Bandageing your horses legs whilst exercising

[millyspaniel]

I have never used bandages before - just boots out hacking. What are your reason for using them - also is it just an old wives tale that the more you use bandages the more the horse gets used to them and you end up having to use them all the time???
do you think it really provides extra support? do you think your horse goes better in them? how often do you use them?
Thanks

 

[KatB]

Yep that is an old wives tale IMHO

I use them as they offer more protection as done properly cover more of the joint than boots, and are more breathable

They also don't rub my sensitive TB skinned mare!!

My horse doesnt go any better in them than boots, and I use them behind probably 3 times a week

Still use tendon boots a majority of times infront

I do like the look of bandages though

 

[millyspaniel]

I like the look of them too, and was thinking of using them to school my TB in once a week, i normally use tendon boots for jumping and have just invested in some sport wraps for xc down the woods, just waiting for them to come

 

[hedgehog1]

echo katb saying when done properly they offer more protection than boots, ive seen a horse go down on the road in boots, and one in bandages (as in on the fetlocks)
the boots did a rubbish job protection wise whereas the one with bandages just made a hole through the top few layers of bandage whereas the neoprene boot was left with a massive hole in it and alot of blood.

just my experience anyway

 

[millyspaniel]

So there also better for hacking and jumping would you say?

 

[Super_Kat]

I'd say so, I exercise my big mare in bandages in front, brushers behind and my little chap in bandages all around.
I only started using them because of the variety of colours, now I have pink ones and pink ones and pink ones with hearts on them and yallow ones and navy blue ones and green ones and bright blue ones and orange ones and pink ones with flowers on them and grey ones and brown ones......... I've got hundreds of the damn things

 

[KatB]

I wouldnt jump in them in front as they cushion the horses legs against poles, and I want my horse to feel the poles

Also they don't offer any impact protection on the tendon. Fine for hacking though

 

[millyspaniel]

I may invest in some for flatwork schooling, now just gotta choose the colour!........

 

[dressage_diva]

I use them primarily in Winter when my horse's legs are clipped as I find it hard to get any boots which fit his legs without slipping. I do agree with the others though that if done properly they can provide more protection than some boots.

 

[vallin]

What is the 'correct' way to do exercise bandages?, I'd really like to use them, but I don't want to risk damaging her legs....
Thanks V

 

[freyaandrogue]

i bandage all round when jumping, purely because my horse is one who has tendencys to sweat alot... yep even his legs! when ive used neoprene or fluffy boots before, when his legs have sweated, even with thorough washing off straight after his legs have swollen and gone scabby. with bandages, his legs can breathe more and they have never swollen or gone scabby since!!