Why do dressage horses wear bandages

Quite typical of horses that have worked hard and are bandaged after exertion. Definitely not standard riding "apparel," just for an awards ceremony at the end of a long day of real work. I 'm at a loss on this one other than what others have noted about it being possible the horses are pre-wrapped for travel, but then I use green wraps which match the manure if it happens.

And let's face it. It always happens! I can remember one trainer though telling us Not to wrap the legs that way. Thankfully he has since moved on to another profession. I lived in Europe this is a common wrapping method. First part is protection, wrapping with liners and with an elastic bandages offers up a lot of support and protection. We usually bandaged from knee to fetlock plus Bellboots.

Daily training wraps came in multicolors. The white wraps are reserved for sales and victory laps. The reason why is that white is traditional and highlights the movement, which makes for better photos and tape. Stallions are usually under supervised time. Yes, Courage will be fancier if you do this to him. It is known. Actually, I have no clue. I haven't wrapped a leg in at least 10 years. I'm the worst DQ ever.

I was thought by multiple trainers that you are never supposed to bandage a horse without using liners - especially when you use elastic bandages.

With liners, the pressure is spread more evenly and basically there is no chance of wrapping the bandage on too thigtly. Most of the European competitors bandage their horses. Log in. JavaScript is disabled.

For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Why do dressage horses wear White leg bandages. Thread starter karen65 Start date 18 April Joined 4 April Messages I'm assuming it is to protect their tendons when performing advanced work. Are there other reasons they wear them? Is dressage at a high level likely to cause more wear and tear on tendons than other forms of equestrian sports? Only asking as I've often wondered about the main reasons and this is a good site to ask.

The pastern area also seems to be particularly sensitive to tactile stimulation so that the mere presence of a bandage or boot creates an increased flexion while in swing phase. Bandages or boots with deep linings will be heavier than unlined boots. Moist conditions will also make leg coverings heavier if they are made of absorbent materials. The horse is very efficient at dissipating heat during exercise but this system is disrupted if they are wearing coverings on their legs that prevent heat loss during and after strenuous exercise.

The cells making up the tendons seem to tolerate high temperatures over short periods of time Birch et al, such as during a gallop but it is possible they are more vulnerable to injury, including strain, if they are prevented from cooling quickly. Again bandages and heavier boots will retain more heat than lighter boots. Many modern boots now incorporate vents or mesh to encourage heat loss.

In summary, horses have lived and worked without leg coverings for eons. While there is an increased risk of bumps and bangs arising on horses being worked without leg protection there is also sufficient evidence that some types of leg coverings may actually contribute to damage in the limb they are trying to protect. Boots or Bandages, What is Best? A severe tear will take longer to heal than a mild one, and a year-old horse may heal more slowly than a 5-year-old.

For most dressage shows you need to wear a jacket, riding shirt, and breeches. You also need to wear a helmet, stock tie, and tall riding boots. Some dressage shows give you the option of wearing spurs or a body protector.

No whip of any kind may be carried whilst competing in the dressage test. One whip only, no longer than cm including lash, may be carried when riding on the flat at any other time.

One whip only, no longer than 75cm and not weighted, may be carried when jumping any obstacle. With appropriate severity. As long as you primary dressing that is the one you use right on the wound is clean as long as the remaining gamgee is relatively clean and vet wrap ok you can reuse these several times — if however the wound is weeping etc and get pus onto the gamgee change it.

Coban is commonly used as a wrap on limbs because it will stick to itself and not loosen.