Bandages can be found in many people’s tack room, and with different types available, it’s easy to see why they’re an essential item.
Horse leg bandages are broken down into exercise bandages, polo bandages/polo wraps and stable bandages.
Now, there are times where one type of bandage can be used in a variety of situations, but usually how it’s applied is different. Polo wraps/polo bandages are a great example for this as they can be used with or without pads (or gamgee) underneath, and wrapped around the leg from below the knee to the hoof for the stable bandages, or around the cannon bone and tendon area for exercise. Polo wraps are often fleece bandages, as are stable bandages.
Bandages that are called exercise bandages are often elasticated bandages that cover the cannon bone and tendon area and can provide support during ridden activities.
Horse leg bandages come in a range of colours, with many brands creating coloured collections of saddlecloths and bandages that match to create a really smart look.
Tail bandages
For travelling, tail bandages can be used to help provide extra protection to the horse’s dock when the horse is in the lorry or trailer. Tail bandages for horses are usually elasticated and have a fastening at the end that should be off set when it’s fastened to prevent the horse rubbing his tail during transportation. You can also use a tail bandage under a tail guard for more protection when transporting your horse.
Horse bandages for veterinary treatment
In addition to the bandages for horses above, there are also bandages that can be used in veterinary situations. These are usually self adhesive bandages that stick to themselves when applied, come in many colours, and are first aid kit must-haves.