Bandaging: Stable bandages

By Andrea Oakes

19 November 2009 14:28

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.

Stable bandages

What they do

Legs that are tired, old or injured may need a little warmth and support from a set of stable bandages. Made of a wider, thicker material with less stretch, these versatile bandages are usually used over padding and applied from just below the knee or hock to the coronet.

Although less elasticised than exercise bandages, stable bandages stimulate the circulation and can help prevent or reduce the swollen or filled legs that sometimes occur after strenuous exercise or with age or injury. They can be worn for longer periods, including overnight, but should be checked and replaced regularly and never used as a long-term solution without advice from your vet. If your horse has wet or muddy legs, try using stable bandages over a layer of clean straw or hay for speedy drying.

Remove them a little later and the legs will be dry and ready to brush. Stable bandages can also be used for trailer or lorry journeys, in place of travel boots. Choose quality bandages and padding for maximum impact protection, taking special care to secure the fastenings in case they unravel during transit.