Different wrap/bandage uses?

Question

I am just wondering what the different uses are for all the different types of horse wraps and bandages there are out there. I know the obvious ones like polo wraps and vet wrap, but some I can't figure out the difference between. Like standing bandages, track bandages, pillow wraps, stall bandages, quilted leg wraps, cotton rolls, etc. Like what are the uses for each one and when would you use it? For stall bandages/wraps do they wear them 24/7 while they are in a stall? Or are pillow wraps just for injuries? Just out of curiousity. Some may come in handy! My show jumper has a stall with a run, and every morning his legs are all stopped up and puffy. Will wrapping them overnight help? Which wraps would I use? So many questions! Thanksss!!

Answer 1

Ketral has it correct in what she says about use of bandages but, the pictures she has posted are excellent in showing how NOT to bandage!



The first showing the use of vet wrap would do more harm than good. There should be a good layer of cotton wool/gamgee or a padding under the vet wrap and, if you have to bandage above the joint than a bandage is needed on the lower leg to help prevent it slipping. By applying vet wrap direct there is a danger that you can damage the circulation especially on an area where the bandage is likely to slip - where the higher part is fatter than the lower.

The second showing stable wraps is incorrect as the bandages should come down over the pasterns.



The third as exercise bandages are slightly better but, depending on what work you are doing should leave the joint free. Dressage riders do cover the pastern and in the picture the covering over the joint needs to be thicker.



There is a lot of damage done with incorrectly fitted bandages. Tension is vital, to tight and circulation damage is done, to loose and they slip and do no good. Unless you know what you are doing then you need to always have a covering under the wrap. Any joint bandaged over should be done in a figure of eight.

Answer 2

Polo wraps and some types of horse boots can help cut down on concussion and absorb some shock so I think they would be helpful, at least I feel safe in saying that they aren't going to cause any harm if you wrap them correctly. Liniments and braces may also help now that it has gotten cold, my pony has some arthritis from an injury and I put liniment on before I ride to loosen him up. Also, I use these supplement treats called Majesty Flex wafers. They are really cost effective and I know for a fact that the horses are getting all of the supplement. They range from 27-35 dollars a bag but they have enough in for two months and if you budget them they can last a bit longer. Also, my horse problem in with his knees so I spent some extra money and bought him a winter blanket that is very long to help give his knees some protection from the cold. If possible try leaving horse out in a field so that can move freely which prevents stocking up and stiffening. Good luck

Answer 3

Vet wrap is used with gauze for doing wound dressings. I also use my vet wrap on my legs when I forget to wear socks that cover my ankle. http://www.coldwrap.com/images/leg2.jpg



Pillows, leg quilts, standing bandages, stall bandages, are all the same. They support the leg and prevent inflammation. So after a hard work out before putting your horse in it's stall you would put these wraps on. http://www.millcrossing.com/images/wrap2_small.jpg



Polo wraps and track bandages are for exercising. They support the leg and give a small amount of protection. http://www.theequinest.com/images/polo-wrap.jpg



Cotton would be used for wound dressings or it could be used to make a cloth in a shipping bandage. I can't find a picture for a shipping bandage but it's like a stable wrap that goes all the way from the bulbs of the heel to halfway up the knee or hock.



Standing wraps would be good to use for your horse. But learn how to do them correctly or you can bow his tendon and cause discomfort.



Edit: Sorry, those were the best pictures I could find after looking through page after page in google images!



Here's videos.



Polo - http://www.ehow.com/video_2350426_wrap-rodeo-horses-legs.html



Vet wrap - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4196694922737064951&ei=oYEkS8_BFIP0qAOqx6nFAQ&q=vet+wrap+horse&hl=en&client=firefox-a#



Standing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMUz_zVqGGU

Answer 4

There are a ton of different types of bandages. I would suggest reading these books since there is way more info than anyone on here could state offhand and describe how to use correctly.



The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Advanced Horsemanship B/HA/A Levels (the C Level book has really good step by step instructions for wrapping the standing/stable bandage and the shipping (which is very useless but w/e))

http://www.amazon.com/United-States-Manual-Horsemanship-ebook/dp/B000S1L56Y/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260676532&sr=8-7



The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your Horse

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Bandaging-United-States-Guides/dp/0876056389/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260676532&sr=8-6



Also, consider having a good trainer show you how to wrap because it is so easy to bow a tendon. These books and youtube videos (search wrapping a standing wrap horse) can not make up for being shown hands on how to do it.