Polo wraps
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Polo wraps [1][2]are bandage materials, usually made of fleece, for a horse's legs. They are quite stretchy compared to other bandaging materials, and are used for mainly for protection during ridden work, longeing, and turnout.
[edit] Advantages of Polos
Polos are suitable for everyday work, protecting against minor scrapes and bruises and helping to prevent irritation from sand or arena footing. They are also used when it would be best that the horse not wear boots (such as on horses with a sensitivity to neoprene, or if the horse has minor cuts on his leg that would be rubbed if a boot were worn). One advantage of polos over boots is that they conform perfectly to any leg, and may be used on multiple horses of different sizes. Usually, polos are used without any padding underneath.
[edit] Disadvantages of Polos
Perhaps the most notable disadvantage of polo wraps is that they are made to use without padding underneath, so can be very dangerous if incorrectly applied, and could possibly cause damage to the tendons. Polos are also not suitable for cross-country riding or riding in wet conditions, as they absorb water and become very heavy and sag. Brushing and galloping boots offer better protection and are more likely to stay in place than polo wraps, and so are more likely seen if the horse is jumping or performing fast work. Exercise bandages are also a good alternative if the horse needs more protection. Also, polos take a long time to apply while tacking up in a hurry and need to be washed often. Polos can also be pulled down and tight around the tendons if a horse were to step on himself while wearing them.
[edit] Uses of Polos
Polo wraps can be used for many tasks and diciplines. There are some horsemen who ship their horses in polos, for protection. However, shipping bandages or shipping boots provide much better protection, and are therefore more popular. Polos may also be used while riding, most commonly on dressage horses or while schooling show hunters or show jumpers. The jumpers and equitation divisions permit the use of polos in competition, however, most riders opt for boots, as they provide better protection. Polos are also commonly used during longeing, and some people turn their horses out in polos, although they must take care that the horse is not turned out in a wet pasture and that the polos are well secured. One common misconception about polos is that they provide support for the leg; unfortunately, they are too flimsy and flexible to offer significant support, or even reduce concussion.
![[1]](http://horsetackforyou.com/library/wraps12-P101.JPG){kind=link}