Bandages are supposed to protect and support the horses' legs: the tendons and tendon sheaths above the fetlock joint on the cannon bone, and the fetlock joint itself.

On the cannon bone are the large, strong flexor and extender tendons of the hoof, including the corresponding sheaths and ligaments. When the hooves move, so do the tendons, moving some millimeters sideways. Also, during forward movement, the extender tendons are at their farthest point away from the cannon bone.

Every time the hooves touch the ground, the flexor tendons (under considerable tension) snap sideways, slamming into the bandage--and this throughout the entire ride. At the same time, the bandages chafe the flexor tendons at the seat of the proximal sesamoid bones of the fetlock joints. This constant irritation (the chafing and bruising of the tendons) can lead to inflammation, which in time will become chronic.

As for protection from striking by the hind foot: a few layers of fabric cannot adequately protect a tendon from such a blow.

Furthermore, bandages and leg wraps impede circulation in the horses’ legs.

During the exercise and exertion of a ride, the blood vessels of the cannon and fetlock area expand.

However, around the cannon bone, veins and arteries can only expand outward, since beneath them lies only hard, unyielding bone and no muscle tissue into which the blood vessels can 'divert'. So if a bandage is pressing against the cannon bone from the outside, the blood vessels are constricted around the fetlock joint; the arterial blood that comes from the heart cannot reach down to the hoof, and the venial blood that is being pushed up by the pumping action of the hoof cannot flow upwards. Blocked, "filled tendons" are the result.

Boots in their action are no better. They slip down around the fetlock and block the blood vessels even more than the bandages do.

The well-intended bandaging causes only damage to horses' legs, which need neither support nor protection. Joints, tendons and ligaments must, through purposeful training, be strengthened and prepared for greater strain.

Also, the hind hooves should never be allowed to get so pointed that they strike the forelegs. It is usually only the weight of the shoe that gives the hind legs so much momentum that they come in contact with the forelegs. The same rule applies here: Remove the cause.

Copyright Dr. vet. med. H. Strasser
Blaihofstr. 42/1, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
Tel/Fax: (011) 49-7071-87572
Ed. & Canadian contact: Sabine Naujoks
Box 44, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7

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© 2002 - 2007 by The Naked Hoof Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher and/or authors. The information and products contained within these webpages and articles are intended for educational purposes only, and not for diagnosing or medicinally prescribing in any way. Readers are cautioned to seek expert advice from a qualified health professional before pursuing any form of treatment on their animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Last edited: 30 June, 2007
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