Evaluation of shock attenuation in the forelimb of horses wearing boots and wraps

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.