Bandaging: First aid bandages

By Andrea Oakes

19 November 2009 14:33

When it comes to your horse’s legs, it pays to be handy with a bandage.

There may be a pair of boots available for almost every equestrian activity nowadays, but any riders favour the support and protection offered by leg bandages for travel and competition. And even if your horse rarely gets out and about to shows and events, you may need a little bandaging know-how if he sustains an injury or needs a period of box rest.

First aid bandages

What they do

If your horse has suffered a leg wound, your vet may advise you to apply an elasticated bandage over a dressing to create a clean environment for healing.

Veterinary-grade cotton wool or a similar padding should always be used to help distribute pressure, absorb any discharge, support the surrounding tissues and control swelling. Pressure sores can develop within hours if the bandage is lumpy or too tight. Remove it daily unless instructed otherwise, allowing the circulation to recover before re-applying the dressing.

Remember to provide extra support for the opposing, weightbearing leg with a stable bandage. Awkward areas such as knees and hocks require skilful bandaging, so ask your vet for advice if you’re unsure how to keep these or other high movement areas covered. You may find it easier to use an elasticated ‘zip-up’ stocking specially designed for such joints, or a tubular bandage that can be fastened to the hair above the joint with adhesive tape. Good bandaging will also immobilise the joint a little, allowing faster healing, but never start or finish bandaging over the joint itself.

In the case of a hoof problem, the injury will determine how much of the hoof and lower leg should be bandaged. Ask your vet to show you the best option for your horse.