Quick Answer: Polo wraps and exercise bandages provide light leg support during flatwork and schooling. Fleece polo wraps offer mild tendon support and protection from brushing strikes, while exercise bandages give more precise support when correctly applied. Proper wrapping technique is essential — uneven pressure can cause tendon damage. Shop our range with fast Australian shipping and pair with horse boots for complete leg protection.
Fleece Wraps, Exercise Bandages and Standing Bandages Explained
Polo wraps are long fleece bandsages wrapped around the horse’s lower leg to provide light support and protection during flatwork. Unlike rigid boots, polo wraps conform to the leg and distribute pressure evenly. Equifit polo wraps are made from quality fleece that wicks moisture and maintains consistent tension. They’re popular for dressage schooling, lunging, and young horse education where a boot might be too restrictive.
Exercise bandages are thinner and require more skill to apply correctly — they provide precise support but can cause damage if wrapped too tightly or unevenly. Standing bandages are used in the stable for horses that stock up overnight or after hard work. Eloquence Equestrian offers both polo wraps and exercise bandages in competition colours that coordinate with saddle pads and ear bonnets for a polished show-day look.
Quick Facts
Best ForDressage schooling, lunging, young horse education, stable support
Top BrandsEquifit, Eloquence Equestrian, Equidae/Sixteen Cypress, Lady Godiva Equestrian
Ships FromAustralia — fast local delivery
Wrap Types Compared
Different wrap types serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare:
Feature
Polo Wraps
Exercise Bandages
Standing Bandages
Support Level
Light — mild tendon support
Moderate — precise support
Moderate — stable support
Best For
Schooling, flatwork, lunging
Competition flatwork, dressage
Overnight stabling, post-work
Application Skill
Moderate — even tension
High — precise technique
Moderate — even pressure
Material
Fleece
Fleece or cotton
Cotton or fleece with padding
Risk if Misapplied
Low — slips or unwinds
High — tendon damage
Low — uneven pressure
Polo Wraps for Schooling and Flatwork
Polo wraps are the most accessible leg protection option for everyday riding, but proper technique is essential.
Benefits of Polo Wraps
Polo wraps offer several advantages over boots: they’re lightweight, conform to any leg shape, and don’t trap heat the way neoprene boots do. Lady Godiva Equestrian polo wraps are made from breathable fleece that keeps the leg cool during Australian summer schooling. They also provide a polished look for dressage warm-up when colour-matched to your saddle pad.
Proper Wrapping Technique
Wrapping polo wraps correctly is critical — uneven pressure can cause tendon damage. Start below the knee, wrap downward in a slight spiral, then back up, maintaining even tension throughout. The wrap should be firm but not tight, with no wrinkles or gaps. Always wrap in the same direction and finish with the Velcro closure secured flat against the leg.
When to Choose Wraps Over Boots
Polo wraps suit flatwork, dressage schooling, and lunging where impact protection isn’t the priority. For show jumping, use jumping boots instead — wraps don’t absorb pole impact. Wraps are also lighter and cooler than boots, making them ideal for Australian summer schooling.
Exercise and Standing Bandages
Exercise and standing bandages serve different purposes and require different application techniques.
Exercise Bandages
Exercise bandages are thinner than polo wraps and provide more precise support during dressage competition. They require more skill to apply — uneven tension can cause serious tendon damage. Equidae/Sixteen Cypress exercise bandages are made from performance fleece that maintains consistent tension. Use padding underneath for additional support and to prevent pressure marks.
Standing Bandages
Standing bandages are used in the stable for horses that stock up overnight, after hard work, or during transport. They’re applied over padding and should be snug but not tight. Standing bandages promote circulation and reduce swelling in the lower leg. Ensure even pressure and check periodically that the bandage hasn’t slipped.
Transport Bandages
For long-distance transport, standing bandages or shipping boots protect the lower legs from knocks during transit. Ensure bandages are secure and check them during rest stops. Never leave transport bandages on for extended periods without removal and re-application.
Wrapping Technique and Common Mistakes
The most common wrapping mistake is uneven tension — too tight at the top, loose at the bottom, or vice versa. This creates pressure points that can damage tendons. Always maintain consistent tension throughout the wrap, working in a smooth spiral pattern. Start at the top below the knee, wrap down to the fetlock, then back up. The Velcro closure should sit flat against the leg, not dangling or folded.
