Posted by: "south west" sw.region.ric@...
cthunes
Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:28 am (PST)

Hi all,

I saw this post from our beloved Stormy on the CHMJ digest today about
what wrapping materials are ok for PC use at rallies and ratings and I
thought that as rally and rating season is upon us I would paste it
here for all to see. This way none of our chief horse managment judges
will have to penalize teams for having incorrect wrapping materials -
right!!

Clair
RIS and AZ HMO SW region USPC

> There is no list of materials that are acceptable or unacceptable to
use as bandaging materials in the [USPC Rally] Equine First Aid kit.
Since there are no lists of acceptable materials a Chief cannot
penalize based on personal preference, but should make sure that the
materials chosen do their job safely and effectively. The materials
chosen must fulfill the following criteria:
>
> 1. The padding must be sufficient and even enough to ensure that the
horseıs leg circulation wonıt be compromised. Typically if sheet
cottons are used, usually about 6 or 7 sheets are about right for one
standing wrap padding.

> Other commonly used materials are "pillow wrap padding" or "No
Bows". Some brands of no bows will be too thin to be safe. In this
case, sometimes two "No Bow" paddings can be used together. In a
pinch, even terrycloth towels can be safe and effective padding. Be
sure that there are no wrinkles though. One material that is too thin
is commonly sold as "quilted leg wraps". They are the thickness of a
cheap mattress pad. These are useful for cold water or ice wraps when
the horse will be attended, but not to leave on as standing wrap padding.

> 2. The padding must cover from about an inch above the bottom of the
horseıs knee to the middle or bottom of the horseıs fetlock depending
on whether the wrap will cup under the fetlock or not. The padding
must be able to cover this area on all of the mounts, additional
padding may be necessary if the team consists of horse and ponies of
different sizes.

> 3. The wrap material may have stretch (like the ponte polyester
material thatıs sold as ³standing wraps²) or not (like flannel).

> 4. Typically, the wrap material is about 6 inches wide for standing
wraps.

> This allows for good overlap and lends sturdiness to the finished
wrap. For small ponies, 4 inch wraps may be more appropriate. The
length also depends on the mountıs size. About 11 feet is a minimum
length for most horses, 12 or 13 feet is better.

> 5. The fastening must be able to do its job. Velcro that is in good
condition is fine, as are bandage pins or diaper pins. When using pins
it is recommended that tape is put over them to help ensure that they
wonıt snag on things. Pins should be fastened on the outside of the
horseıs leg.

> 6. In the Equine First Aid kit, the 4 paddings and wraps should be
stored already made-up, ready to put on a horse quickly in an
emergency. The padding should not just be a big wad of sheet cottons
in their package.
>
> A good reference for bandaging is "The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your
Horse", by Susan Harris, 1997. It is available from the USPC Bookstore
for $7.95.
>
> Many thanks,
> Stormy