They offer support to the lower leg whilst the horse is working.
They offer protection from knocks or minor injuries.
They create a close fit, helping to prevent dirt or grit getting underneath causing rubs.
They are useful when bringing a horse back to work after certain types of injuries.
Useful when keeping a minor rub or wound clean and protected during work.
Limitations:
They take longer to fit and remove than boots.
If the bandage becomes undone whilst the horse is being worked they could trip or fall.
The person fitting the bandages must be competent, otherwise they can cause extreme damage to the structures of the lower limbs.
If the bandage is fitted too tightly it can damage the internal structures, restrict the circulation, or cause sores on the skin.
If the bandage is fitted too loosely it could slip down, causing the horse to trip or fall, or restrict the circulation.
If the bandage gets wet, whilst on the leg, it will become heavy and potentially place strain on the internal structures.
If the bandage gets wet the material may shrink, or alter in shape, potentially restricting the circulation.
Prolonged bandaging can prevent natural heat loss within the tendons, causing oedemas or swelling, and eventually lead to a break down of the structural fibres.
Bandaging, especially whilst getting the horse fit, can cause weakening of the structures within the lower leg.
