How to fit the perfect bandage

Fit the perfect bandage

Horses have to deal with many things, increasingly the unbalancing effects of a rider and the expectation to perform movements, e.g. circles and lateral work. This in turn increases the chance of your horse knocking itself. Your horse’s natural movements or conformation may also result in it inflicting damage, especially if it is shod. Fitting leg protection is advisable especially when riding young, imbalanced horses or training new movements. Exercise bandages should not impede the flexion of the horses’ joints and it is vital they are applied correctly.

How to fit the perfect bandage

Most new exercise bandages are packaged with their Velcro closure out. To prepare the bandage for application, you’ll have to rewrap it in reverse. Start by undoing the Velcro and rolling the bandage backward so the closure is in the middle of the roll.

– Make sure the legs and bandages are clean and dry.

– Always stand to the side of the leg whilst bandaging.

– The cool space liner provides extra comfort and cushioning, no extra padding is needed underneath these bandages.

Start the bandage on the outside of the leg, under the knee or hock joint (The end of the bandage should be facing forwards)

– Apply with firm and even tension wrapping the bandage in a spiral pattern, down the leg, working from front of back. Overlapping each layer by approximately 50%.

– You should reach the fetlock where the padding ends, ideally leaving an inverted ‘V’ at the front of the fetlock joint where the bandage crosses itself.

– Use smooth, even pressure on the bandage and take it back up the leg.

– Fasten at the same pressure as the rest of the bandage.

Be careful not to bandage the legs too tightly, creating pressure points and eventual damage.

Due to the high wicking properties, avoid riding through water.