Things You'll Need:
- 4 polo wraps
- Duct tape
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Step 1
Rewrap the polo wraps if they are brand-new. Most new polo wraps are sold tightly wrapped with the Velcro closure on the outside. Before you can apply them, they must be reversed and rolled so the Velcro is in the center.
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Step 2
Check the wraps to make sure they are clean and free of any debris. In temperate weather, most polo wraps can be used a few times before they require washing. However, because they are made of fleece, they tend to attract dirt and debris (such as foxtails and other burs), which should be removed before reuse.
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Step 3
Start wrapping in the middle of your horse's cannon bone. Wrap clockwise on the right legs and counterclockwise on the left legs; this way, the bandages push the tendons toward each other. When your horse moves, his tendons will not pull against the wraps. Wrap down the leg, overlapping the previous wrap halfway each time you spiral down the leg until you reach the fetlock. Make sure to smooth the wrap as you go, so it is wrinkle-free.
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Step 4
Hook the wrap down around the back of the fetlock, across the horny growth behind the fetlock known as the ergot. Then continue spiraling up the leg. If done correctly, when you start the upward spiral, the wrap should form a small upside down "V" at the front of the fetlock. Wrap upward until just below the knee in the front legs or the hock in the hind legs. You may have a little extra wrap when you get to the top of the cannon (depending on the length of your wraps and your horse's size), so just make an extra spiral, completely overlapping the previous spiral.
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Step 5
Secure the wraps with a piece of 6-inch duct tape placed over the Velcro closure.
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Step 6
Repeat the process on your horse's other legs.
Comments
dressagejunkie said
on 6/5/2009 i don't agree with missmermer's post, it is ALWAYS A good idea to reinforce the velcro with either safety pins or tape it doesn't matter if it is good quality or not (velcro loses in stickiness over time)(ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAILERING!!) if the polos come down your your horse could get tied up and injured, and injure you.and NO i don't use shipping boots they don't stay up worth a darn and there's more risk of injury)so yes always a good idea to tape or pin the velcro.
missmermer said
on 3/4/2008 (sorry....got cut off, read other half of comment first)
leg, such as a light dressing or an ice pack for more than just a few minutes--use a stretchy bandage, such as Vetrap, instead."
Other than that, your article was very helpful. I haven't been riding much in the last few years and I've forgotten how to apply a polo wrap (polo wraps don't come with instructions). Thank you.
missmermer said
on 3/4/2008 I have to disagree with two points that you have made. First...the duct tape. I've never had a problem with the velcro coming undone during riding sessions. It does depend on the quality (you get what you pay for) of the wrap and how old the wrap is. If there is a lot of debris/hair in the hook part of the velcro then it isn't going to stick. I just bought a set of Milepost Polo Wraps and the velcro is VERY strong. And it depends on how the legs were wraped. If they are not done right (not tight enough) they will slip and bunch and may, at that point, come undone. Besides, for show purposes, duct tape looks tacky and will result in lost points.
Secondly...and to quote you....."Polo wraps can also be used to secure ice packs or other dressings on leg wounds." Accoridng to Karen Hayes, DVM, MS (and many other people)....."...Nor are they suited for securing anything against his