How to Apply the TTouch Body Wrap for Horses

Body wraps can be used for horses that have a range of problems. The main purpose of the wrap is to introduce body awareness, and help improve the horse's balance. Many horses are unbalanced either in front or behind, and have a lack of awareness as to the placing of their legs and hind quarters. The body wrap is a long, stretchy strip of cloth that is wrapped around the horse to stimulate awareness of the problem area. It can be used on legs, backs and even faces, as long as it is not applied too tightly and the ends are secured so that they don't flap. Any long, stretchy cloth can be used; TTouch recommends using elastic or leg bandages.

Things You'll Need

  • Two elastic bandages
  • Assistant
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Instructions

  1. Common TTouch Body Wraps

    • 1

      The Bridge Body Wrap (uses two bandages):

      Your assistant should hold the horse. Pass the first bandage around the horse's neck and knot it loosely. Tie one end of the second bandage to the knot, and pass it around the horse's hindquarters, moving slowly. Attach the second bandage to this knot and take it around the horse's hindquarters. It is advisable to do this gently, always watching the horse's reactions. Ask your assistant to walk the horse a few steps while you hold the bandage at the horse's shoulder. If the horse is happy with the feel of the bandage, tie it onto the neck bandage using a quick release knot about 24 inches from the other knot. The neck bandage will now form a bridge just behind the withers. The hindquarters bandage should be sufficiently tight so as not to slip down as the horse moves.

    • 2

      Figure Eight Body Wrap (uses two bandages):

      Wrap the bandage around the horse's neck, crossing the two loose ends over the withers. Tie the second bandage to one end and pass it carefully around the hindquarters. Tie the other end of the second bandage to the other end of the first bandage using a quick release knot, forming a figure eight across the horse's back.

    • 3

      Half Wrap (uses two bandages):

      Some young or inexperienced horses can't cope with the feel of the bandage around their hindquarters immediately. In these cases, the half wrap is useful to help build up exposure. Wrap the first bandage around the horse's neck, and tie in a loose knot. Tie the second bandage around the horse's girth area, and tie with a quick release knot. Once the horse is comfortable being led and lunged in the half wrap, you can progress to a full wrap.