Barn-Ready Guide (Educational Only)

How to Wrap a Horse’s Swollen Leg

Cool & scrape first. Then a smooth standing wrap with even tension and a 15–30 minute recheck. If you use gel, keep it thin and let it fully absorb before gear. Wounds, heat + pain, severe lameness, or fever—call your veterinarian.

Open: Horse Leg Anatomy Wrap Method Guide Recovery Loop Shop 16oz Gel
Materials Step-by-Step Do / Don’t Troubleshooting FAQ

Materials

Standing Wrap Setup

  • Cotton quilts/leg wraps (front or hind length)
  • Standing bandages (track bandages)
  • Scraper & clean towel

Optional (Intact Skin Only)

“Wrap-ready” = thin gel → full absorption → gear on.

Standing Wrap — Step-by-Step

1) Cool First

  1. Hose or sponge with cool water; scrape between passes (5–10 minutes).
  2. Skip DIY and call your vet for: wounds/punctures, severe lameness, fever, rapidly worsening swelling.

2) Prep the Leg

  1. Brush clean and dry. If using gel, apply a THIN layer to intact skin and wait until hair is dry-to-touch.
  2. Place quilt smoothly, seam to the front; eliminate folds.

3) Bandage with Even Tension

  1. Start mid-cannon; wrap front→back across the outside of the leg.
  2. Overlap each turn by ~50%; go down to the fetlock and back up.
  3. Finish high enough to secure the quilt; no ridges over tendons.

Two-finger test: you should slide two fingers under the top edge.

4) Recheck at 15–30 Minutes

  • Feel for heat; confirm tension; fix any slip.
  • Pair legs (both fronts or both hinds) for symmetry when appropriate.

Do / Don’t

Do

  • Cool & scrape before wrapping
  • Use intact skin only; thin gel → absorb → wrap
  • Keep tension even with ~50% overlap
  • Recheck at 15–30 minutes

Don’t

  • Wrap over open wounds or wet, slick product
  • Create ridges over tendons or pull harder behind the leg
  • Leave polos on after work (use standing wraps for rest)
  • Skip the recheck—heat/tightness can build

Troubleshooting

Wrap feels hot

Use thinner gel, ensure hair was dry-to-touch, and lighten tension. Re-cool and reset if needed.

Bandage slipped

Smooth the quilt, increase overlap, and keep turns even. Avoid bulky “speed bumps” near the fetlock.

Heat + pain, strong pulses, wounds, fever, marked asymmetry, or worsening swelling—call your veterinarian.

FAQ

How tight is correct?

Snug and even—not restrictive. Aim for ~50% overlap and a smooth surface. Use the two-finger test under the edge and recheck at 15–30 minutes.

Polos or standing wraps?

Polos are for work only and come off immediately. For swelling/rest, use standing wraps with quilts and track bandages.

Overnight wrapping?

Program-dependent. Only on intact skin after full absorption if gel was used. Keep tension even and rewrap daily. Confirm with your veterinarian.

Where does liniment fit?

After cooling and only on intact skin: apply a THIN layer of Draw It Out® Gel, allow hair to go dry-to-touch, then wraps/boots as appropriate. Keep product out of high-friction saddle/girth contact.

Educational guide. Not a medical device or veterinary advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your veterinarian for medical concerns and follow current show rules.