where the horses have Splint boots on all 4 of their legs and the Bell boots on just their front legs. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

(Sorry if this is a little scattered. I'm getting over the flu.)

Thanks

Using boots on a horse is not a necessity for any discipline. I have even seen reiners run a pattern with no boots on. I don't use boots on any of mine until they are pretty broke and we start on more complex manouvers like spins. They are not necessary and many horses live their whole lives having never had a boot on and suffer no injuries. Boots are designed to be more of a preventative thing anyway. I wouldn't worry about it right now but when you start him on barrels, it wouldn't hurt to have full boots all around (front and back) like smb's or legacy plus bell boots on the front. The splint/support boots just provide a little support for their tendons so there is not so much strain plus protect from injuries cause by crossfiring (hitting one leg with the other hoof). I do use boots almost every time I ride my QH Denny because he has had numerous injuries to the splint bones in his front legs and I just want to prevent what I can. Bell boots are protection are used to protect the front legs against overreaching (getting hit by a back hoof), that can cause some pretty nasty damage.

IMHO, you really wouldn't NEED boots until you start on the barrel pattern.

Thanks so much. I will defiantly get them for when I start on the pattern. Which splint and bell boots do you recommend?

Do you do reining?

Thanks

I use boots every time I'm going to be doing anything other than walking. (well except the time I jumped Blue over the log that fell down in front of my house, but I didn't PLAN on that one:P) I use Woof all purpose brushing boots. They last forever and can take ANYTHING and they are easy to put on and take off, are easy to clean up, and my horses don't hate wearing them. I use just regular rubber bell boots on Blue. Geoffery only gets them when he is on the trailer. Bell boots are used to protect the corrent band and from the horse overreaching and pulling his shoes off. (I've had THAT happen enough times!)

Well, I do happen to be the proud owner of a very hot little horse so I canter everytime I ride. I think I'll go ahead and put him in the boots anyway just to be safe. I really don't want any injuries. Do you recommend I use both Splint and Bell boots? If so, which type? I have been looking through my Horse.com catalog and I've found many different types such as, Medicine Boots, Sport Boots, Combo Boots, and just regular Splint Boots. Which kind should I be using? I really didn't know there were so many different types.

Also, I know that the bell boots go on the front legs only but, should I put the splint boots on all 4 legs? I hope this doesn't make me seem like a horse noob :/ I know how to ride..I've just never dealt with the boots before.

Here are some Bell Boots I found..
Pro-Craft No-Turn Bell Boots - Horse.com
Are these good?

Thanks

I would do all four legs, and if you are going to use bells, a pair for the front. I like Woof Wear- They are reasonablily priced, and they do the job awsomely! AND they're on sale right now! Woof All-Purpose Boots - Dover Saddlery.

And I really like any rubber, ribbed, NON VELCRO bell boots.

Thanks

But, what type of Splint boots should I use? Just regular Splint boots or one of the other types?

I use the ones that I posted. They are a "Brushing" boot, they protect from bumps, scraping against the barrel, etc.

Oops...nevermind. Im getting over the flu and I must say..im not all there right now. I read your post wrong. Thanks!

NO problem! I know the feeling, I hate the flu!