Exercise or polo bandages are fitted to the lower leg, directly below the knee or hock continuing down to the fetlock joint. They offer support and protection whilst the horse is being worked.

Exercise Bandages:

Exercise bandages are made from elasticated material, crepe or stockinet and can be purchased in a variety of colours. Tape or velcro are typically used to secure them in place.

Due to the elasticity of this type of bandage, it must always be fitted with additional padding. The horse's leg, below the knee or hock, lacks muscle or padding which means the tendons and ligaments are unprotected. The extra padding between the bandage and leg prevents the bandage being over tightened, which could lead to irreparable damage to these delicate structures.

The following padding can be used under exercise bandages:

• Gamgee: A mesh gauze wrapped around a cotton material. It moulds easily to the leg, but will hold water and become heavy if it gets wet.
• Porter boots: Made from expanded plastizole, a light weight breathable foam, which moulds and protects the horse's leg. It does not hold water, stretch or shrink making it perfect to use for XC riding.
• Gel pads: A mix of gel and latex, similar to a saddle pad. It moulds to the contours of the horse's leg, offers protection and does not hold water.

Polo Bandages:

Polo bandages are made from a fleece material, and can be purchased in a variety of colours. The fastenings are generally made from velcro. As this material has limited elasticity, it can be used with or without additional padding underneath.

Sewing or Taping an Exercise or Polo Bandage:

If used whilst fast riding or XC, sewing or taping the bandages offers extra security preventing them becoming loose or undone.

• Taping a bandage: Insulating/electrical tape is wrapped around the Velcro or tapes on the bandage. The tapes should be fitted at regular intervals and be the same tension as the bandage.
• Sewing a bandage: A plaiting needle and strong cotton is required. Sew downwards in a zig-zag motion from the top, over the string or Velcro, to the bottom of the bandage. Once the bottom is reached, begin sewing upwards creating a cross stitch. To remove the stitching use a cotton pick to undo the cotton from the bandage.  

Guidelines for Fitting Bandages: 

• Equal pressure must be applied over the entire bandage:
  • To prevent bruising, or restricting the circulation of the lower leg.

• The tapes or Velcro must be the same pressure as the bandage:
  • Too tight: it could restrict the circulation.
  • Too loose: it could undo, causing the bandage to slip or fall off.

• Only one person should bandage all the limbs:
  • To prevent different pressures on each leg. 

•  Never bandage over the point of hock area (Os calcis bone) or behind the knee (pisiform bone):
  • The Os calcis and pisiform bones are classed as unstable, therefore applying a bandage on top of them may cause detrimental damage.

• Always sew or tape exercise bandages when fast riding or XC:
  • This offers extra security and prevents the bandage becoming loose or undone.

•  The bandages and under padding must be in good condition:
  • Old equipment may cause pressure points leading to rubs, bruising or restricted circulation.

•  Bandages must be clean and free from bedding before applying:
  • The bedding could rub and cause sores on the horse's skin.

•  Bandages must never be applied wet:
  • Whilst drying they will shrink, restricting the circulation to the lower leg.

• All fastenings should sit on the outside of the leg, in between the cannon bone and tendons, and never fastened around a joint:
  • To prevent strain being placed on the tendons and ligaments.
  • The fastening could restrict the joint movement, or the movement of the joint could cause the fastening to undo.
  • String fastenings should be tucked in to prevent it becoming un-done.

• Always bandage the opposite leg:
  • To provide equal support.

• Exercise bandages should only be used whilst the horse is being worked and removed afterwards:
  • They are designed to offer extra support to the lower limb structures whilst the horse is working.

• Bandages should be rolled up tightly and evenly:
  •  This enables the bandage to be re-applied to the leg more precisely.

• The legs should be clean before applying the bandage:
  • Dirt on the legs can cause irritation to the skin, causing sores.