Choosing Leg Wraps or Bandages

There are many reasons why you might want to wrap your horse’s leg. And there are different techniques for applying wraps and reasons for wrapping. Here are the most common types of wraps or bandages you'll need to know.

Stable Wraps or Standing Bandages

In the stall, standing wraps or stable wraps help prevent ‘stocking up’. Stocking up is when fluids settle in the legs because the horse is standing on a hard surface and not moving around to keep the fluid flushed out of the tissues. You many have to secure a wound dressing or poultice if your horse is injured. You may wish to avoid possible stall injuries if your horse is particularly fractious when kept in. If you’re headed for a show, stall wraps can help keep your horse’s legs clean, and if there is a wound, bandages can help keep that clean and protected.

Horses can be turned out in wraps. This is to protect the horse from pasture injuries and protect existing injuries.

Polo Wraps or Exercise Bandages

Bandages or wraps used while riding protect a horse from scraping itself on obstacles such as jumps or gymkhana props and provides support when doing high-performance activities such as jumping, barrel racing or other sports that put a lot of strain on a horse’s legs. Polo wraps or exercise bandages may also be used to protect and support the legs while longeing, as the small circle the horse is traveling in can put a lot of stress on the legs.