Best Fetlock gaiters

1. Scratch caps and hard shell gaiters: The outside of the hard shell gaiters is made of scratch and impact resistant plastic. The interior consists of a shock-absorbing and soft neoprene padding. Stroke caps and hard-shell gaiters are particularly suitable for horses that have tight feet at the back and injure themselves during misting. In addition, the flexor tendon as well as the lateral and rear fetlock joint are protected.2. Spoon gaiters: These are made of neoprene, leather or synthetic leather imitation. Spoon gaiters run in a spoon shape from the fetlock head on the inside of the leg to under the forefoot root joint. This provides additional protection for the tendons and bones.

This is a further development of the hard shell gaiters and was specially designed for dressage riding. They are made of leather, neoprene or a combination of neoprene and plastic. The fetlock head gaiters completely enclose the fetlock head joint and the cannon bone up to below the carpal joint. This significantly reduces the risk of injury from kicking in side aisles. Panty gaiters can be used very well for all disciplines, such as dressage or western riding. For an optimal protection it is important to have the right size and to put on the ankle boots correctly. This is ensured by four Velcro fasteners. These can be positioned as required on the outer material. Thus the fit of the fetlock head gaiters can be adapted wonderfully to the horse leg. The hook and loop fasteners must adhere strongly. This is the only way to ensure a secure hold when riding. For a long-lasting adhesion of the Velcro fasteners these must be cleaned and cared for us also the outside material of the fetlock head gaiters regularly. Sand often sticks to the surface structure of the outer material in particular. If this is not removed, the adhesion of the Velcro fasteners is reduced accordingly. In order to prevent the neoprene fabric from fraying out very quickly at the edges, care should be taken when purchasing to ensure that it has been processed with a binding tape.

1. If the gaiters are incorrectly fitted, it can happen that they suddenly open or interlock when riding. Therefore, it is important that the buckles and Velcro fasteners on the horse’s leg are on the outside.2. If the gaiters are reinforced on the inside, the wider part must face downwards. To ensure that the fetlock head fits well into the gaiter shape, this wide part is anatomically adapted to the fetlock head joint.3 When the gaiters are attached, the carpal joint remains free and the fetlock head joint on the inside is concealed by the gaiter. Therefore the lowest fastener of gaiters must also be attached above the fetlock head. However, this does not apply to the fetlock-head gaiters. This is because these have an additional Velcro fastener, which surrounds and fixes the fetlock head behind.