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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 540
 
Location: My own little world :) | Ok...I personally really like polos because I feel like I can get a better fit with them than I can with boots. I always wonder if the boots are too tight when I do them and I hate how they fill with dirt. I think of when I get dirt in my shoes while running and it is super uncomfortable so I would figure its got to be similar for our horses.
My question is am I missing something? I find with my experience that I like polos the best but overall would it be better to use boots? I do like boots because they seem to take less time to put on/take off and store. I usually wrap all four legs with polos but I want to do what is best for my horses so if I need to switch I will :)
I posted this in the product research section but I'm not getting any responses. |
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 Namesless in BHW
Posts: 10368
 
Location: At the race track with Ah Dee Ohs | I'm a polo girl. White all the way around. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | I prefer boots (classic equine) because they provide more protection. My horse tends to overreach and I worry about him hitting himself. The boots have a little more padding and protection for his pastern and leg. I don't mind polos on the back though, but if the horse is a hard stopper I like to use boots on back too since once again they are thicker and provide more protection. I haven't really had trouble with dirt getting trapped in them. |
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  A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | Zanadoo88 - 2015-01-08 7:57 PM
Ok...I personally really like polos because I feel like I can get a better fit with them than I can with boots. I always wonder if the boots are too tight when I do them and I hate how they fill with dirt. I think of when I get dirt in my shoes while running and it is super uncomfortable so I would figure its got to be similar for our horses.
My question is am I missing something? I find with my experience that I like polos the best but overall would it be better to use boots? I do like boots because they seem to take less time to put on/take off and store. I usually wrap all four legs with polos but I want to do what is best for my horses so if I need to switch I will :)
I posted this in the product research section but I'm not getting any responses.
Boots just offer a little better concussion protection. Neither offer support. I prefer polos just because they're not bulky and I can have 500 sets for a lot cheaper than a few sets of boots. They're time consuming for sure but I can't stand the bulk of boots.
If your horse doesn't really have an interference problem and you personally prefer polos, I don't see a reason to change. My gelding had never had wraps or polos before. He was NOT a fan of boots. Never did get used to them. He didn't mind splint boots but sport boots weren't his favorite. He also has a funky left fetlock so it's a pain to even boot him. Boots leave gaps and don't contour right. I like polos. They fit flush to the leg and they seem to hold a lot less heat.
That and I can collect full sets for cheap. :) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 747
| I prefer boots on the front (the professionals choice ventech elites fit my guy like a glove, no gaps or dirt!) and usually use polo's on the hind because he likes to use his but and the hind boots always filled up with dirt. I also don't like polo's on the front of my guy because sometimes he will get trippy with them on. I don't know why |
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Location: Midwest | It's pretty much personal preference. I usually do boots or polos in the front (honestly it depends what I wear LOL) but always polos in the back because my one gelding had his splint bone removed a few years ago and I have to know exactly how it is and feel that polos support him better in the back. |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| Dr. Hopper at Rood and Riddle told me to throw my polos out and go with a sport boot he recommended iconoclast. He told me to get the boots off as soon as we were done running. He also told me not to wrap with polos when trailering they create too much heat on the leg and their are better options now. |
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Veteran
Posts: 227
Location: Heart of Texas | I use whatevery my horse works best in. My lanky gelding uses polos. He prefers them. My mare has stubby thick legs, polos are just too long, so she gets boots. But I prefer polos as they last way longer and clean much better than boots. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
Location: Kansas | I like both |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | I have never used polo's, always wanted to but was terriffied I would not wrap them correctly. I have been using Iconoclast boots and for me personally, I will never buy a different boot. I love them. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 540
Location: My own little world :) | hlynn - 2015-01-08 7:50 PM
Zanadoo88 - 2015-01-08 7:57 PM
Ok...I personally really like polos because I feel like I can get a better fit with them than I can with boots. I always wonder if the boots are too tight when I do them and I hate how they fill with dirt. I think of when I get dirt in my shoes while running and it is super uncomfortable so I would figure its got to be similar for our horses.
