How to wrap a horse's legs

Wrapping a horse’s legs is something that all horse owners may need to do at one time or another, so knowing how to put polo wraps on a horse, how to bandage a horse’s legs for trailering or shipping, and how to wrap a horse’s legs with quilts are important skills to have. Plus, knowing which bandage or wrap to use - polo wraps, quilted leg wraps, no bow wraps, standing bandages, shipping bandages or travel bandages - is essential knowledge, too.
Watch as Dr. Lydia Gray gives common sense tips on how to apply leg wraps to a horse.

[@dryaelkantor1121]

Omg I have been having trouble wrapping my horses legs and I would always forget how to use it- now I come back to this video a year later and because of this video I remember EXACTLY how to wrap my horses' legs

[@kaseyrenaud334]

How too's would be a great thing to do!!!!! Love it !!!

[@fairyduztaj7345]

Thank you! This really helped

[@patriciastaton6182]

Thank you

[@Cece1999]

Can I use combo boots in place of the shipping wraps? I'll be trailering for about 6 hours and then after a break another 3.

[@smartpak]

Hi Siera W., thanks for your question! Combo boots are designed to be used on horses in work, so they may not be the most appropriate choice for shipping. They may work just fine for a quick ride down the road, but for a long trip like the one you’re planning, something that provides more customized support (like the quilts and standing bandages Dr. Gray suggested) would probably be a smarter choice. However, when it comes to choosing the right leg protection for your horse, whether it’s for riding or shipping, we always recommend checking in with your veterinarian because they know your horse and his unique needs best. If you need any further assistance outfitting your horse for your trip after you’ve checked in with your vet, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-461-8898 and our experts would be happy to help. You can also check out this Ask the Vet video for tips on long distance trailer rides: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXKrYq2aitqLadU. We hope you and your horse have safe travels! - SmartPaker Lexi

[@maisiesuemccluskey250]

Could I use this on an injured horse ? as my horse needs raps as it has something wrong with her tendon but I am not sure weather I could use this as I need to know for tomorrow Thank you

[@smartpak]

Hi Maisie - Thank you for your question, we're sorry to hear about your horse’s injury! We suggest checking with your veterinarian to confirm whether wraps would be an appropriate choice for your horse’s specific injury. Your horse’s vet is the best resource to come up with an appropriate individualized program (whether that includes wrapping or cold hosing, for example) to help your horse recover! - SmartPaker Carolyn

[@Riversinflux]

I've heard that you must use padding even when using polo wraps because you can cause tendon injuries if you just use the wrap without padding. Is this true? Or did I just waste an extra $15?

[@smartpak]

Thanks for your question, Eleanor Ball! The choice of what to use for your horse’s wraps is somewhat personal preference, and will vary depending on your goal for wrapping your horse’s legs. Some riders do chose to use liners underneath their polos or exercise bandages however the most important thing to consider, whether using the polos alone or adding liners underneath, is that your wraps are done correctly, are not too loose or too tight and have even pressure throughout the wrap. We recommend finding a trainer or veterinarian who you trust to discuss different options for your horse, whether or not padding under your wraps make sense in your particular situation, and to review your wrapping technique. Hope this helps - SmartPaker Carolyn

[@oliviajoyce3483]

Could you use the quilts as a way to keep the horses legs clean before a show?

[@smartpak]

Hi Olivia, thanks for your question! As long as your standing wraps are secured correctly, this is a great way to keep your horse’s legs stain-free before a show! - SmartPaker Eden

[@thebestequinebelle]

Can you use no-bows in exercise

[@smartpak]

+kari Hi there! Great question. Generally, it is not recommended to use quilts for exercise - only as standing or shipping wraps - as the padding can slip or loosen with excessive movement. Also, the soft tissues of the limb may become too warm. Hope this helps, and have a great ride - Dr. Lydia Gray

[@adriennedavis9190]

Can I use a polo wrap for the outside of the standing wraps?

[@smartpak]

Hi Adrienne, thanks for the question! Polo wraps are definitely useable to wrap on the outside of standing wraps to keep them secure, but your best bet is to use the standing bandages that are developed specifically for wrapping a horses leg. Standing wraps are longer than polos and ensure an even pressure over the entire portion of the leg that you are wrapping, which is very important if you are using wraps due to injury or strain. - SmartPaker Emily

[@bryanellis3697]

I love you mom

[@siennamcdougallxx6622]

Can you put boots and leg wraps on feathered horses

[@smartpak]

+xxsuper siennaxx Hi there and thanks for your question! Leg wraps can be used on horses with feathers. We recommend being extra careful while wrapping to ensure that the feathers are smoothed down comfortably with the wraps over top so that they are not accidentally being pulled or pinched. Hope this helps! #haveagreatride - SmartPaker Jenna

[@siennamcdougallxx6622]

OMG HI and that really helps

[@siennamcdougallxx6622]

thank you

[@jordanwhite5470]

Good general info, but would have been better to actually see a few wraps done ---- slowly.

[@arthurrey5620]

Why do my horses loose hair on their legs even if I use only liquid furacine on them?

[@smartpak]

Arthur - There can be a number of reasons why horses lose hair on their legs, including being sensitive to any topicals that you may be applying (such as furacin). Wrapping a leg after applying products can make them even more sensitive. We recommend asking your local veterinarian to take a look at the problem so that you can quickly get to the bottom of this issue before it gets any worse. - Dr. Lydia Gray

[@jaygodston7599]

There were a lot of flaws in the wraps in this video. Uneven spacing in polos, polos going on too loose, bunching in the quilts/pillows under the standing bandage... for an informational how to video, wouldn’t you want to show absolute perfection?