Apply a Standing Wrap

What is a standing wrap?

When a horse or other equine has a swollen leg, or injured leg, the equine veterinarian may prescribe the use of a standing wrap, also known as a stable bandage.

A standing wrap is a type of wrap used on the lower leg of the horse. This type of wrap is used to:

• Reduce swelling
• Hold medication or poultice in place
• Protect an injury
• Provide support

Properly placing a standing wrap on a horse is a skill that every horse owner should develop. The treatment of a leg injury may take many days, and the veterinarian will rely on you to follow their directions regarding medications and application of the wrap.

Caution: Do not ride or exercise a horse that has a standing wrap. Most veterinarians recommend that the horse be confined in a barn or small paddock for safety and to reduce aggravation to the injury.

Get ready with proper supplies

The basic items that you need to wrap your horse's legs are inexpensive and readily available. In most cases, you can purchase these from your vet. We recommend that you be prepared and purchase the basic components from an online or local supplier of horse health products.

Standing wraps - A standing wrap is a special type of wrap that should not be confused with a polo wrap. The material is lighter in weight and less stretchy, and it is designed to place the correct amount of pressure on the bandage.

Bandage - Today, most veterinarians recommend a quilted cotton bandage. These bandages are popular because they are reusable, can be machine washed, and can be purchased in standard sizes that fit well on horses. In some cases, your vet may recommend another bandage such as rolled cotton or other.

Adhesive tape - Most standing wraps have a Velcro closure that can be used to secure the wrap. We recommend the use of water-proof medical tape in conjunction with the Velcro closures to secure the bandage.

Helpful Hint:
Preparing the standing wrap in advance - When you purchase a standing wrap, you will probably notice that the Velcro closure is visible on the outside of the wrap roll. This is great for display but functionally wrong. You can fix this simply by unhooking the Velcro closure, and then rolling the wrap back on itself with the Velcro on the inside.

First, the bandage

Apply any medication or poultice to the affected leg as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Apply the bandage starting with the edge placed in the groove just behind the cannon bone. Snuggly wrap the bandage around the leg.

Most veterinarians recommend that the bandage be wrapped in a manner that pulls the tendons on the back side of the leg inward (toward the opposite leg). Bandage wraps on the left side of the horse are done counter-clockwise (viewing from the top). Bandage wraps on the right side of the horse are done clockwise.

As pictured above, you may find it helpful to have another person available to help with holding the bandage while you start the wrap.

Starting the wrap

With the bandage held snuggly around the leg, take the standing wrap and unwind about 4 inches (10 cm) of the wrap and tuck it under the bandage just above the horse's fetlock joint.

Take care to orient the wrap so that you can quickly wrap the leg. The wrap should unroll as it is passed around the leg following the direction of the bandage wrap. If it does not unroll easily, you probably need to turn the wrap roll upside down and try again.

Proceed with the wrap around the leg two times in the same area to lock the wrap securely.  Do not pull the wrap overly tight. It should be snug around the leg, but not tight.

Continuing the wrap

Continue the wrap up the leg overlapping 50% of the width of the standing wrap. When you reach the top, with about 1/2 inch (2 cm) of bandage showing, continue the wrap downward.

When you reach to bottom of the bandage, with a similar amount showing, continue the wrap upward. Depending on the size of the horse, you will come to the end of the wrap as you near the top again. Make the final wrap parallel to the ground.

Note: Undoubtedly, you will come to the end of the wrap and the Velcro closure will be on the inside and not usable to secure the wrap.

Finishing the wrap

Depending on the size of your horse, you will come to the end of the wrap as you near the top again. Make the final wrap parallel to the ground. If the standing wrap was prepared properly, the Velcro strap can be used to secure the wrap in place.

Check the tightness of the wrap by inserting your finger in both the top and bottom of the bandage. You should be able to insert your finger easily. If you can't, then you have wrapped too tightly.

Caution: An overly tight wrap may damage the horse's tendons. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian to check the tightness.

Securing the wrap

It is not uncommon for a horse to mouth the wrap and inadvertently open the Velcro. This may result in the wrap coming loose and entangling the horses feet. Many horses will panic and perhaps hurt themselves in this situation.

It is a good practice to use some medical adhesive tape wrapped around the wrap to provide additional security.

The final product

Securely wrapping your horse's leg under the supervision of a veterinarian is an important skill that you will use many times. Doing it properly is not difficult, especially on an older or experienced horse. It may be challenging to wrap a young horse, and may even be dangerous. Always seek professional help if you are unsure of your capabilities.

Caution: The standing wrap must not be left on the horse for extended periods of time. Some medications or poultices may irritate or burn the skin if left in place for extended periods. Follow your veterinarians instructions for when to put on and remove a standing wrap. Many vets recommend 12 hours on and 12 ours off for most purposes.

A special thanks

Special thanks goes to Dr. Crystal Chapple, DVM and her assistant Assistant Sydney Montes for showing us their wrapping technique. We also thank Big, owned by April Raine for standing patiently through the photo shoot.