Many horse owners and caretakers wrap horse's legs for a variety of reasons, from protection while traveling to support during time spent in a stall. But is there an age at which wrapping a horse's legs is ill-advised because the horse is too young?
Dr. Matthew Mackay-Smith of EQUUS magazine responds that a healthy horse does not need to routinely have his legs wrapped, even if he is being worked, traveling, or playing. He suggests protective boots designed specifically for the task at hand are better-suited for leg protection than wrapping.
Stable bandages, which are pillow leg wraps held in place with long, elastic bandages, do not provide the support or preventative benefits they're touted to have, he explains. These bandages can actually delay the recognition of minor injuries and strains.
Additionally, wrapping over the application of liniment can irritate and blister skin or damage hair follicles.
There is no minimum age for applying leg protection, Mackay-Smith says, but he recommends using boots and avoiding wraps unless using them under veterinary direction for a specific treatment.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
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