10/09/2025
I'd be happy to teach anyone to do this as well. It's a super important skill to have. Don't wait until it's too late.
🧷 Compression Bandages: Protecting Your Horse’s Legs the Right Way
Compression bandages aren’t just about wrapping a leg—they’re about protecting healing tissue, reducing swelling, and preventing new injuries.
When used correctly, they can:
✅ Control edema and “stocking up” during stall rest or long hauls
✅ Keep wound dressings secure and protect from contamination
When to Use
After surgery or injury, to control swelling and aid healing
During stall rest or limited turnout to prevent stocking up
For shipping, to support and protect the lower limbs
How to Apply
1️⃣ Start clean: The Leg must be clean and dry; apply wound dressing if needed.
2️⃣ Padding is key: Always use even, protective padding before compression.
3️⃣ Wrap correctly: Wrap upward, overlapping each layer by ~50%. Maintain even tension, firm, not tight.
4️⃣ Check your edges: Avoid wrinkles or pressure points; secure top and bottom without making a tourniquet.
5️⃣ Monitor daily: Look for swelling above/below the wrap, heat, or slipping. Replace if damp, dirty, or loose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Uneven tension → causes pressure sores
⚠️ Too tight → restricts circulation, risks tendon injury
⚠️ Too loose → slips and rubs
⚠️ Insufficient padding → skin irritation and sores
Quick Rule of Thumb: You should be able to slip one finger under the wrap at most points. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a demo—poor bandaging can do more harm than good.
🩺 A well-applied compression bandage is one of the most important tools in equine first aid.
