There are several reasons you might have to wrap or bandage your horse’s hock. For example, your veterinarian might instruct you to wrap the hock if the horse has a wound in the area.

The hock is notoriously difficult to wrap. In this video, Sina Parsaye, DVM, of Colorado, walks us through the steps.

(The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

Materials and Methods

There are different materials you can use to wrap or bandage your horse’s hock. In this video, Parsaye uses Elasticon adhesive tape and Vetrap or an elastic bandage wrap.

“When wrapping with Vetrap, make sure you are wrapping toward the center of the horse, or pulling the tendons inside,” said Parsaye.

Start at the bottom of the hock and move toward the top of the hock. Make sure you leave the tip of the hock exposed.

Finish the wrap with Elasticon or an elastic bandage material. He said to make sure you have half of the Elasticon on the Vetrap and half on the horse’s hair.

Make sure you don’t apply your Vetrap too tightly around the point of the hock. That can cause more issues for your horse.

Tips and Tricks for Wrapping a Horse’s Hock

Parsays shared some tips and tricks that he has learned over his career for wrapping a hock:

  1. Unroll your Elasticon prior to applying your bandage. Do this by holding the end and rolling out the Elasticon or elastic bandage material and re-rolling it up on the roll loosely. By doing this, you can make sure it is not too tight for the horse.
  2. Make sure you can see the natural ‘wrinkles’ in the Vetrap material after you have applied the bandage. “If it is smooth, it is likely too tight,” Parsaye advised.

Final Words

Wrapping or bandaging a horse’s hocks can be difficult, said Parsaye. “It is better to have a loose bandage and have to reapply it than possibly injure your horse [with a bandage that is too tight],” he added.

If you have questions or need help wrapping your horse’s hocks, consult your veterinarian.

Further Content

Sign up for My Senior Horse’s FREE newsletter to get the latest information about equids 15 years and older delivered straight to your inbox!  Â