It's Mary!
Here's a couple of answers from Becky Hart, Judith Ogus and Courtney Hart
(answers from when I asked the question a couple years ago). I purchased a
full set of SMB for Monte (because I thought he was going to have some long
term problems) NOT!!!! *yeah*.
Anyway, cut to the chase...... SMB are mainly designed to give support for a
PROBLEM. They retain an enourmous amount of HEAT, when they get wet or deep
terrain (sand) they can cause rubbing and blisters. They REALLY have to be
removed at all checks to help speed recoveries. They provide protect, but so
do splints (which come in a much smaller coverage area, but still retain
heat).
Mainly, if you don't need them don't use them. And especially don't get your
horse dependent on them. They a for giving support and if you use them and
don't need them the muscles and tendons (etc.) will start to get lazy and
won't work they way the should.
Needless to say, I have a beautiful set to tuorquise SMB for Monte and
they're CLEAN, never been used. But if someday he injures his legs to where
he needs them, I've got them (I got the on SALE).
Have fun. I gotta go to work.
Mary and Monte