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| Mastering the Art of Wrapping Legs with Polo Wraps |
Polo wraps are essential gear for any equestrian. These fleece leg wraps provide light protection during riding while allowing full range of motion. With proper technique, polo wraps conform comfortably to your horse's legs without slipping, overheating, or causing injury. However, it does take practice to wrap correctly. Read on to learn foolproof methods for preparing, applying, and adjusting polo wraps so you can ride safely and confidently.
What Are Polo Wraps and Why Use Them?
Polo wraps are long strips of stretchy, soft fabric with Velcro closures used to wrap horses' legs during exercise. Polo wraps provide light support without constricting movement. They also wick moisture and heat away from the legs.
Benefits of polo wraps include:
- Cushioning legs against impacts
- Securing other leg protection like boots
- Supporting tendons and ligaments
- Protecting against minor abrasions
- Keeping legs cool and dry
Polo wraps are suitable for various disciplines like polo (hence the name), eventing, show jumping, and dressage. However, they primarily excel at protecting legs during arena workouts versus trail rides or cross-country.
When Should You Use Polo Wraps?
Polo wraps are ideal for schooling and flatwork. The controlled environment of an arena has good footing without exposure to mud or debris. You can easily monitor the wraps and ensure they don't slip.
However, avoid using polo wraps in wet or muddy conditions. Once saturated, wraps lose their grip and can slide downwards. Friction from wet fabric can also chafe legs.
Likewise, don't use polo wraps over uneven terrain. Dirt or rocks can abrade unprotected lower legs. There's also a higher risk of losing shoes or interference injuries.
For wet rides or cross-country, choose all-weather boots. Save polo wraps for fair weather schooling days when you can keep legs clean and dry.
Choosing the Best Polo Wraps
With so many polos wrap options on the market, how do you select the right set? Consider these factors:
Materials
The best polo wraps have a soft, stretchy pile that grips legs without pinching. Fleece and synthetic sheared fabrics work well. Stretch is also key—wraps need to flex as your horse moves.
Traditional cotton polos lack stretch and can compact into uncomfortable lumps during workouts. They also retain sweat rather than wicking it away.
Sizing
Standard polo wraps measure approximately 9 feet long and 5 inches wide. This size fits most adult horses. For ponies or foals, opt for narrower 3- or 4-inch wraps.
To test sizing, stretch a wrap from fetlock to just under the knee. It should have slight tension without overstretching.
Colors
Polo wraps come in every color imaginable! While shade preferences are personal, lighter wraps show dirt less. Brights also help visibility when adjusting fit.
Aim for breathable, moisture-wicking fabric over dark cottons prone to getting soggy.
Pre-Wrapping Preparation
Before applying polos, it’s essential to prep materials properly:
Correctly Rolling Wraps
Roll wraps with Velcro inside so it faces outwards when wrapped.
- Fold Velcro onto itself
- Take folded end and roll tightly
- Tuck in roll ends
This prevents inner layers from catching and creates a smooth application.
Ideal Velcro Position
Place Velcro on the outside of legs so it secures pointing backwards (not into tendons). An ideal line from wrap to horse forms a straight plane.
Velcro protruding inwards can irritate legs. But Velcro facing exactly sideways risks unfolding. Angling slightly towards the tail minimizes both issues.
Step-By-Step Guide to Wrapping Legs
Ready to wrap? Follow these steps for flawless polo application:
1. Anchor Wrap
Start by anchoring the wrap edge along the inside of the cannon bone in the groove below the knee or hock. Unroll about 2 feet.
2. Circumference Wrap
Bring wrap forward towards the front, wrapping around the circumference of the cannon bone.
Aim for even pressure distribution, not overly tight but with no sagging. Pressure focused on tendons can cause damage.
3. Spiral Downwards
Continue circling down the cannon by spiraling the bandage downwards. Overlap each pass 50% for consistent coverage. Leave the lower fetlock exposed.
MIND TENSION - wrap firmly but not so tight that skin indentations occur. This impedes circulation. Err on the looser side until you perfect even pressure.
4. Fetlock Sling
When approaching the ankle, sling the wrap underneath the fetlock for security. Don't cover the ergot or bulky lower profile.
5. Upswing Wrap
Swing the wrap diagonally upwards towards the front before wrapping backup. This "V" technique anchors the system above and below the delicate fetlock joint.
Wrap over existing layers as you work upwards to layer the entire leg. Use the previous pass as a wrapping guide.
6. Finish & Secure
Continue circling upward just below the knee/hock joint. Exit wrap towards the rear with Velcro outside pointing backward.
Secure Velcro. Check tension - you should fit a finger inside the top and bottom. Avoid restricting circulation.
Congratulations! You just wrapped your first perfect polo. Repeat for remaining legs and check your work.
Ensuring Proper Fit
Inspect each wrap for mistakes impacting safety:
- Even pressure throughout without bulges, gaps or pinches
- Light elastic tension allowing full motion
- Anchored "V" support above and below fetlock
- Weatherproof closure with flat Velcro properly secured
Adjust and rewrap any problem legs before mounting up. Don't risk dangerous slipping or interference.
Routinely check polos during warm up for shifting. Immediately stop and rewrap if loosening occurs. Learning to apply polo wraps correctly protects horses against leg injuries.
Stay tuned for more horse care tutorials and riding safety tips!