National horse sport federation extends ban on bandages at competitions

A ban on bandages at events will come into force this spring in the Netherlands owing to concerns over the damage they could cause to horses’ legs during exercise.

Bandages will “no longer be permitted on the competition site” from 1 March in vaulting, and 1 April for dressage, showjumping and driving. They are already outlawed in eventing.

Bandages will still be allowed to protect legs in the stable and during transport, but will not be allowed during exercise or at prize givings.

The Dutch federation (KNHS) said that the decision is based on scientific studies.

“You can’t ignore it, so much research has been done into it. It is very clear that we should stop using it. Especially because there are alternatives if you want to protect the lower legs,” said Fenna Westerduin, who manages the horse welfare portfolio at the KNHS.

Morgan Lashley, specialist in sports medicine and equine rehabilitation at the University of Utrecht, added: “It has been investigated whether bandages can prevent overextension of the fetlock. The answer is no, even tape does not help against this.

“You can only stabilise this joint with a brace or plaster, but yes, you cannot ride with that. If you want to prevent knocking, tendon boots work better than a piece of cloth.”

She also pointed out the damage overheating can do to the elasticity of tendon issues, and the problems that can arise if bandages are not put on correctly.

“If they become loose, a horse can become entangled in them. If they are too tight or the material is not good, pressure can occur. I have even seen abroad that tendons had suffered trauma due to bandages that were too tight,” she said.

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said she agrees that a bandage is unlikely to be effective support, adding she too is “always concerned with any leg wrap or bandage that it may come loose at the wrong time”.

“I appreciate better people than me are skilled at applying them, however a modern purpose designed boot seems more sensible to me,” she said.

“Tendon injuries, especially those involving the superficial flexor, are an issue in horses doing fast work.

“It is a recognised fact that the tendons become hot as the horse works and if it is wearing bandages that heat cannot dissipate, so there is a greater potential for damage.

“Research has been done on this including use of thermography to demonstrate the heat that is generated during exercise, hence the importance of cooling limbs properly immediately after work.”

She added: “Remember if a horse has bandages on and is too hot, it cannot take them of , which in itself is not great for welfare. None of us like being too hot, but if we are, we can generally remove the extra layer.

“Good quality boots will have better air flow and the limbs hopefully will be protected but not become as hot.”

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H&H senior news writer

Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.