How to Wrap a Horse's Legs

There are many reasons to bandage a horse’s legs, including to provide protection and support, to reduce the chance of post-workout swelling, and to hold a wound dressing in place and guard against infection.

You will need:

• Clean dry legs
• Clean dry cotton bandages which provide good cushion
• Clean dry wraps (non-elastic unless applying a pressure bandage)

If a wound is involved, you will also need:

• Gauze pads or a sterile, absorbent dressing
• Product to clean the wound with (as recommended by your veterinarian)

It is recommended that bandages are at least an inch thick and wraps are at least four inches wide and non-elastic. This, along with good wrapping technique, will help reduce the chance of restricted blood flow, uneven tension, and bowed tendons. Thinner cottons are recommended if you need to control severe bleeding (pressure bandage) just until the veterinarian arrives.

How To Wrap

Practice bandaging with a veterinarian or an industry professional as incorrect wrapping can cause injury.