How useful are bandages for horses?

Bandages for horses: There are numerous research approaches and findings, so we have compiled some interesting studies on the topics of heat development , support function , and protection against injuries .

1. Heat development under bandages

One of the most frequently investigated issues is tendon overheating under braces, as tendons are sensitive to heat and excessive heat increases the risk of tendon damage .

• Study: " A comparison among equine boots and legwraps on leg surface temperature during and after exercise" ( Brock and Spooner, 2021) showed that bandages and leg wraps can increase the temperature of the tendons up to 50% above that of unprotected legs. This increases the risk of permanent tendon damage , especially during intense exercise. Based on these findings, the Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) has introduced a ban on bandages in competitions in 2024.

Our CONCLUSION : The temperature under the bandages increased significantly, which could increase the risk of overheating and thus tendon damage. The study emphasizes that caution is required, especially during intensive exercise.

2. Support function and protection

Another research question concerns the actual support function of bandages compared to gaiters and whether they can help protect tendons and ligaments during work.

• Study: "Biomechanical effects of bandaging the equine limb" (Kicker et al., 2004) : This study analyzed whether bandages really have a supportive function for the tendons and ligaments of the horse's leg. It was found that bandages only provide very limited mechanical support and cannot prevent the tendons from being subjected to great stress during movement.

Our CONCLUSION: While bandages offer some protection against superficial injuries, they do not contribute significantly to supporting the tendons and ligaments, as the force loads during movement are too high to be absorbed by a bandage.

3. Comparison of bandages and gaiters

Some studies have directly compared bandages and gaiters, particularly in terms of protection and heat generation.

• Study: " A comparison among equine boots and legwraps on leg surface temperature during and after exercise" ( Brock and Spooner, 2021) examined six different types of bandages and gaiters. The results showed that all variants significantly increased leg and tendon temperatures during exercise . What was particularly problematic was that these temperature increases increased the risk of tendon damage because the temperature did not cool down quickly enough after exercise. Polo wraps caused the highest heat , while gaiters made of modern materials such as Stomatex were cooler but did not offer sufficient protection .

Our CONCLUSION: Gaiters offer better protection against mechanical stress and impact, while bandages (if at all) should be used for lighter work. After training, the leg protection should be removed immediately and the legs cooled with water.

4. Effects of bandages on tendon health

Studies have also looked at the long-term impact of brace use on tendon health.

• Study: "The effect of bandages on the superficial digital flexor tendon" (Valberg et al., 2010) : This study investigated the effects of regular use of bandages on the superficial digital flexor tendon of horses. It was shown that the use of bandages for long periods of time during high work intensity increases the risk of tendon damage, particularly due to heat build-up.

Our CONCLUSION: Chronic overheating of the tendons caused by bandages can lead to a weakening of the tendon in the long term, which increases the risk of injuries such as tendon inflammation (tendinitis).

5. Heat-dissipating materials

Recent studies are looking into the development and effectiveness of materials that are designed to better dissipate heat and thus prevent tendons from overheating.

• A study from Middle Tennessee State University examined how different types of leg protection, including neoprene and high-tech materials like Stomatex , affect the surface temperature of horses' legs during and after exercise. The study found that natural convective cooling - the process by which horses cool their legs by circulating air - is compromised when boots or wraps are used. This resulted in an increased leg temperature that can reach potentially dangerous levels for the superficial flexor tendon (SDFT), which can lead to tendon damage if the temperature exceeds 42.5°C for a prolonged period of time.

Our CONCLUSION: Special materials can help to reduce the temperature under the bandages, but conventional fleece or neoprene bandages tend to trap heat.

Conclusion from the studies:

• Bandages offer a certain degree of protection against superficial injuries and a small degree of support , but should be viewed critically with regard to tendon health, especially during intensive work.
• The greatest danger is the overheating of the tendons , which is caused by the restricted air exchange under the bandages.
• Gaiters generally offer better protection against external impacts and often have a cooler effect , which is why they are preferable for certain disciplines and more intensive work.
• Newer materials show promising approaches to better heat dissipation, but offer little or only limited protection against impacts.