• Exercise bandages are useful if the horse has a boot rub or if the leg has been clipped for a scan. The bandage won’t rub the leg like an exercise boot would.
• If done properly, bandages can offer more support than boots. If done incorrectly, a bandage can do more harm than good!
• Polly prefers to put a small bandage pad or fibagee under the bandage to keep the pressure more even.
• Wrap the pad round the leg in a front to back direction, smoothing the hair downwards so it’s not uncomfortable.
• Make sure the vertical edges of the pad don’t rest on the tendons as this could cause problems once the bandage is on.
• The top of the pad should be just below the knee and the bottom just covering the fetlock.
• Start bandaging in the middle and bandage towards the horse's tail.
• Work down the leg, then up to the top and aim to finish near or just above where you started, so it’s not near a joint.
• Keep even pressure. The bandage will leave wrinkles on the hair if it’s too tight and will slip if it’s too loose.
• The same person should do all legs so that the pressure is the same all round.
• Polly prefers to bandage without pads on the hind legs.

This video and these key points reflect the views and preferred method of the person demonstrating the technique. Horse Hero recommends you ask an expert for advice if you need guidance or are unsure how to do this yourself. Please take every precaution for the safety of you and your horse. (www.horsehero.com)