Leg bandages will no longer be permitted on competition sites in The Netherlands – including in the competition arena, warm-up areas or during prize-giving ceremonies – beginning March 1st for vaulting and April 1st for show jumping, dressage and driving (bandages are already outlawed in eventing). The move comes to improve horse welfare after research has indicated they can cause damage to horses’ legs during exercise. Bandages will continue to be allowed in the stable and during transport.
Overtight bandages may cause inflammation of ligaments/tendons and increase leg temperature by about 50% more than an uncovered leg.
The Dutch federation (KNHS) said that the decision is based on scientific studies which show that bandages do not provide effective leg protection and can even have a negative effect on horses’ legs.
Morgan Lashley, specialist in sports medicine and equine rehabilitation at the University of Utrecht, remarked, “It has been investigated whether bandages can prevent overextension of the fetlock. The answer is no, even tape does not help against this.”