What is the correct way to wrap horse polos? The correct way to wrap horse polos involves starting the wrap just above the fetlock joint, overlapping each layer by about half its width, applying firm but even tension, and finishing the wrap securely just below the knee or hock, ensuring the wrap is smooth without wrinkles.
Applying polo wraps correctly is key to supporting your horse’s legs during work, especially during high-impact activities like jumping or quick stops. While some riders opt for brushing boots vs polos, polos offer customizable support and are often preferred for light to moderate work when applied right. These therapeutic leg wraps for horses provide crucial support and protection. Learning polo wrap techniques ensures you maximize the benefit while avoiding injury.
Why We Use Polo Wraps: Leg Support and Protection
Polo wraps serve a few main jobs when bandaging horse legs. They offer light support to tendons and ligaments during exercise. They also act as a protective barrier. This protection shields the sensitive lower leg area from scrapes, bumps, and bruises. This is especially true when a horse strikes itself, which is common in fast work.
The Role of Support vs. Protection
It’s important to know what polos are best for. They are not the same as standing wraps used for veterinary care. Polos are primarily for exercise support and defense.
- Support: They give mild compression. This helps keep tendons and ligaments steady while the horse moves.
- Protection: They shield the cannon bone area and soft tissues from knocks.
Using supportive leg bandages for horses during training is a good habit. It adds a layer of safety for your partner.
Protecting Sensitive Areas
The lower leg holds many important structures. The cannon bone is near the surface. The suspensory ligaments run down the back of the leg. Proper wrapping horse splint bones means applying pressure evenly around them, not directly onto them in a hard way that could cause harm.
Essential Gear Checklist Before You Begin
Before you start applying polo wraps, gather everything you need. Having the right tools makes the job much easier and safer.
Choosing the Right Polos
Not all wraps are created equal. The material matters greatly.
| Wrap Type | Material | Best Use | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Fleece | Cotton/Polyester Blend | Everyday work | Soft, easy to handle |
| Cotton/Elastic | Stretchy Fabric | Moderate exercise | Offers more “give” and rebound |
| Professional Grade | Thicker, dense material | Jumping, high stress | Maximum stability |
Always check your wraps for wear and tear. Holes or weak Velcro strips can lead to wraps coming undone, which is dangerous.
Temperature Check and Leg Preparation
Never wrap a leg that is already very hot or swollen without consulting a vet. Polos should be applied to clean, dry legs. Dirt trapped under the wrap can cause rubs or sores. Lightly brushing the leg before wrapping helps remove debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Polo Application
This section breaks down the process. Follow these steps carefully for the best results every time you are applying polo wraps.
Step 1: Positioning and Starting Point
Hold the wrap correctly. The Velcro tab should face away from you when you start.
- Determine the Leg: Start with the front legs first. Many people wrap the front legs before the rear legs.
- Anchor Point: Begin the wrap on the inside (medial side) of the leg, just above the fetlock joint. This joint needs firm support.
- First Wrap: Go around the leg once firmly. Make sure the starting point is snug but not tight.
Step 2: The Downward Motion (Front Legs)
For the front legs, you want the wrap to cover the pastern area securely but not restrict the movement of the fetlock joint itself.
- First Pass Down: Bring the wrap down the front of the leg. Cross over the back (tendon area) and wrap around the back of the cannon bone.
- Go Under the Knee (Optional Flap): Some riders leave a small flap of the wrap hanging over the front of the knee or just below it for extra protection, but keep it loose.
- Stop Above the Fetlock: Ensure the wrap goes just below the bony prominence of the fetlock joint. Do not cover the actual joint itself with tight pressure.
Step 3: The Upward Motion (The Crucial Overlap)
This is where the real support comes from. You need consistent tension moving back up the leg.
- Overlap: As you move back up toward the knee, overlap the previous layer by about one-half to two-thirds of the wrap’s width. This overlap prevents gaps from forming as the horse moves.
- Tension Control: Keep the tension even. It should feel firm, like a good handshake, not a vise grip. Too much pressure can damage circulation or nerves.
