Swollen legs, bandaging, and hard work

I think it's good to remember that when they are travelling they are not standing still, they are having to use muscles to keep their balance, and will also move their feet to accommodate that too, so to me it makes sense that they don't swell when travelling, only after standing in the stable even if for a short amount of time.
I'm sure there was someone on here who used to turn their horse out immediately after returning home for a few hours, before then, getting them back in again later. That might be a good half way house if you are able to.
 
I use Equi-N-ice bandages which don't need water or cooling, they have this gel that you pour into the package to store them and then you put straight on the legs - you can leave them on for as long as you like. Maybe worth trying those? They're not expensive. This will then have the double benefit of cooling and compression to help keep the swelling down. Dex's legs fill overnight when in the stable, always have done, so I have boots on him overnight which helps enormously (and I feed marigolds - jury is out on that one), compression is very much recommended for swelling.
 
AShetlandBitMeOnce said:
I use Equi-N-ice bandages which don't need water or cooling, they have this gel that you pour into the package to store them and then you put straight on the legs - you can leave them on for as long as you like. Maybe worth trying those? They're not expensive. This will then have the double benefit of cooling and compression to help keep the swelling down. Dex's legs fill overnight when in the stable, always have done, so I have boots on him overnight which helps enormously (and I feed marigolds - jury is out on that one), compression is very much recommended for swelling.
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Cool, I had seen them online, I’m a bit reluctant to use coolant on her because she’s allergic to just about everything….

So when I went back out last night swelling was 100% down in hinds and off fore. It was only about 80% down in near fore. By this morning it was 95% down. There was no heat any time I checked. She’s not lame.

Im a little concerned that one leg seems worse? I think it’s always taken this one a little longer to come down…
An old injury maybe? Why is there always something to worry you 🙄
 
Ladybird L said:
Cool, I had seen them online, I’m a bit reluctant to use coolant on her because she’s allergic to just about everything….

So when I went back out last night swelling was 100% down in hinds and off fore. It was only about 80% down in near fore. By this morning it was 95% down. There was no heat any time I checked. She’s not lame.

Im a little concerned that one leg seems worse? I think it’s always taken this one a little longer to come down…
An old injury maybe? Why is there always something to worry you 🙄
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I was going to ask if they swell equally or whether one is worse.

FWIW significant quick onset swelling is not great. A mild gradual filling of all limbs overnight is be less concerned.

Different schools of thought but for eventing I do not bandage overnight (but do ice immediately after xc). If there is significant swelling I want to see it, it can be a sign all is not well.

I’d probably get her checked by a vet. Not obviously lame means not head bobbing, limping. They can be mildly lame all round and look ‘sound’ to the naked eye
 
I would not bandage what I would is take the horse for a walk in hand after you have her cleaned up.
It used to be standard thing when I was young and working with hunters.
My experience is that this is not uncommon with horses with draught of some type in them. blood.
If it settles the next day after turnout I would not worry to much.
It is however a sign that the horses system is under stress during hunting, if the horse is in any way overweight losing weight may help.
 
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