Bandaging for exercise help needed. Types and when to use?

[Aliisbest]

I don't currently use bandages but for BHS stage 3 you need to know about different types of bandages for exercise.

I know there are advantages and disadvantage, i need some help with what the different types are called and when to use them?

What is the difference between and exercise bandage and a polo wrap?

When do you use padding?

What type of bandage do you use? Fleece? Elasticated or something else?

When would you use the different type of bandage?

Why do you chose to bandage and not use boots?

Thank you so much!

 

[Shay]

Because this is for an exam you would probably be better off looking at a BHS approved text book. I know BHS are more relaxed now and as long as you can justify your view and it is safe you should pass. But you;ll only confuse yourself with half a hundred views off a forum. If you don't have the yard experience stage 3 (theoretically) expects then you would be better off learning the textbook answer.

 

[Red-1]

I don't currently use bandages but for BHS stage 3 you need to know about different types of bandages for exercise.

I know there are advantages and disadvantage, i need some help with what the different types are called and when to use them?

What is the difference between and exercise bandage and a polo wrap?

1. Exercise bandages are elasticated and applied firmly (firm on your finger when you insert at the top or bottom - not so firm you can't insert a finger!) and because of this they are used with padding underneath. The elastic can get too tight very easily, and they should only be worn for brief periods of time. Polo wraps are all one material in fleece and are applied firmly enough that they don't fall off, but not as firmly as the elastic exercise bangades.

When do you use padding?

I use padding all of the time with exercise bandages, not with polo wraps, although if I use the polo wrap in the stable as a stable wrap then I will use padding. I like the padding so 1/4 inch shows top and bottom.

What type of bandage do you use? Fleece? Elasticated or something else?

I have used all types, I do not like the type where the first half is fleece or wicking material with elastic on top. For elastic bandages I use Gamgee underneath, which is gauze covered cotton wool. If you buy the right size roll the top and bottom will be covered and the sides where the cu is will 'leak' cotton wool. You will get a few uses out of them! The Gamgee is very conforming, as in no creases on the legs. Fibregee is less conforming and I would not use with firm bandages, although I would use Fibregee for travel bandages as it lasts longer. The 50/50 bandages are not conforming enough in the padding imo, for the elastic on top.



When would you use the different type of bandage?

I only use a bandage on a horse now for first aid or for exercise if he has a boot rub, as I think bandages are better for sensitive skinned horses. Other than that I have travel boots, stable boots, boots for dressage, hacking , XC.... boots are easier to put in and less likely to get too tight. People use the polo wraps for matchy matchy, as they do look pretty. But, they may be implicated in overheating the legs, whereas my mesh boots are more airy and still protective. Materials have come on now, and I think there are better alternatives to bandages. For a boot rub I have used a Tubigrip under the boot, as this is very conforming and stops a rub. I was taught in my BHS days to bandage for XC and stitch the bandage, if you have to do that you have to empty the stable of bedding! Personally I prefer boots, my XC boots have a solid protector against being interfered with from other legs, and holes to allow the water to escape after the water jump.



Why do you chose to bandage and not use boots?

If there us a boot rub. For first aid. If I want to look pretty in matchy matchy.

 

[Aliisbest]

Because this is for an exam you would probably be better off looking at a BHS approved text book. I know BHS are more relaxed now and as long as you can justify your view and it is safe you should pass. But you;ll only confuse yourself with half a hundred views off a forum. If you don't have the yard experience stage 3 (theoretically) expects then you would be better off learning the textbook answer.

Thank you for taking time to reply. The book is pretty awful and i'm therefore looking for wider information on the subject

 

[Aliisbest]

I don't currently use bandages but for BHS stage 3 you need to know about different types of bandages for exercise.

I know there are advantages and disadvantage, i need some help with what the different types are called and when to use them?

What is the difference between and exercise bandage and a polo wrap?

1. Exercise bandages are elasticated and applied firmly (firm on your finger when you insert at the top or bottom - not so firm you can't insert a finger!) and because of this they are used with padding underneath. The elastic can get too tight very easily, and they should only be worn for brief periods of time. Polo wraps are all one material in fleece and are applied firmly enough that they don't fall off, but not as firmly as the elastic exercise bangades.

When do you use padding?

I use padding all of the time with exercise bandages, not with polo wraps, although if I use the polo wrap in the stable as a stable wrap then I will use padding. I like the padding so 1/4 inch shows top and bottom.

What type of bandage do you use? Fleece? Elasticated or something else?

I have used all types, I do not like the type where the first half is fleece or wicking material with elastic on top. For elastic bandages I use Gamgee underneath, which is gauze covered cotton wool. If you buy the right size roll the top and bottom will be covered and the sides where the cu is will 'leak' cotton wool. You will get a few uses out of them! The Gamgee is very conforming, as in no creases on the legs. Fibregee is less conforming and I would not use with firm bandages, although I would use Fibregee for travel bandages as it lasts longer. The 50/50 bandages are not conforming enough in the padding imo, for the elastic on top.



When would you use the different type of bandage?

I only use a bandage on a horse now for first aid or for exercise if he has a boot rub, as I think bandages are better for sensitive skinned horses. Other than that I have travel boots, stable boots, boots for dressage, hacking , XC.... boots are easier to put in and less likely to get too tight. People use the polo wraps for matchy matchy, as they do look pretty. But, they may be implicated in overheating the legs, whereas my mesh boots are more airy and still protective. Materials have come on now, and I think there are better alternatives to bandages. For a boot rub I have used a Tubigrip under the boot, as this is very conforming and stops a rub. I was taught in my BHS days to bandage for XC and stitch the bandage, if you have to do that you have to empty the stable of bedding! Personally I prefer boots, my XC boots have a solid protector against being interfered with from other legs, and holes to allow the water to escape after the water jump.



Why do you chose to bandage and not use boots?

If there us a boot rub. For first aid. If I want to look pretty in matchy matchy.

@Red-1
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. This was exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to answer each section and giving your own personal opinions. This is super helpful

 

[Red-1]

@Red-1
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. This was exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to answer each section and giving your own personal opinions. This is super helpful

You are welcome. I found when I did my exams that they liked it if you have a personal touch rather than just reciting the text book. I would go to a big tack shop if I were you and rummage at boots and bandages, rugs, tack, brushes, bits, reins the lot. Nothing beats hands on to stick it in your mind.