My question is am I missing something? I find with my experience that I like polos the best but overall would it be better to use boots? I do like boots because they seem to take less time to put on/take off and store. I usually wrap all four legs with polos but I want to do what is best for my horses so if I need to switch I will :)
I posted this in the product research section but I'm not getting any responses.
Boots just offer a little better concussion protection. Neither offer support. I prefer polos just because they're not bulky and I can have 500 sets for a lot cheaper than a few sets of boots. They're time consuming for sure but I can't stand the bulk of boots.
If your horse doesn't really have an interference problem and you personally prefer polos, I don't see a reason to change. My gelding had never had wraps or polos before. He was NOT a fan of boots. Never did get used to them. He didn't mind splint boots but sport boots weren't his favorite. He also has a funky left fetlock so it's a pain to even boot him. Boots leave gaps and don't contour right. I like polos. They fit flush to the leg and they seem to hold a lot less heat.
That and I can collect full sets for cheap. : )
Exactly!! You can have an endless rainbow of color options for way cheaper! My concern is that I have not ran into an interference problem yet so I guess I'm just afraid if and when the day comes that one does really knock themselves are boots better? And it seems like it always takes horses some time to get used to boots but they seem to really not mind polos so much so I would assume they are more comfortable...this could be complete nonsense that I have concocted in my head ;) |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 540
Location: My own little world :) | astreakinchic - 2015-01-09 8:03 AM
Dr. Hopper at Rood and Riddle told me to throw my polos out and go with a sport boot he recommended iconoclast. He told me to get the boots off as soon as we were done running. He also told me not to wrap with polos when trailering they create too much heat on the leg and their are better options now.
Thank you for this information! Rood and Riddle is pretty reputable ;) So I would go with what they have to say! Thanks! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 164
| I use polo's occasionally but I typically use Iconoclasts. I absolutely love them. I used to use professional's choice smb3's and elite's and when I decided to try the Iconoclasts I could literally feel my horse move differently the first time he had them on. He felt more supported. It's hard to describe but I absolutely love them. Will never buy another brand. I have a couple pairs of polo's but I usually just use them for compression purposes with an injury or other random reasons. I ride with them occasionally when my boots are wet or dirty and need to be washed and they work fine. I really recommend Iconoclasts. I don't have too much trouble with the dirt, only right below the fetlock in the "pocket" area of the boot. |
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 Keep those crap slapping tails away!
Posts: 8871
Location: Around here somewhere... | I tend to prefer polos. I use SMBs for a horse that has a history of interference, and when it's muddy/wet (polos sag when wet) |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| I think are you get with either boots or polos is cushioning from hitting. Polos are not as hot as boots. I would like to see some studies done at a big barrel race not a race track. To me it is like a saddle pad. Everyone has a opinion. I know when i use polos the sand does not get in them like boots or if muddy they are better. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Neither provide support. It may "seem" like they do but they don't. They're mostly benefitting our conscience. Let's just get that out of the way. Boots are more rigid so provide more protection from bumps and scrapes. Polos will provide some protection, but just think if you wraps some fleece around your arm and hit it with something hard like a horse shoe, then put a boot over your arm and do the same. The boot is going to protect it better. Also, every time I'm at a barrel race I see many people with their polos put on way wrong, so if you use them make sure you actually know how and tape the top.
Edited by cavyrunsbarrels 2015-01-10 6:01 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1062
Location: Probably On the Road to the Next Barrel Race! | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-01-10 5:28 PM Neither provide support. It may "seem" like they do but they don't. They're mostly benefitting our conscience. Let's just get that out of the way. Boots are more rigid so provide more protection from bumps and scrapes. Polos will provide some protection, but just think if you wraps some fleece around your arm and hit it with something hard like a horse shoe, then put a boot over your arm and do the same. The boot is going to protect it better. Also, every time I'm at a barrel race I see many people with their polos put on way wrong, so if you use them make sure you actually know how and tape the top.