Another common error is wrapping too tightly, which restricts circulation and can cause bowing of the tendons. The wrap should be firm enough to stay in place but you should be able to slide a finger between the wrap and the leg. Equifit polo wraps have enough stretch to allow consistent tension without excessive tightness. Practice wrapping on a stationary leg before attempting to wrap for riding.
Washing and Care
Wash polo wraps and bandages after every few uses — sweat and sand trapped in the fleece irritates the skin. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with mild detergent. Air dry — never tumble dry as heat damages the fleece and reduces elasticity. Store wraps rolled and secured with their own Velcro to prevent tangling. Keep multiple sets on rotation so each has time to dry fully between uses.
Inspect wraps regularly for thinning fleece, stretched elastic, or worn Velcro. A wrap that has lost its stretch or has thin patches should be replaced — it won’t provide consistent tension or protection. Eloquence Equestrian wraps are durable and maintain their shape through repeated washing when cared for correctly.
Brands We Stock
We stock polo wraps and bandages from brands chosen for quality and Australian conditions:
Equifit — Premium fleece polo wraps with consistent stretch and breathable construction for schooling and flatwork.
Eloquence Equestrian — Polo wraps and exercise bandages in competition colours that coordinate with saddle pads and ear bonnets.
Equidae/Sixteen Cypress — Performance fleece exercise bandages with consistent tension for dressage schooling and competition.
Lady Godiva Equestrian — Breathable polo wraps designed for Australian summer schooling with easy-care fleece.
Why Shop Polo Wraps & Bandages at iRide EQ?
Lightweight Leg Support
Polo wraps provide light tendon support without the heat build-up of neoprene boots — ideal for Australian summer flatwork and dressage schooling.
Coordinated Show Look
Colour-matched polo wraps coordinate with saddle pads and ear bonnets for a polished competition turnout.
Versatile Application
From schooling wraps to standing bandages, our range covers every wrapping need — flatwork, competition, stable, and transport.
Quality Fleece
Our brands use quality fleece that maintains consistent tension and breathability through repeated washing and regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polo wraps better than brushing boots?
Polo wraps and brushing boots serve similar purposes but differ. Wraps are lighter and cooler but provide less impact protection. Boots are easier to fit correctly and offer more structured protection. Wraps require proper technique to apply safely; boots are more forgiving. For Australian summer flatwork, wraps are often the cooler choice.
How do I wrap polo wraps correctly?
Start below the knee with the Velcro end, wrap downward in a slight spiral to the fetlock, then back up to the starting point. Maintain even tension throughout — not too tight, not too loose. The wrap should be firm enough to stay in place but you should be able to slide a finger between the wrap and the leg. Secure the Velcro flat against the leg.
Can polo wraps cause tendon damage?
Yes, if applied incorrectly. Uneven tension, wrapping too tightly, or leaving wrinkles can create pressure points that damage tendons. Always wrap with consistent tension and never wrap too tightly. If you’re unsure of your technique, use boots instead — they’re more forgiving and don’t require wrapping skill.
What’s the difference between polo wraps and exercise bandages?
Polo wraps are thicker fleece with Velcro closures — easier to apply and more forgiving. Exercise bandages are thinner and require more precise technique with padding underneath. Exercise bandages provide more precise support but carry higher risk if misapplied. Beginners should start with polo wraps.
Can I use polo wraps for show jumping?
Polo wraps are not recommended for show jumping — they don’t absorb pole impact. Use jumping boots with TPU strike plates for jumping. Polo wraps suit flatwork, dressage schooling, and lunging where impact protection isn’t needed.
How do I wash polo wraps?
Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with mild detergent. Air dry — never tumble dry as heat damages the fleece and reduces elasticity. Store wraps rolled and secured with their Velcro. Keep multiple sets on rotation so each has time to dry fully between uses.
Do I need padding under exercise bandages?
Yes, exercise bandages should always be applied over padding — usually gamgee or foam pads. Padding distributes pressure and prevents the bandage from creating pressure marks on the tendon. Never apply exercise bandages directly to the skin without padding.
