{"id":13702,"date":"2022-09-09T19:11:23","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T23:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=13702"},"modified":"2024-01-07T06:17:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T10:17:30","slug":"pillow-wraps-for-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/pillow-wraps-for-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Pillow Wraps: What They Are & How to Choose For Your Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A long time ago, when I first saw pillow wraps, my instinct was to ask what injury the horse had sustained. The owner of that horse giggled and asked me if I had never heard of pillow wraps for horses before. Eager to learn, I popped around to my local vet to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s all you need to know about pillow wraps for horses (also known as leg wraps): what they are, how to fit them, and how to choose the best type for your horse’s legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What Are Pillow Wraps?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Pillow wraps are large padded squares that are applied to the horse’s legs below the knee and up to the horse’s fetlock joint. Elasticated bandages or standing wraps for horses are used to secure the pillow wraps to the horse’s legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While you can definitely use pillow wraps to treat an existing injury, you can also use them to prevent<\/em> an injury from happening when trailering your horse or when they are in a stable and are prone to swollen legs. The gentle pressure of the pillow wraps is ideal for preventing swelling and improving circulation post exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With a pillow wrap, you can stimulate blood flow, improving circulation. These wraps should be part of any first aid kit for horses and can be used to administer a poultice to the horse’s legs to reduce inflammation or prevent swelling. Pillow wraps should be part of the basic horse care essentials in your grooming box.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"best<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    How to Choose Pillow Wraps for Your Horse’s Legs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When considering the different pillow wraps on the market (and there are quite a few brands!), you should keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Potential Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    What you want to use the wraps for will determine the kind of wraps you choose. You may use them for preventative reasons, to aid in recovery, for travel, and\/or for other types of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have a horse that’s prone to injuries, then a set of magnetic pillow wraps may be a great investment. If you do a lot of jumping or strenuous riding, then recovery wraps or medicinal wraps might be beneficial for your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stable bandages are ideal for horses who are kept in close confinement. The bandages on the horse’s lower leg will help prevent swelling. Add some pillow wraps and you have excellent alternatives to shipping boots, stall bandages, and bow wraps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep in mind you will have to purchase standing wraps or polo wraps that can secure the pillow pads in place. In my experience, these standing bandages<\/u><\/a> are the best standing wraps for horses as they are easy to fit, wrap neatly, retain some resistance, and don’t show dirt as easily as some others I’ve used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are in a pinch and don’t have standing wraps, you can use a stockings or pantyhose to hold the padded wrap in place.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"standing<\/a>
    Standing Wraps<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    2. Quality of Wraps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The quality of the wraps will also be an important factor to consider. Material, number of layers, durability, washability\u2014these are all things that determine the quality of the wraps, how beneficial they will be to the horse, and how long they will last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you get the wraps, open them up and feel the quality of the fabric, the thickness of the padding, and the overall quality. If it feels great in your hands, your horse will probably like it on their legs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Sizing of the Wraps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A full size thoroughbred won’t take the same size leg wraps as a pony would. So be sure to invest in appropriately-sized leg wraps. If the wraps are too big, they can become too bulky once fitted and may slip down or apply extra pressure to the horse’s tendons. If the wraps are too short and don’t fully cover the legs, they can also create uneven pressure that can lead to sores and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"leg<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    4. Your Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Okay, so wraps may not be that high on your list of things to buy for your horse, unless you are a top-level eventer or show jumper. However, buying cheap wraps may do more harm than good, especially if the quality is compromised. Be sure to budget for the best quality that’s in your price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A final pointer to keep in mind is that some leg wraps don’t self-attach. You may have to budget for a set of standing wraps to wrap the pillow wraps in place. Since the standing wraps secure the pillow pads in place, it is important to buy a good quality standing wrap to ensure the pads stay put.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While many horse owners try to save a few pennies by using a regular elastic bandage, this can lead to a bandage bow, where the tendons protrude outward after a ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Best Pillow Wraps for Your Horse’s Legs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Best Pillow Wraps for Traveling and Recovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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    \"pillow<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    After a hard workout, your horse’s legs will be tired, just like when you hit the gym hard. Applying light and consistent pressure can help ease tired muscles and tendons. This is where the pillow wrap comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Basic Pillow Leg Wraps 2-Pack<\/u><\/a> is ideal for this purpose. These pillow wraps are fluffy, offer support, are available in three sizes, and are affordable. Don’t let the white color scare you off, as these wraps wash beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n