There are different bandages; the rest bandage, the polo bandage, the transport bandage and the tail bandage. These bandages are used for different reasons:
- Protect a wound from insects or infections.
- Maintain medication in place.
- Immobilize an injured area.
- Reduce and control inflammation.
- Stop bleeding.
- Provide support.
- Reheat or preserve heat.
- Protect a limb against shock.
- Protect the horse's tail.
The rest bandage
First, let’s talk about the rest bandage. The rest bandage is used to hold dressings and/or medication in place to activate blood circulation. We must ensure that the horse's limb is clean and dry as well as the equipment that will be used. Apply the piqué just below the horse's knee or hock. Apply the cotton strip starting under the knee/hock and working down to the center of the fetlock joint. Then go back to the initial destination.
You need to make sure that the tension of the bandage is even. When the bandage is finished, you should be able to see about 1cm at the top and bottom of the stitch bandage. A good rest bandage should look like a straight pipe and not the “Michelin Man”.
The polo bandage
Then there are polo bandages. These bandages are used to support and protect tendons and ligaments during exercise. The polo shirt is made of down fabric and they come in a very wide variety of colors. The polo bandage is first applied below the knee. You need to go down the horse's barrel to the fetlock. Once at the fetlock, you must make a “V” at the front of the limb and bring the limb up to the starting point. It is essential to have adequate tension so as not to injure the horse.
The transport bandage
Next, we have the transport bandages. Their role is simple. This is to protect the horse's limbs during transport. To protect the limbs, you must use a long and thick piqué. The dive must be installed so that it touches the ground to protect the glomas and the coronary band. The transport bandage is carried out in the same way as a rest bandage.
The tail bandage
We finally have the tail bandage. This bandage protects the horse's tail during transport and prevents the risk of contamination during the mare's birth. To perform a good tail wrap, you will need to have an elastic band or a polo shirt with a Velcro closure. You need to start at the top of the tail.
Slowly unroll the bandage along the tail while taking strands of hair. This prevents the bandage from sliding down. You must repeat the hair grip every round. You should stop unrolling the bandage about an inch from the end of the cob. Gradually move upwards to complete the tail bandage. Please note that it is important not to leave a horse with a tail binder for more than four hours.
Rest bandage Transport bandage Tail bandage Polo bandage
Tips:
Have a clean and dry limb.
Have clean and dry equipment.
Always unroll towards the tail.
The bandage must be changed every day.
If you need to apply a bandage to a single limb,
also apply another bandage to the opposite limb to provide support and comfort to the horse.
Have all the necessary materials before starting a bandage.
And practice ;)
