I don't understand...

[shandy84]

the point of exercise bandages? Can anyone enlighten me?

[makebelieve]

This is a bit of a controversy on NR right now, whereas if they really do protect OR support or if they're really just for fashion. Some people tend to swear by them while others don't use them at all.

[galadriel]

Originally posted by makebelieve
This is a bit of a controversy on NR right now, whereas if they really do protect OR support or if they're really just for fashion.

Not really. It all depends on how they're used.

If you put a polo wrap straight on the leg, it does nothing for support and only provides protection against impact. If you put down padding and use a strong bandage pulled tight, it is supportive.

If you use a boot that doesn't go around the fetlock, it does nothing for support and only provides protection against impact (splint boot, brushing boot). If you use a boot that goes down around the fetlock, it provides support (SMB, open front jumping boot).

[Tor&Warrior]

I use excercise bandages and polo wraps for every day hacking and riding. Just because a set of four costs about £15max where as my two sets of four boots (2 Tendon, 2 Fetlock & 4 Sports boots) are worth about £150, so I'd rather that my bandages got the wear as I'd rather replace them and keep my boots for competitions etc. But thats the only reason I use them, their cheap!! They annoy me when I'm having a lazy day though, having to role them up put them on...take them off, role them back up again!
I do use white bandages when we do any dressage though. I think white boots/bandages looks nice and I think its no different from making an effort by plaiting and wearing a white numnah. Again I use white bandages as there alot cheaper than boots, and white boots are always even more expenive than other colours!! I couldn't afford another pair of boots, or atleast I don't think I could convince my dad to buy me another pair!
I don't use bandages for support as I'm to paranoid that I'd do them wrong and cause damage. My sports boots are my only supportive boots but there only for Cross Country.