Sores on the legs despite leg boots

Hi! Two questions come to mind for me:

1. Are you sure it is not the boots themselves causing the sores and swelling? However good the boots are, they will get dirty with sand and mud and they will get wet. That in itself raises the risk of rubbing, sores and swelling, so the whole thing can turn into a vicious circle. Since you say he used to stand and scratch at his legs, it feels like the boots could be what is bothering him.

2. Why does he wear boots in the paddock? You describe him as calm and kind, so is there any particular reason for him to wear boots out there? As I say, if you have not already tried it, I think it could be worth taking the boots off in the paddock and seeing what happens. That might sort it out.

If the problem continues whatever you do, it is worth having him checked by a vet, who can look into whether there is an underlying reason why his legs swell up and get sore so easily. Good luck!