Canterpants vs Fly Boots

Both Canterpants and Fly Boots help to keep the flies from annoying horse’s lower legs and reduce stomping as a result.

But that is where the similarities end.

What Canterpants DO that fly boots DON’T DO

Canterpants protect the whole leg

Keep legs clean for competition

Help protect legs from mess and potential burning from incontinence or scouring

Protect against grass seeds, pollens and other irritants

Provide protection for leg wounds and dressings to promote healing

Fit loosely to provide natural airflow

Provide sun protection

Can be put on damp or wet to provide evaporative cooling

Can be worn while farrier works to keep flies off legs and horse calm and still

 

The unintended benefits of Canterpants

Since using Canterpants there have been some unintended benefits (side-effects) we’ve found that we never expected.

Canterpants have helped keep the rug in place for a horse who could never keep it’s rug on straight.

Reena at age 26 has had rubbed hocks for many years now – not getting worse, but not getting better from her efforts to get up.  She’s started growing the hair back on her hocks since wearing Canterpants.

Calming.  My sensitive warmblood mare has been so much calmer wearing her Canterpants.  We've seen this calming effect on many horses.

While every horse is different, we’ve found that Canterpants can be worn day and night without harm, although we would strongly recommend that any apparel (rugs, fly veils, fly boots, Canterpants) be checked regularly to ensure they are not rubbing or harbouring foreign objects that could harm your horse.

I found an interesting article by Ranvet about fly boots in which they talk about the results of fly bites on legs –

“The result is often pacing and stomping, which can lead to hoof cracks, loose shoes, tendon issues and joint problems, or for some horse’s results may even include allergic reactions.

In summer, some horses may also result to digging large holes or damaging paddocks and stables in their frustration surrounding flies and insects targeting their legs. Fly boots can help limit stomping related to insects attacking the lower leg and therefore also alleviate the array of health and environmental issues that result from the stomping.”

While the article is titled “What are Fly Boots for horses?” what I found interesting is their description of the physical, mental and environmental impact of the horse stomping from fly bites.  You can read the article here.

If they're recommending fly boots to help with these potential risks, imagine how much more effectively you can reduce the risks with the full leg protection of Canterpants.

Your choice will depend on what is affecting your horse, and how effective the alternatives are in resolving this issue.  If it is just insect bites and they only affect the lower leg, fly boots may well be the best choice for you.  But if you need protection for the full leg, or for anything other than insect bites fly boots simply won't do the job.

🐴Together - making our horses’ lives better – regards, Yvette

Disclaimer:  These are my thoughts and opinions and should not be considered expert or medical advice.  I recommend that you seek professional advice in relation to your horse/s.