Help for a bandaging novice

wellsat

wellsat

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Spending far too much time in here has left me with a desire for matchy matchy:D but I'm nervous about doing up G's bandages too tight and causing more problems than I solve.

Galaxy for all helpful tips!
 
Please get someone to show you in person, it'd be impossible for someone to be able to tell you on here how to get it right without feeling the bandages etc. badly bandaged legs can cause all sorts of problems that just arent worth the risk imo.
 
Get someone who's actually good at bandaging to show you. Ditto what Hedwards said, can cause really bad problems otherwise. Pet hates of mine to avoid:

- people who can only bandage in one direction (always bandage towards the back! ie clockwise on the offside and anticlockwise on the nearside)
- starting the bandage over a tendon-nooo!
- bandages that don't cover a good length of leg
- bandages that look all lumpy with uneven pressure
- bandages with the wrong length velcro fastenings that always leave a piece sticking out. Some brands are awful for this. In my experience Eskadron, Anky and HKM are all ok.
 
I learnt to bandage long before I was ever allowed to boot and would agree totally with those saying you need to get someone experienced to teach you and to learn the feel - even down to how tight the bandages need to be rolled for *you* before you put them on the leg (how they feel in your hands and the tension on the roll makes a huge difference imo).

Different bandages also have different feels - so practice, practice, practice with all types (knitted stable with wadding/gamgee/sheepswool; elasticated with pads; elasticated with fleece; fleece; padded etc). It is essential that you use the right bandage for the right use correctly too (i.e. I wouldn't exercise a horse in knitted bandages or use elasticated ones without pads).

If using fleece (polo) bandages... 2 years of a polo yard and I now never bandage without a doubled over tail down the back of the tendon before bandaging on top, imo it helps ensure there are no creases, folds or lumps over the tendon but again is something best taught and practiced than explained.

As has also been said above - get the right kit for the job and make sure you buy quality; bandage in the right direction and never start on the tendon; bandage the correct length of leg for the job etc.

Then practice, practice, practice with someone v. experienced so you develop the feel to get it right.
 
IIWY I would get a very experienced bandager to show you and then practice loads of times under supervision of said bandager and only once you are confident actually ride in them
 
Thanks everyone, don't worry, I'm not rushing out to do it without someone to help me. I have asked around but nobody seems to know any more than I do. I understand the basic ideas as I was taught to do stable bandages properly but I've never had a knowledgeable person show me how to do exercise bandages. I'll keep an eye out for someone that can help me with it.
 
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