Choosing The Best Polo Wraps for Horses

Polo wraps are horse bandages used while riding for mild support and protection from minor scrapes, bruising, and interference. Polo wraps are popular in dressage, polo, and riders who like not to use heavier boots. Made of a low-lofted synthetic fleece fabric with built-in stretch that stays soft and pliable and can conform to the conformation of your horse’s legs.

Learn more about Choosing the Best Leg Protection for Your Horse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Polo Wraps

What is the purpose of horse polo wraps?

Horse polo wraps help protect your horse's legs from minor scrapes and bruises while providing soft support.

Do polo wraps provide support? Are polo wraps effective?

Polo wraps primarily prevent injuries to the horse’s lower legs during strenuous workouts. They are especially useful in preventing lacerations or bruising that can occur when in contact with other horses or from a wayward step of their own. When properly applied, polo wraps provide light support to the ligaments and tendons on the horse's lower legs.

Are polo wraps better than splint boots?

Both polo wraps and splint boots are designed to protect a horse's legs during exercise, so your choice depends on how you plan to use them.

Standard polo wraps are applied by wrapping a nine-foot length of stretch fabric in an overlapping fashion around the horse’s cannon bone from just below the knee or hock to the fetlock joint.

Splint boots are specifically designed to protect your horse's sensitive cannon and splint bone area, often with a built-in protective strike plate that runs the length of the cannon bone. These boots are fitted using elastic or hook and loop clusters, making it quick and easy to ensure a secure fit.

How tight should polo wraps be?

Polo wraps should be applied tightly enough to stay securely in place but not so tight that they constrict blood flow. Apply your wrap with an even amount of pressure along the entire lower leg. When wrapping is complete, you should have a smooth, even fit, and be able to slip a finger inside the wrap at both the top and button. If you are new to wrapping legs, getting your technique right may take a little experimentation. Plan on practice time, preferably with an experienced guide to show you proper technique and check your work.