Whether you are using a stable bandage to support the horse’s leg overnight or bandaging a wound, knowing how to use an effective bandage is an important part of ownership. Follow Carl Hester's super groom Alan Davies' step-by-step guide to bandage your calves correctly, safely and firmly.

Some of the most common reasons for bandaging include:

The golden rule? There are a variety of different bandages for different occasions, but it is important to note that if used improperly, any bandage can be harmful. 

The bandage itself According to experience, leg bandages should always contain at least two layers (pad and bandage), and wound bandages require a third layer (wound dressing). 

Wound dressing If there is a wound, the contact layer should be a wound dressing, such as a sterile, non-adhesive gauze pad.

The middle layer of the pad is composed of a soft absorbent pad, which can cushion and protect the limbs and evenly distribute the pressure exerted by the bandage. Rolled cotton, sheet cotton and combined cotton (also known as Gamgee) are excellent filling materials, as are cotton or quilted wrappers, which can be washed and reused.

The outer layer of the bandage consists of the bandage itself, which can fix other layers and provide pressure. Bandages are made of a variety of materials, including wool, cotton and polyester knitted bandages with Velcro fasteners, and flexible adhesive bandages (Vet Wrap). 

Make sure that the width of the bandage is between 4 and 6 inches, as a narrower bandage can cause pressure points and limb contraction.

When dressing the wound, first make sure that the leg is clean and dry, and the wound is thoroughly cleaned. 

Use a sterile non-adhesive gauze or wound dressing and secure it loosely by rolling the gauze around the leg two to three times.

Wrap a piece of combined cotton around the leg.

Make sure you completely cover the wound and dressing, and the filling layer is at least 1 inch thick.

Using an adhesive bandage, start 1 inch below the top of the pad and wrap the leg in a spiral pattern, overlapping with the previous layer halfway. 

Wrap the bandage down to within an inch of the bottom of the pad, then circle the leg up again to get closer to the top.

Use tape (such as masking tape) to secure the ends of the bandage, and wrap the tape loosely around the top and bottom of the bandage to seal dirt and debris.

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