Leg wraps for horses are used during work to protect the lower legs from bumps, either from the horse’s own feet or jumps. They also provide additional support to the fetlocks and tendons/ligaments.
Protective leg wraps are made of a strong, durable material such as neoprene, leather, or nylon. They fit tightly around the horse’s legs and maybe fastened with straps or ties.
There are 3 basic types of leg wraps.
- Lace-Up Wraps – These wraps are the most common type and consist of a strip of material that is wrapped around the horse’s leg several times, then a second strip of material is laced over the first strip. This causes a tight, secure fit around the horse’s leg.
- Strap-Down Wraps – These wraps are similar to lace-up wraps except they are secured with straps instead of laces.
- Tape-Down Wraps – These wraps are the most protective of all and are used when the horse is working on an incline or if there are sharp objects on the ground.
Below is a look at the best leg wraps for horses currently available.
Professional’s Choice Horse Equine Athletic Wraps
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The Professional’s Choice Horse Equine Athletic Wrap is designed to provide your horse with the utmost comfort and support. Built of lightweight, breathable materials that allow for free movement; this wrap gives you optimum stability without sacrificing stretching or durability.
The new stretch Kevlar patch on the suspensory strap flexes with every step while providing maximum safety and ultimate cooling – two key features of any athletic boot!
These horse wraps are designed with a 4-way stretch neoprene upper with hook-and-loop fasteners and a soft, comfortable insole. The boot is lined with ultra-thin, moisture-wicking CoolMax® insulation to keep you dry and comfortable. It also has an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent odor.
These low-maintenance athletic wraps eliminate the need for bulky and difficult-to-put-on boots that constantly slip around. The ultra-flexible suspensory straps move with you as you run, jump, or work hard!
Cooling vents across the top of these fast wrappers promote airflow and release heat instantly. They feel like a second skin for your horse’s lower legs – lightweight and breathable without any rigid spots or uncomfortable materials.
Horze Finntack Pro Cooling Therapy Ice Wrap for Horses
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Leg Wraps are a simple, natural way to help repair and rebuild muscle tissue, and speed up your recovery. These Pro cooling ice wraps from Horze are the original, highly effective leg wraps. The key is the patented “Flexi-Core” which allows the cooling gel to be pulled away from the injured muscle, reducing swelling and speeding up recovery.
These cooling wraps are perfect for any horse that needs to be cooled down after a hard workout or simply needs extra TLC. Designed to be used every day, these wraps will quickly become an important tool in your stable grooming kit.
By wrapping the legs with these cooling wraps, you will be able to safely work your horse in the heat and humidity of the summer sun without worrying about the horse overheating and getting sick or injured.
Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots Set
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The new Tough 1 Extreme Vented Sport Boots Set is the newest and most improved design in sports protection for equestrian athletes. With better airflow, tighter form-fitting design, and lightweight with less bulk – these boots are perfect for any need.
Three “quick grip” closures make these easy to put on every time without the risk of getting wrinkles in the boot like other brands which can rip if you’re not careful!
Easy to clean and fit like a second skin – for the customer who wants nothing but the best in animal welfare when investing in their horse or pony; this is what they will get with these horse leg wraps.
For easy cleaning just throw in your washing machine! Air-flow neoprene makes them comfortable while keeping dirt out too – they’ll fit snugly like a second skin.
Woof Wear Dressage Exercise Wrap
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Designed and made in the USA, these dressage wraps are an amazingly thick and cushy full 7mm of neoprene that feels like a hug for your horse’s leg when you put it on.
With flexible fleece on the outside and wide straps that allow complete adjustment to find the perfect fit, this product will keep your horse happy and cool all day long. Flexible so they can move comfortably while not constraining them at all, these wraps actually come with a lifetime guarantee for any problems you might have with them.
The removable straps allow the perfect amount of airflow to be heated into your horse’s leg, along with easy fit adjustments on either side for comfort or performance.
The Woof Wear Dressage Exercise Wrap is the perfect tool to ensure your horse’s tendons stay light and comfortable no matter what ground conditions they’re working in. Made with neoprene, these wraps will not absorb water or sweat; whether you’re training or at a clinic, your horse is fully protected against any strikes and scrapes.
Types of Horse Leg Wraps
There are 3 basic types of leg wraps.
- Lace-Up Wraps – These wraps are the most common type and consist of a strip of material that is wrapped around the horse’s leg several times, then a second strip of material is laced over the first strip. This causes a tight, secure fit around the horse’s leg.
- Strap-Down Wraps – These wraps are similar to lace-up wraps except they are secured with straps instead of laces.
- Tape-Down Wraps – These wraps are the most protective of all and are used when the horse is working on an incline or if there are sharp objects on the ground.
A properly fitted protective leg wrap will help the horse avoid injury and discomfort. However, it must be remembered that a snug fit around the leg does not necessarily mean the leg is fully supported.
A snug fit is only part of the equation; the other part is the support provided by the wrap.
To determine if a leg wrap is supportive enough, stand behind the horse with one foot on either side of his hindquarters. If you push down hard on each of his hindquarters, will his rear end rise up off the ground? If it does not, then the wrap is too tight. If it does, then the wrap is too loose.
Loose wraps allow the horse’s legs to move which can lead to injury. When using any type of leg wrap, it is important to check the fit frequently and adjust it as needed.
In conclusion, leg wraps are good for preventing injury to your horse. Every rider has to work their horse, but there are some days when the ground makes it really difficult. No matter what kind of trail you’re on, or how damp it might be an injury can happen at any time to your horse’s tendons that connect leg muscles to bones.
They should not be so tight as to cut off circulation. Make sure they fit snugly around the leg with no slippage and are not bunched up at the top. Do NOT use elastic bandages. They will eventually become a choking hazard if they are not removed at least once per day.
A word about hoof trims: You should remove the rubber band that holds the rubber bandage in place every day. This will allow the horse’s natural immune system to kill any germs on the wound. If you forget, just pinch the end of the bandage between your thumb and forefinger and pull it off.
Don’t worry if a little bit of the bandage gets left on the bottom of the hoof. It will be removed during the next trimming. If you have a young horse that is still growing you may need to use two wraps per leg.