B
A long narrow band of woven material that is wrapped around a limb to provide protection and support. Bandages can be applied to horse's limbs for a variety of reasons and consequently are made from a variety of different materials. Bandages with an elastic component must never be used without padding material to prevent the constriction of the skin and underlying tissue, which can lead to severe pressure sores.
In day to day use, bandages are applied to protect the limbs during exercise, and to prevent swelling of limbs during periods of rest (stable bandages) and as protection during transport (travel bandages).
Long narrow pieces of fabric that are wrapped around (part of) the horse's leg to keep an injury clean, to protect the limb from injury due to interference or to prevent swelling. They can be used for exercise, travel or in the stable. Non-elastic bandages (e.g. those made from fleece-like material) are typically used without padding for exercise only. Elastic bandages must be used with padding as they could otherwise cause disruptions of the blood supply to the skin. Woven bandages (wool or synthetic) combined with thick pads are typically called stable bandages. They are applied from below the fore knee / hock down to the pastern and help prevent filled legs in stabled horses. Bandages with pads extending down over the coronet an up over the fore knee / hock are used for travelling.
H
A bandage that covers the entire hoof up to mid pastern or fetlock height. It is used to cushion a sore hoof, reposition a laminitic hoof (in conjunction with some form of frog and heel support) and most frequently to protect any exposed sensitive tissue (e.g. as results through injury or opening of a hoof abscess) from dirt or moisture.