I'm not sure I buy your opinion about no support. I've never personally seen a double-blind, controlled study, so I couldn't say for sure about that, but 40 years of experience and many vets tell me yes, they do support. My personal preference is Iconoclast. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | CrossCreek - 2015-01-10 9:49 PM cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-01-10 5:28 PM Neither provide support. It may "seem" like they do but they don't. They're mostly benefitting our conscience. Let's just get that out of the way. Boots are more rigid so provide more protection from bumps and scrapes. Polos will provide some protection, but just think if you wraps some fleece around your arm and hit it with something hard like a horse shoe, then put a boot over your arm and do the same. The boot is going to protect it better. Also, every time I'm at a barrel race I see many people with their polos put on way wrong, so if you use them make sure you actually know how and tape the top. I'm not sure I buy your opinion about no support. I've never personally seen a double-blind, controlled study, so I couldn't say for sure about that, but 40 years of experience and many vets tell me yes, they do support. My personal preference is Iconoclast.
Edited by cavyrunsbarrels 2015-01-11 10:54 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 242
Location: Nowhere Land | Depends on the horse, and the ground. I would use a boot (I prefer Classic Equine- i feel they offer better support and protection also last longer than other brands) when I have a horse that over reaches, knocks alot etc. The Polos are great for a horse that doesnt have those issues, but needs the support. The polo will keep the tendon nice and tight to the leg, and allow a horse to feel stable enough to run and rate hard. The boots I will also use if Im unsure how fast the draw will go. Or if the weather conditions are harsh, once polos get wet, muddy etc they need to be replaced with fresh ones, the boots are so easy to take on and off you can just put them on 2 minutes before your run if need be. It is all about preference, conditions and individual horse needs. |
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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | I have used both and currently I'm using polos on everything except if I'm crunched for time, then I will throw a pair of boots on instead. I put skid boots on Streak yesterday and he HATED them. He's OK with polos on his back legs and I make my own polos, so I just buy 3 1/2 yards of fleece so the wraps are 10 1/2 feet long instead of 9 for him. That way they are long enough to cover what needs covered and he's still protected a little bit. I love that I don't get dirt all over their skin with polos. I'll have a couple pieces inside the top layer of fleece but nothing like with boots. Plus polos aren't as hot so I don't worry about them being on too long in the summer. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| I use boots because I've seen polos come off and a horse do a front flip, (I know that won't happen if you tape them), I just always have that in the back of my mind. |
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 Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Oh the great debate.......
I hate boots. With a passion. But will use them once in a blue moon. Not for support, but for protection from interference.
Observations: Polos- Do NOT use them if you don't know how to properly wrap them. I don't care how good the velcro is, always tape as well. They conform better to your horses leg, don't allow as much dirt to get trapped, and don't create as much heat. They are tricky to get wrapped just correctly, they can be wrapped too tight, they don't last forever, so even when they "look" ok they may still need replaced. The biggest thing I have found is they can be very itchy, so I never put mine on until I need them.
Boots-bulky, difficult to get to conform which allows them to shift or dirt gets inside them. Make horses legs very hot. Easier to apply and maintain. Expensive. And in my personal opinion, a sales gimmick to an extent.
I have a 1D gelding. Super nice horse. He can and has kicked himself on all four legs at different times, mostly in the back. So he wears protection on all four when he runs for that reason. I CANNOT use boots on him. Every brand has either rolled up his ankle during his run, or he literally burns holes on the bottom side of the ankle (he has only burned holes on the PC Elites, but did them in two runs). He hates polos though. I think they make his legs itch really bad. He's ok as long as he's moving but fusses standing still.
So I compromised with him and use regular splint boots. They aren't as bulky as the medicine boots, don't trap as much dirt, are lightweight, have the added cushion on the inside where he kicks himself, and it's worked out great for both of us. |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | I've used both but now will only use polos for two reasons.
#1 I can never get them to fit correctly. they'll slide down the legs and get a fair amount of dirt in them.
#2 My horses legs are always sweaty and wet when they are done. With the polos I would guess that the fabric wicks the moisture away from the leg much better vs a sport boot.
ETA: after reading MissR's post I forgot to add that if I'm in a pinch I do use splint boots, easier to adjust and fit right and my horses legs don't seem to be soaked when I'm finished riding.
Edited by Crowned Image 2015-01-12 1:11 PM
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Polos or Sports Medicine Boots?