High frequency, high amplitude shock waves, believed to contribute to detri
mental joint and bone changes, are generated each time the hoof strikes the
ground. The purpose of the present study was to compare the shock attenuat
ing capability of athletic support boots and traditional cotton wraps (polo
wraps). Accelerometers were attached to the hoof and third metacarpus of f
ive horses. Peak deceleration and asymptotic frequencies were measured at t
wo speeds (3.5 mis, trot, and 6.0 mls, gallop) under the following conditio
ns: control (no boots or wraps), cotton wraps, and two athletic support boo
ts. Leg supports did not reduce shock in the third metacarpus. In fact, sup
port boots increased the asymptotic frequency measured in the third metacar
pus. This result could be explained if the leg supports were acting to stif
fen the limb, thereby increasing the spring constant of the leg support-lim
b system.