exercise bandages

[sallypops]

whats better for support in general riding ie hacking schooling bandages or boots, i have boots on my horse just now but would bandages give her more support?? she had mudfever on her hind leg and she is always a bit stiffer on it, i found the boot helped tonnes but i was just wondering about bandages??

any comment would help?

 

[jumpthemoon]

I find bandages give far more support and protection that most boots, when applied properly, anyway. There are some good boots on the market, but they are expensive eg Pro-choice SMB. Bandages are a cheaper way of getting good protection for your horses legs.

 

[sallypops]

do u need pads under them?? probs a stupid question

 

[WelshRareBit]

I think you do, unless they are fleece lined onesor polo bandages - Im sure the more knowledgeable will correct me on this if Im wrong!

 

[Iestyn]

I prefer bandages but they have got to be put on correctly otherwise over time they can cause a lot of damage.

 

[Fattie_Hattie]

Yes u need padding if they arent polo bandages but i find them just as good!

 

[Paint it Lucky]

I prefer bandages for support especially as you can wrap them right round the fetlock whereas most boots only cover the cannon area. Yes you do need pads under proper exercise bandages (the elasticy ones), but not if they're fleece polo bandages (which are a lot more common now and easier to apply). I tend to use boots for protection, e.g. when jumping, though sports medicine boots are very good for fetlock support aswell.

 

[sallypops]

so bandages are generally better for actual support of the legs?

 

[jumpthemoon]

IMO unless you've got very good, well fitting boots like the SMB the yes, bandages are better for support.

http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/protgear/index0.html

I think these are the best boots for support on the market at the moment (don't quote me

)

 

[Ginn]

I prefer bandages but they are only good if applied correctly, otherwise you'll end up with a very lame horse!

If you use polo bandages (or half fleece and then half elasticated) you won't need wraps underneath but I do what a polo groom taught me and use the start of the bandage as a "pad" over the flexor tendons, i.e. place the end of the bandage about half a cm below where the bandaging will stop at the fetlock and run the bandage up the tendon, carefully fold over and bandage as normal (going back down the leg) - imo this ensures the pressure over the tendon is more uniform!

ETS - only do this with the fleece/polo bandages never elastic, elastic always need a wrap underneath!

 

[Ferdinase514]

Lol! I do this with fleece bandages too.

Bandaging is quick too, once you are used to it. I have to say i don't use them in the hot weather though