Influence of support boots on fetlock joint angle of the forelimb of the horse at walk and trot.

The research study explores the effect of various types of support boots on the forelimb fetlock joint angle in horses. The findings denote that support boots can substantially reduce maximum extension of the fetlock joint when the horse is walking or trotting, which presumably eases the tension in the suspensory apparatus and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDTF).

Research Objectives and Methods

• The aim of the study was to establish the impacts of four different types of support boots on the fetlock joint angle as compared with an unprotected fetlock.
• 26 horses participated in the research. The scientists measured the kinematics of their forelimb fetlock joint angle during walks and trots on a treadmill. The horses wore three different types of support boots, one protective boot, and sometimes no boots.
• The team noted two key outcome parameters: the maximum extension of the fetlock joint and the exact moment within the stride cycle when this maximum extension occurred.

Findings and Results

• At walking speed, two of the support boots significantly reduced the maximum joint extension by 0.8 and 0.9 degrees, respectively. Additionally, one type of boot also delayed the stride cycle moment when maximum extension occurred.
• At trotting speed, all support boots significantly decreased maximum extension by 0.56-1.44 degrees, and the protective boot did the same by 0.56 degrees.

Conclusions and Implications

• The results clearly indicate that support boots can effectively reduce the maximum extension of the fetlock joint, which can surmise to reduce tension in the suspensory apparatus and SDFT and can be a significant element in reducing dynamic forces.
• Despite this, there are potential long-term impacts that remain uncertain. A long-term reduction in maximum fetlock extension may have negative implications on fibre alignment in the healing tendon, which could affect a horse’s recovery from tendonitis.