Polo Wraps

Shop polo wraps for horses that deserve proper leg support during flatwork, warm-ups, and schooling sessions. Polo wraps are long strips of stretchy fleece, typically nine to eleven feet long and four to four-and-a-half inches wide, that wrap around the cannon bone and fetlock to cushion tendons, protect against minor interference, and provide a gentle compression that many horses seem to appreciate during work. They've been
a barn staple for decades, and for good reason: when applied correctly, they're effective, comfortable, and come in enough colors to match any saddle pad or bonnet combination you have in your locker.

The technique matters enormously with polo wraps. A wrap applied with uneven tension or one that's too tight can do more harm than no wrap at all. The cardinal rules: always wrap in a direction that goes front to back across the cannon bone (clockwise on the right legs, counterclockwise on the left), maintain consistent tension throughout, and make sure the wrap cups the fetlock with a small V-shape at the front of the joint before coming back up the leg. The Velcro closure should always land on the outside of the leg to prevent the horse from brushing it undone during work. When you're done, you should be able to slide a finger under the top and bottom edges, snug enough to stay in place, not so tight you can feel your pulse through the wrap.

Polo wraps have important limitations worth knowing. They're not appropriate for jumping as the fleece can absorb sweat and moisture during a long session and gradually loosen, which is a real risk over fences where you need the wrap to stay put. They're not for turnout - an unraveled polo wrap in a field is a dangerous tangle
waiting to happen. They shouldn't be used on a horse standing in a stall; the same loosening risk applies. Their territory is controlled flat work, schooling over ground poles, lunging and warm-ups where you're present and can monitor the wraps throughout. For everything else, a proper boot is the right choice.

Polo wraps are available in sets of four, one for each leg, and come in a range of solid colors and prints. For washing, always close the Velcro onto itself before putting them in the machine; open Velcro picks up every piece of fleece and hair in the load. Roll them tightly after washing while they're still slightly damp, Velcro-to-Velcro, so they hold their
shape and are ready to apply smoothly the next time you tack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply polo wraps correctly?
Start with the inside of the cannon bone, just below the knee, with the roll facing outward. Wrap front to back, pulling across the cannon bone and releasing pressure as you round the back of the leg. Overlap each layer by about half and keep your tension even throughout. When you reach the fetlock, angle the wrap down and under
the joint (cupping it) to form a small V at the front, then continue back up the leg. Finish just below the knee with the Velcro secured on the outside of the leg. Run your hands over the finished wrap to check for any lumps, bumps, or areas that feel tighter than others. The goal is even pressure.

Can polo wraps be used for jumping?
It's generally not recommended. During a full jumping session, polo wraps absorb sweat and gradually loosen, especially around the fetlock. A partially unraveled wrap over a fence is a tripping hazard. For jumping, a proper sport boot, open-front for show jumping, or a brushing boot for general jump schooling, provides better, more reliable protection. Polos are ideal for flatwork and warm-up, but once poles go up significantly, switch to
boots.

What size polo wraps does my horse need?
Standard polo wraps (approximately 9 feet long, 4 inches wide) fit most horses from Thoroughbred size up to average Warmblood. Larger, heavier Warmbloods and horses with longer cannons sometimes do better with extended or extra-long wraps (up to 11 feet) to ensure complete coverage from just below the knee to just above the fetlock and back up again. Ponies need shorter, narrower wraps. Standard wraps on a small horse
will have too much excess and bunch or wrap unevenly.

How do I wash polo wraps?
Close all the Velcro tabs onto themselves before washing. This prevents the hook side from grabbing other fabric and accumulating debris. Machine wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle; avoid hot water, which degrades the fleece and can cause the Velcro backing to detach. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. Once dry (or while still slightly damp), roll them tightly with the Velcro side ending on the outside so they're ready for quick,
even application. Store flat or in a breathable bag, not compressed in a tack trunk where they can lose their shape.