- Finishing Point: End the wrap just below the knee joint. Do not wrap over the knee joint itself. The Velcro closure should land on the outside or front of the cannon bone area, not directly over a tendon. Secure the Velcro firmly.
Step 4: Wrapping the Hind Legs
The back legs require a slightly different approach due to their angle and the larger hock joint above.
- Start Low: Begin just above the fetlock, similar to the front legs.
- Covering the Hock Area: When moving upward, you need to cover more surface area. Ensure your overlaps cover the area around the suspensory ligaments well.
- Ending High Enough: Finish the wrap slightly lower than the front legs, usually stopping a few inches below the hock joint. Avoid wrapping directly onto the hock joint.
Deciphering Proper Tension: The “Two-Finger Rule”
One of the biggest mistakes in applying polo wraps is getting the tension wrong. Incorrect tension can lead to serious issues like bowed tendons or damaged circulation.
How Tight is Too Tight?
Think about horse leg protection versus constriction. You want support, not cutting off blood flow.
- The Finger Check: After applying the wrap, you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between the wrap and the horse’s leg, even at the tightest part. If you can only squeeze one finger in, it’s likely too tight.
- Checking for Wrinkles: Run your hands over the finished wrap. If you feel any deep creases or wrinkles, smooth them out immediately. Wrinkles create pressure points that can cause rubs or swelling.
Observing the Horse
Watch your horse immediately after wrapping. Does it seem comfortable? Is it trying to bite or paw at the wraps? A horse that is acting unusually irritated may have a wrap that is too tight or rubbing in a sensitive spot.
Polo Wraps Versus Alternative Horse Leg Protection
Riders often debate the merits of different types of leg protection. While polos are excellent for specific tasks, other gear serves different needs. Knowing when to choose which item is part of being a knowledgeable horse owner.
Comparing Polos and Brushing Boots
| Feature | Polo Wraps | Brushing Boots (Splint Boots) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full coverage from fetlock to knee/hock | Concentrated protection on the cannon bone |
| Support Level | Provides measurable ligament support | Offers impact protection only |
| Application Time | Takes time and precision | Quick to put on |
| Cleaning | Requires washing after every use | Often wipe-clean |
For everyday flatwork or light schooling, many find brushing boots vs polos favors the boots for speed. However, for focused support during intense training or jumping, well-applied polos are often the preferred choice.
Other Leg Protection Options
Sometimes, you might need different solutions:
- Sports Medicine Boots (SMBs): These offer excellent support and impact protection, often used by professionals. They are designed to limit hyperextension.
- Shipping Boots: These are tall, heavily padded boots used for travel to prevent injury while standing in a trailer.
- Standing Wraps: These are used strictly for medical reasons, often with liners and specialized padding, applied for long periods while the horse is resting. They are not meant for exercise.
Fathoming the Structures Being Supported
When bandaging horse legs, you are dealing with complex anatomy. A basic grasp of this anatomy helps you wrap correctly.
Tendons and Ligaments
The main goal of support is protecting the flexor tendons on the back of the leg. These structures stretch a lot during movement.
- Tendons: Connect muscle to bone. They are elastic but can tear or “bow” under excessive strain.
- Ligaments: Connect bone to bone. They stabilize joints.
The consistent pressure from supportive leg bandages for horses helps prevent overstretching during the concussion of movement.
The Splint Bones
The splint bones are thin bones that run alongside the cannon bone. They are fragile. Incorrect wrapping—especially if a wrap is too tight or secured with a sharp edge—can irritate them. Focus on smooth application when wrapping horse splint bones area to avoid uneven pressure.
Maintenance and Care of Your Wraps
Properly caring for horse polo wraps extends their life and keeps them safe to use. Dirty or stretched-out wraps do no one any good.
Cleaning Procedures
Fleece wraps hold dirt, sweat, and hair easily. They must be cleaned regularly.
- Remove Debris: Before washing, peel off any large clumps of hair or hay by hand.
- Use the Right Settings: Always use a gentle cycle and cold water. Hot water can shrink the fleece or damage the elastic in the Velcro straps.
