The horses hock joint is one of the hardest working joints of all the joints and plays a crucial role especially in performance horses. They are equivalent to the human ankle. The hock functions to carry weight, push off the ground, and allow your horse to run, jump, turn, and play. The hock is made up of 10 bones and 4 joints supported by several ligaments and tendons. Your horse’s hocks are a pivotal part of their hind-end movement, and because of the anatomy of the joint – several small bones stacked horizontally on top of one another, with minimal layers of cartilage between – degradation of the joint, is sadly, very common.
Hock pain can make lead changes, jumps and even just everyday riding more difficult for your horse, particularly when they are getting warmed up. Many horses experience soreness and changes in the hock joint over time.
This is a function of “wear and tear”, injuries, conformation, overall health, fitness level, proper foot care, and even diet. Aside from injections and medications, you have got a few options.
Signs of problems:
- On and off lameness without health or swelling.
- They start out stiff.
- May resist going downhill or backing off a trailer.
- Muscles in lower back may be sore from working overtime to spare his hocks.
Whether you ride for pleasure or professionally, there is no question that you ask a lot of your horse. So, what can you do to soothe your horse’s painful hocks? Our Therapeutic Hock Boots fabric are infused with far-infrared emitting minerals. These rays work with your horse’s natural healing processes to keep joints, tendons and ligaments surrounding the hock joint supple and relaxed. It cooperates with your horse’s body to promote circulation, increase oxygen flow, and reduce pain, getting your horse back in action faster. This will help your horse move his hind end more freely, faster. The boot has an adjustable sizing to fit your horse’s build and movement, plus it is breathable and wicking, making it ideal for use before or after exercise. The material is breathable, with wicking qualities for enhanced comfort and Velcro straps to allow adjustable sizing.
