Curious if anybody has any tip or tricks for helping to keep my polo wraps from sliding down. I wrap my mare’s back legs, but inevitably they always end up sliding down a couple of inches by the end of the ride. I am so paranoid about all the horror stories of polos causing tendon issues, that maybe I am not doing them snug enough. Is there a good way to tell the difference between snug enough and too snug?
Are there particular brands or styles that are less likely to slide down?
You can stick a finger in them (anywhere in the middle, behind the fetlock, etc.) and feel tension, but not have to fight to get your finger in. And you don’t have it so loose you can fit more than a finger in when you stick it in them.
Clarifying: Tip of the finger. Not your entire finger. I can run the finger around to the first joint, but don’t stick anymore than that in.
I’ve only had this happen when my horse’s legs were stocked up when I initially wrapped them. Are your horse’s legs tight when you wrap them?
If they are sliding down, they are too loose.
I agree with Velvet- you should be able to stick a finger through top/bottom without having to fight your way down - the pressure should be universal and even AKA not looser the closer you get to the fetlock, no sagging, etc.
If it is indenting the skin, it is too tight. Practice on your leg if you are nervous.
No shame in getting a lesson on how to wrap. Obviously something is amiss, go to one of the area top grooms or riders and get a lesson. I used to be a real fast pro at polo wraps but it has been so long I myself would want a refresher from someone more recently knowledgeable :yes:
You aren’t wrapping tight enough. Get someone to show you. BTW, bandage bows don’t come from wrapping to tightly (typically). Rather, they come from wrapping with inconsistent pressure on the bandages.
i think the best way to learn how snug you need them is to have someone who is competent show you how in person. it really is a feel thing.
in the mean time, can you wrap with something like an eskadron climatex bandage underneath to help alleviate any potential tendon issues (if you wrap tighter than you have been)?
Why do you even use them? I guess I forgot to ask that question. Most of the time people do it for decoration. Sometimes if a horse interferes they use them, but usually they use some type of brushing boot instead. Polos were originally designed to protect a polo ponies legs from getting hit with the mallet.
If you have problems with polo wraps- just dont use them.
a bad wrap is worse than no wrap at all.
For knocks- boots are better anyway. JMO
[QUOTE=mvp;8824111]
You aren’t wrapping tight enough. Get someone to show you. BTW, bandage bows don’t come from wrapping to tightly (typically). Rather, they come from wrapping with inconsistent pressure on the bandages.[/QUOTE]
agree. also, polos that slide down can create exactly the kind of inconsistent pressure referred to above and that you are trying to avoid. Better to do them a bit tighter, and just be sure it is even.
Also, some stick a lot better when they get some age on them. New polos can be too slippery. I always wash them several times when I get a new pair so perhaps take them home and leave them in your washer for your next few loads.
[QUOTE=Velvet;8824138]
Why do you even use them? [/QUOTE]
I like them for cavaletti work. I think boots are extra weight, clumsy, and are usually heavier. I want the horse to respect the rails but not get off scotch free if he interferes; the polo is the perfect compromise. 
I’m old fashioned. I’d rather they have naked legs as much as possible. I used to polo wrap all the time (had to when I was a working slave and then I carried it over to all the horses I was training and my own). I gave that up. I realize that if they’re wearing them too much when jumping or going over cavaletti they often start doing it using the brail method. I’d rather they learn not to touch them and the only thing they’ll get is a bruise. If they interfere, then they get boots, and the bare minimum protection. Honestly, as long as they are not wearing shoes (that is an exception in my mind because of the risk of metal shod hooves) they can have naked legs. Yep, I believe in exceptions, but I also love to see them just have nothing on. I don’t like it when they start to feel “safe” and get sloppy with what they’re doing. I’ve gone from the bubble wrapper person in dressage to my old free-range attitude and letting them be au natural as often as possible. 
I use polos all the time. I bought good quality, slight stretch, thick, 4" wide and long length polos with thick velcro tabs.
They are unbeatable in the hot hot weather because they protect without sweating the horse’s leg.
(obviously not for wet climates but that’s another topic)
I start at the top leaving a tab showing. Then I work my way down with a slight tension and overlapping, double wrap the fetlock, work back up, turn the tab down and finish by attaching the velcro.
No slippige, no sweat, no dirt creeping under, no sweat, leg happy!
[QUOTE=belgianWBLuver;8824200]
I start at the top leaving a tab showing. Then I work my way down with a slight tension and overlapping, double wrap the fetlock, work back up, turn the tab down and finish by attaching the velcro.
No slippige, no sweat, no dirt creeping under, no sweat, leg happy![/QUOTE]
This is exactly how I do them - never any issues with slipping or sagging!
[QUOTE=Velvet;8824138]
Why do you even use them? I guess I forgot to ask that question. Most of the time people do it for decoration. Sometimes if a horse interferes they use them, but usually they use some type of brushing boot instead. Polos were originally designed to protect a polo ponies legs from getting hit with the mallet.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Crockpot;8824155]If you have problems with polo wraps- just dont use them.
a bad wrap is worse than no wrap at all.
For knocks- boots are better anyway. JMO[/QUOTE]
I’m using them because my mare is coming off of an injury that had her laid up for four months. The wound is mostly healed (just needs to form the top layer of scar tissue), and the vet has okayed us for walk and trot work, but if she accidently knocks herself she occasional bleeds a little bit. Using polos vs boots because one of the products that I used during the healing process turned her leg purple, and it is still smearing off on anything that it touches.
[QUOTE=Draftmare;8824446]
I’m using them because my mare is coming off of an injury that had her laid up for four months. The wound is mostly healed (just needs to form the top layer of scar tissue), and the vet has okayed us for walk and trot work, but if she accidently knocks herself she occasional bleeds a little bit. Using polos vs boots because one of the products that I used during the healing process turned her leg purple, and it is still smearing off on anything that it touches.[/QUOTE]
it is also wiser to use polos for an instance like yours because boots will cause rubs and friction over raised/sensitive areas.
[QUOTE=beowulf;8824452]
it is also wiser to use polos for an instance like yours because boots will cause rubs and friction over raised/sensitive areas.[/QUOTE]
She has a rather large bump where the wound was, and while the vet thinks it may go down some with time, she will likely always have somewhat of a bump left from this injury. 
Sounds like your situation calls for polos as protection.
[QUOTE=belgianWBLuver;8824200]
I use polos all the time. I bought good quality, slight stretch, thick, 4" wide and long length polos with thick velcro tabs.
They are unbeatable in the hot hot weather because they protect without sweating the horse’s leg.
(obviously not for wet climates but that’s another topic)
I start at the top leaving a tab showing. Then I work my way down with a slight tension and overlapping, double wrap the fetlock, work back up, turn the tab down and finish by attaching the velcro.
No slippige, no sweat, no dirt creeping under, no sweat, leg happy![/QUOTE]
What’s the purpose of the tab?
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