Sox for Horses, Inc. president Ray Petterson is the kind of horseman who has always tried to steer clear of quick fixes in favor of long term solutions.
More than fly protection for horses
Summer Whinnys have transcended summer fly protection to demonstrate their unique efficacy in wound, sore, and injury protection, especially in hard-to-bandage areas.
Instead of introducing chemical repellants onto his horses’ skin to deter biting insects, he began looking at the whole picture and created Summer Whinnys™ socks for horses as a non-invasive barrier against bug bites.
Summer Whinnys have since transcended summer fly protection to demonstrate their unique efficacy in wound, sore, and injury protection, especially in hard-to-bandage areas. Veterinarians share with Petterson their stories of wounds and sores resistant to antibiotics, which have benefited from the gentle, natural protection of his horse socks.
Wellington, Florida-based Steve Soule, DVM, says, “Leg sores have hit epidemic proportions in southern Florida, where flies never go away. Sores are not responding to antibiotics as well as they used to.” For the 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival season, Dr. Soule will be using Summer Whinnys as specialized ‘breathing barriers’ between flies and equine clients’ sores. More veterinary testimonials can be found on the Sox For Horses website http://soxforhorses.com.
In addition to an even-pressure fit along the leg (essential for long term and multifunctional use), antimicrobial fibers woven into each set of Summer Whinnys™ make them an ideal alternative bandaging application. Antimicrobial fibers incorporated into the yarn, spun specifically for Sox For Horses, are embedded with copper and silver ions, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold in the socks.
“Now, in one sock, you have the barrier against filth and flies so essential to sore, wound, and injury protection. The breathable fibers allow a clean, aerated environment that helps minimize inflammation and infection,” said Petterson. “In the long run, it is more cost effective than other bandaging options that are thrown away after each dressing.”
Petterson is humbled by the requests from the veterinary community: “I’ve always believed that Summer Whinnys belong in this part of our horse world. Every possible benefit to horses was taken into consideration when we were inventing these socks, from the yarn fibers offering cool, durable, antimicrobial protection, to the actual construction which had to deliver equal -- but not unnecessary – compression around the leg while allowing freedom of motion for pastern and fetlock joints. Meaning, the socks will not easily be driven or pulled down by ordinary equine activity.
“I wanted to do this right the first time, and make a sock that could help veterinarians handle the issues like non-responding summer sores, as well as wounds and injury protection, all year around. In an inexpensive manner, using socks meant to last through multiple uses, fly protection has been addressed in a whole new and effective way. It won’t be long,” he posits, “before more vets refer Summer Whinnys to their clients. Sox For Horses belong in barns for many reasons; as the ultimate in fly protection is just one.”
Sox For Horses, Inc. will give veterinarians a free Summer Whinnys sample sock upon request. For unique bandaging situations, Sox For Horses will work with veterinarians to tailor socks with special modifications or knitting designs. Learn more by calling the helpful Sox For Horses staff, (850) 907-5724, or email info@whinnywarmers.com.
Reprinted from a January 23, 2013 article