Strapping a horse:

you need a full good grooming kit, and a wisp, which you make from twisted hay, a banging pad and cotton cloth. it takes at least an hour to properly strap a horse. and ideally should be done every day. you will see the benefits in 2 to 3 weeks.
 
It's called a wisp - and you should really make one from dampened twisted hay. I was taught how to do this as a child, but I've met very few people who can do it tbh.

You could use a purchased massage pad I suppose. I've got a useful little thing in my grooming box made out of rubber that looks like it's been made out of lots of tangled bits of rubber string - don't know how else to describe it. It works well for strapping.

Again, theoretically, it should be done every day as part of a full groom after exercise when the horse is warm. I have to admit to only really giving my clipped out & rugged horse a really thorough strapping about once a week, but then I work full time and heaps of other stuff that needs doing too. I did it this morning funnily enough.

There is a video online somewhere showing you how to do it properly.....I'll google it in a minute and see if I can find the link.....

Here you go - she seems to use a leather massage pad in the video....

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-strap-your-horse
 
They always used to have a picture and description of how to make them in the Pony club's Manual of Horsemanship. Is it still there, or has it gone modern?
 
We strap the race horses using a balled up cloth, warm water with baby oil and wring...so that the cloth is just damp. Make sure you are shown how to do it properly as strapping in the wrong areas/differing amounts of pressure etc won't be good for the muscles!

Should be done every day during a grooming session. Make sure you build up the time you spend strapping gradually. Also your probably not working your horse as hard as racehorses but after a race we do not strap them for a day or two as they may be sore.
 
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Oh ok, Im gonna have a start at this tomorrow. See if it really works.
i know where and how to do it, but used those padded things, so didnt realise I could do that. I can do cloth, warm water and baby oil easily! :)
Thank you!
 
That's ok, you don't "need" a wisp or leather pad. They are preferable however we have used damp cloths for years and the racers look amazing for it :) We just use baby oil for shine!!
 
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