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| The Complete Guide to Applying Polo Wraps for Your Horse's Leg Protection |
Polo wraps are an essential piece of equestrian equipment used to protect a horse's legs during riding, training, and competition. Properly applied polo wraps can prevent injuries, provide support, reduce swelling, and give your horse a polished look.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about selecting, preparing, and applying polo wraps correctly.
What Are Polo Wraps and Why Use Them?
Polo wraps are long strips of stretchy, breathable fabric with Velcro closures used to wrap around a horse’s legs. They provide light support and protection for the delicate tendons and bones in a horse’s lower legs.
Here are some of the main benefits polo wraps offer:
- Injury Prevention - Polo wraps support tendons and ligaments, preventing strains and overextension.
- Support - The gentle compression of polo wraps provides proprioceptive feedback, enhancing your horse’s awareness of limb position.
- Reduced Swelling - Polo wraps improve blood circulation and lymph drainage, minimizing fluid buildup and swelling.
- Protection - They shield the leg from rubbing and impacts that may cause bruising or abrasions.
- Appearance - Polo wraps give legs a clean, wrapped look for competition and schooling.
Compared to bulky boots, polo wraps are lightweight and allow the leg to move more freely. They also suit horses with sensitive skin that may rub with boots.
For these reasons, polo wraps are a popular choice among various equestrian disciplines.
Choosing the Right Polo Wraps
With polo wraps being such an important piece of equipment, it pays to choose good quality wraps suited to your horse and riding discipline. When selecting polo wraps, consider these factors:
- Material - Breathable, stretchy fabrics like fleece, nylon, or cotton-blend work best. Match stretch level to use (more stretch for jumping or fast work).
- Length & Width - Measure your horse's cannon bones from knee to fetlock to determine ideal length. Average width is 5 to 6 inches.
- Fasteners - Self-gripping Velcro is most secure. Two fastener tabs aid application.
- Extras - Hand loops for holding rolls aid wrapping. Pocket style wraps enclose loose ends.
Choose polos in light colors to easily spot circulation issues. Replace used or damaged wraps to maintain proper leg support.
Preparing Polo Wraps Before Use
Before applying polo wraps, you’ll need to properly roll and prepare them:
1. Check Wrap Orientation
- Place wrap flat with Velcro tab facing up and soft side of Velcro underneath.
2. Fold in Ends
- Fold one short end under 2 inches
- Fold opposite end under 1 inch
3. Roll Tightly on Thigh
- Sit with leg extended or stand bending over
- Begin rolling folded end toward knee pressing wrap firmly into thigh
- Maintain tension, rolling entire wrap into a tight coil
Rolling on your thigh shapes wraps for quick, wrinkle-free wrapping. Tight rolls also properly stretch material.
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on Polo Wraps
With pre-rolled polo wraps in hand, follow these steps to achieve an ideal wrap:
1. Anchor Wrap in Groove Behind Knee
- Pick up horse's hoof to square leg
- Unroll 2 inches of polo and anchor end in groove on inside of cannon
- Left front/right hind: Wrap counter-clockwise
- Right front/left hind: Wrap clockwise
Anchoring polo in groove keeps wrap aligned. Wrap direction opposite on front/hind.
2. Apply First Layers Around Cannon Mid-Tension
- Hold wrap end in place; wrap over front of cannon bone
- Overlap last wrap by about half the width
- Continue downward at slight angle with moderate tension
Do not wrap leg straight down to allow ideal joint movement.
3. Sling Under Fetlock; Create Inverted “V”
- Sling polo under fetlock loosely when reaching bottom
- Continue up past fetlock toward knee at inside angle
- Creates upside down “V” on front center of leg
This fetlock sling anchors wrap bottom; inverted “V” shape gives flexion room.
4. Wrap Under Fetlock Again; Move Up Leg
- Wrap under fetlock a second time maintaining angle
- Gradually decrease tension moving back up cannon
- Wrap to just under knee
Extra fetlock wrap secures sling; less tension eases circulation higher on leg.
5. Use Up Remaining Length; Apply Fastener
- If excess polo, wrap down leg again without tension
- Stick Velcro tab flat to polo with light pressure
- Ensure tab lies flat; trim if excess hangs loose
Use entire polo length for support. Press Velcro smoothly without pinching leg.
Check wraps for tightness, circulation, and proper coverage before riding.
Caring for Polo Wraps
Proper polo wrap care maintains wrap quality and cleanliness between uses:
Washing Wraps
- Fasten Velcro before machine washing
- Use mild soap and cold water
- Line dry or dry on no/low heat
Securing Velcro prevents tangles; gentle wash/dry process helps retention.
Storing Wraps
- Coil used wraps lightly
- Keep in breathable bag
- Store in cool, dry area
Loosely rolled wraps air out; breathable storage prevents mildew.
Replace faded, torn, or over-stretched wraps that lose proper support.
Polo Wrap Best Practices
Follow these polo wrap best practices to keep your horse’s legs protected while avoiding dangerous situations:
✅ Maintain moderate, even tension - The wrap should lightly grip the leg all the way around without compressing.
✅ Allow 2-finger space above heel bulb and ergot on pasterns
✅ Check for circulation by pressing on hoof to observe capillary refill time
✅ Unwrap and check legs for heat, swelling, lesions after exercise
❌ Do not apply over wounds, splints, localized swellings
❌ Never wrap knees; fasteners may irritate joint capsules
Learning to properly apply polo wraps takes practice so don’t get frustrated. With the techniques in this guide, you will soon master this essential skill. Most importantly, always ensure your horse’s soundness and comfort above all else.