Jumper Boot Consultation: Bacardi for Katie
I recently had the pleasure of doing a Jumper Boot Consultation for Katie Sormaz and her 5 year old warmblood mare, Bacardi. Thank you to Katie for giving permission for me to publish her Consultation Report, to provide some insight into what I do and what a consultation involves.
INITIAL OBSERVATIONS:
Met the horse at Angelstone and took her out of the stall. Observed her at a walk and jog in hand in the shedrow.
She is a super tall and long-legged mare. Currently has front shoes and they are going to put back shoes on. She does have 4 white feet which appear to not be super strong and quite susceptible to cracks and easily losing shoes.
Beside the scratches and skin irritations, her legs feel great. Tight with no current major issues with tendons, joints or bones. No conformational anomalies along where a boot would sit that may cause a pressure point.
Watching her walk and jog on the hard ground she appears to have great balance and lovely fluid and forward movement. She does over-reach quite a lot with her hind end, which will likely increase more when back shoes are put on.
Conformation comments:
No major conformational flaws that would affect boot fit.
Skin comments:
Evidence of skin sensitivity is present. Currently scratches and irritations are apparent on all 4 legs. Katie stated she is regularly treated with different antibiotics and ointments to help keep irritations at bay.
VIDEO & IN PERSON OF HORSE OVER FENCES
Observed several videos of horse at home, as well as in person in two classes and a jumpoff.
The horse really digs in behind, jumps well behind and has a lot of hind end movement. Does really over-reach behind, which is great for a jumper. Really well balanced and rocks back on her haunches before the fences then really pushes nicely up and over the fences. Form is round and correct.
RECOMMENDATIONS (BOOTS)
Schooling at home: I would recommend no leg boots for flatting. Bell boots are good. Prioritizing allowing the legs and skin to breathe. Polos when jumping. Clean pair every time.
Flatting at shows:
I would recommend either using polos or fuzzy brush boots when flatting at shows to provide concussion protection to the legs. Bring multiple pairs of polos to the show. Always use clean ones as stuff at shows gets funky.
Show Option 1:
Front - Current front boots are great. Would recommend grab boots, instead of bell boots. Grab boots would be nice because they move less on the foot but provide protection for the heels of the foot and shoes.
Hind - Veredus Save The Sheep Young Jump Vento Rear Boots. These are great for horses because they provide protection without causing a lot of reaction behind. There are other similar styles from other brands that would be appropriate. I chose the Veredus, assuming you would want to match them with your front boots.
Hind - Veredus Save The Sheep Pro Wrap. Would recommend pastern wraps, in conjunction with the young horse boots. With how much movement the mare has behind, if you put back shoes on her, pastern wraps would decrease the chance of her interfering, cutting herself, especially with how sensitive her skin is. These can be used in the future with any hind boots. For this particular horse, this would be a great addition to your boot kit.
Show Option 2:
Hind - Veredus Save The Sheep Carbon Gel Vento Rear Boot. These would be great, as the mare gets older, when you want a boot that encourages a bit more hind end action, but aren’t very strong. A step up from the young horse boot. As she ages and does bigger jumps, these are a great step up from the young horse boots, but still soft.
SHOPPING LINKS
Veredus Save The Sheep Young Jump Vento Rear Boots
Veredus Save The Sheep Carbon Gel Vento Rear Boot
Veredus Save The Sheep Pro Wrap
https://picovs.ca/products/veredus-save-the-sheep-pro-wrap?_pos=43&_sid=c34d09554&_ss=r
Racing Tack Italian Quarter Boots (Grab boots)
RECOMMENDATIONS (BOOT CARE)
Polos: Put through two short loads. Both tap cold. First wash: mild laundry detergent. Second wash: No detergent. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Untangle and hang to dry, out in sunshine if possible. Only use clean, freshly washed polos every time. Re-using polos introduces bacteria and sand from footing that embeds in the wrap can contribute to rubs.
Fleece-Lined Boots: Put through one load of laundry. Tap cold. I recommend washing with your show pads so they will cushion and protect the boots while in the wash to reduce risk of damage. Wash with mild laundry detergent and a tablespoon of Lysol Laundry Disinfectant Detergent. Leave to dry out in the sun with the fleece side up until completely dry. When boots are thoroughly dry, brush out fleece with a small dog slicker brush, to fluff up the fleece. Store in a dry area where it is least likely to be susceptible to humidity, mold or mildew. Store with the straps done up to ensure the straps don’t accidentally catch or get stretched out.
RECOMMENDATIONS (SKIN CARE)
General care:
Always keep her legs as dry as possible. Lots and lots of toweling. Ask if barn staff can towel her legs when she comes inside from night time turnout so they are dry while she is in her stall. Avoid prolonged periods in dewy grass or outside in the rain. putting her in her stall with wet legs. When she is switched back to daytime turnout, see if the barn can turn her outside last so that she can go out a little later when the dew on the grass has started to dry up in the sunshine.
Supplements:
Would suggest Vitamin E, Vitamin C and spirulina supplementation to improve skin condition and boost immunity. Horses with sensitive skin are often helped by systemic help with immunity boosting supplements.
Topical:
Avoid poulticing unless absolutely needed. Poultice is wonderful but does trap moisture for a prolonged period of time and can cause more skin sensitivity.
Use 70% rubbing alcohol instead of liniment. Will provide the same relief but disinfect their skin as well.
EquiFit Silver socks. You can cut and use whatever length you prefer, and they can keep your horse’s legs covered, especially if there are open wounds present and keeps it clean. If your horse is struggling with boots when jumping or turnout, you can put silver socks on to provide a little coverage from sand, dirt, bugs etc. They can also be used under your boots to add another layer of protection between the leg and boot.
EquiShield CK Shampoo or Betadine to scrub their legs when the flare ups get bad, as they are antibacterial and antifungal.
Keep hair on her legs short and clipped so it is easier to keep clean and treat. Thick and large amounts of hair can trap heat and dirt and cause more reactions.
Zinc Ointment. Will create a barrier from the outside while repelling moisture from the outside while helping to dry up any scabs.