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Wrap Method Guide | Safe Polos, Standing Wraps & Travel Support | Draw It Out®
Draw It Out® — Safe, Show-Friendly Techniques

Wrap Method Guide

Polos, standing wraps, shipping support, and cold therapy—done right. Use even tension, smart overlap, and thin, fully absorbed gel so gear stays secure and your horse stays comfortable.

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Quick safety: Intact skin only. Clean, dry legs. Thin gel first → allow full absorption → then wrap. Keep tension even with ~50% overlap. No ridges over tendons. Recheck in 15–30 minutes.
Materials

What You Need

  • Cotton quilts/leg wraps (front & hind lengths)
  • Standing bandages (track bandages) or polo wraps
  • Support boots / shipping boots (clean, intact)
  • Cold therapy boots or ice packs (as program allows)
  • Scissors (bandage), clean towels, timer
  • Draw It Out® 16oz Gel (thin, wrap-friendly once absorbed)
Fit & Prep

Before You Wrap

  • Brush legs clean and dry; check for heat, fill, cuts, or crust.
  • Apply gel thinly to target zones; massage in; let it fully absorb.
  • Pick appropriate length/width for the leg; practice even tension off the horse.
Method

Polos (Work Wraps)

  1. Start on the inside of the cannon bone below the knee/hock; angle down.
  2. Wrap front→back across the outside of the leg; overlap ~50% with even tension.
  3. Cover fetlock with a smooth “figure-8” if desired; avoid bulky ridges.
  4. Finish mid-cannon; secure firmly but not tight. Check for wrinkles.
  5. After work: Remove immediately; feel for heat or fill.
Method

Standing Wraps (Rest/Recovery)

  1. Place cotton quilt smoothly, seam to the front; no folds.
  2. With a standing bandage, start mid-cannon; front→back on the outside wall.
  3. Overlap ~50% down to the fetlock and back up; keep tension even.
  4. Finish high enough to support the top of the quilt; secure.
  5. Check in 15–30 minutes; then every 4–6 hours for heat, slipping, or tightness.
Method

Shipping Support (Travel)

  1. Use clean shipping boots or standing wraps with quilts.
  2. Ensure pastern and fetlock are covered; avoid gaps that rub.
  3. For long hauls, stop periodically to check heat, slipping, and comfort.

Pro tip: thin gel on fronts & hamstrings—fully absorbed—before loading.

Method

Cold Therapy / Ice

  1. Use ice boots or cold packs per maker’s directions (intact skin).
  2. Limit typical sessions to 10–20 minutes unless your vet advises otherwise.
  3. Never ice directly on skin; avoid wet, heavy wraps that sag on tendons.
Do / Don’t

Wrap Smarter

  • Do keep pressure even; smooth every turn with your palm.
  • Do pair both fronts or both hinds for symmetry.
  • Do monitor heat, fill, rubbing; adjust or remove as needed.
  • Don’t leave polos on after work or wrap over wet/dirty legs.
  • Don’t create ridges over tendons or pull harder behind the leg.
  • Don’t wrap over open wounds without veterinary guidance.
Troubleshooting

Fix It Fast

  • Wraps slipping? Re-smooth the quilt, lighten product, increase overlap.
  • Hot under wraps? Thinner gel; confirm dry skin; reduce duration; recheck tension.
  • Edges digging? Back off tension slightly; feather the last two turns.
Safety first: Wraps can help—or harm—depending on technique. If you see swelling, heat, lameness, or discomfort, remove wraps and consult your veterinarian or trainer.

FAQ

Can I use gel under polos or standing wraps?

Yes—on intact skin after full absorption. Use a thin layer, wipe excess, and monitor heat and tension. Avoid slick layers that reduce gear security.

Front-to-back or back-to-front?

Front→back across the outside of each leg supports the tendons best. Keep turns smooth and evenly overlapped.

Overnight standing wraps—ok?

Common in many programs (8–12 hours) with checks. Ensure even tension, clean legs, and dry skin; rewrap daily.

Shipping: boots or wraps?

Either works if fitted and checked often. Boots are fast; wraps can fit precisely with quilts. Cleanliness and monitoring matter most.

Cold therapy timing?

Typically 10–20 minutes per session unless your veterinarian recommends differently. Never apply ice directly to skin.

Wrap right. Ride better.

Keep routines calm and clean—no sting, no smell, wrap-friendly once absorbed.

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Not a drug. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always work with your veterinarian and trainer for medical or program decisions.

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