- Secure Velcro: Before putting them in the wash, fasten the Velcro tabs securely to themselves. Loose Velcro can snag and ruin the fabric of other wraps in the load.
- Drying: Air drying is always best. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible. High heat ruins the elasticity of the Velcro and can cause shrinkage.
Inspecting for Damage
After every few uses, check each wrap closely.
- Are the Velcro strips still sticky and strong? Weak Velcro means the wrap could unravel mid-ride.
- Is the fabric worn thin, especially at the edges?
- Are there any tears in the material?
Replace wraps showing significant wear immediately.
Advanced Considerations for Specific Disciplines
The way you apply polos might change based on what your horse is doing. Polo wrap techniques can be slightly modified for different sports.
Jumping and Cross-Country
Jumping involves high impact and quick directional changes. Support is crucial here. Some riders use a slightly tighter wrap or incorporate a thin layer of cotton gauze underneath for extra cushioning, especially for horses that tend to strike themselves hard when jumping.
Dressage Work
In dressage, the focus is often on precise muscle engagement. While support is still helpful, the goal is not extreme impact absorption. Wraps should be applied with moderate, consistent pressure to encourage awareness without inhibiting natural movement.
Trail Riding
For long trail rides, durability and ensuring the wraps stay put are the main concerns. Double-check that the finishing Velcro is very secure since the horse may be moving through brush or water.
Troubleshooting Common Wrapping Problems
Even experienced wrappers run into issues. Here are solutions to common pitfalls when applying polo wraps.
Problem 1: The Wrap Slips Down
Cause: Usually caused by starting too low, wrapping too loosely at the bottom, or using worn-out Velcro.
Fix: Ensure your anchor point is high enough above the fetlock. Make sure the initial wrap is firm, and check the condition of your Velcro.
Problem 2: Rubs or Sores Appear Underneath
Cause: Dirt trapped under the wrap, moisture causing chafing, or the wrap being too tight in one spot.
Fix: Always ensure legs are completely clean and dry before wrapping. If rubs persist, try a different brand of polo or place a thin layer of cotton padding underneath. Inspect the leg daily.
Problem 3: The Wrap is Too Hard to Take Off
Cause: The wrap dried damp, or the Velcro stuck to itself too tightly during application.
Fix: If it’s stuck, peel slowly and gently. If the wrap feels stiff, it might have absorbed sweat and dried oddly. Ensure they are fully dry before storage, but not overly crusty.
Problem 4: Uneven Pressure on Tendons
Cause: Rushing the overlap or applying too much pull when moving upward.
Fix: Slow down the upward motion. Look at the leg from all angles as you wrap to ensure the tension looks symmetrical. Remember the two-finger rule.
FAQ Section
Q: How long should I leave polo wraps on my horse?
A: Polo wraps should only be left on for the duration of the activity they are intended for, such as the ride or exercise session. They are not designed for long-term wear. Removing them promptly after exercise allows the legs to cool naturally and prevents circulation issues.
Q: Can I wrap my horse’s legs if they are already warm from exercise?
A: Yes, it is standard practice to wrap legs shortly after exercise, but they must be cleanly dried off first. Wrapping a sweaty, dirty leg traps heat and moisture, which encourages bacterial growth and potential rubs. Wait until the immediate heat has dissipated, but don’t wait hours.
Q: Should I use wraps on all four legs every time?
A: It depends on the work. For general riding, many riders focus on the front legs as they bear more weight. However, if your horse is actively engaged in collection, sudden stops, or jumping (requiring push-off), wrapping all four legs is safer for horse leg protection.
Q: Are polo wraps better than using alternative horse leg wraps for support?
A: “Better” depends on the need. Polos are excellent for providing customizable, encompassing support during exercise. Other specialized wraps, like SMBs, might offer superior impact protection. For general, non-extreme work, well-applied polos are a cost-effective and highly functional option.
Q: What is the safest way to store my polos?
A: Store your polos folded or rolled neatly in a dry, clean location. Ensure they are fully dry before storing them away to prevent mildew or fabric breakdown. Keeping the Velcro clean helps maintain its grip.