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Bandaging and poulticing

Our helpful videos can support you if your vet advises you need to apply a bandage or a hoof poultice

  • Last reviewed: 4th September 2026
BHS Uniofnotts Leg Bandage 006 BHS Uniofnotts Leg Bandage 006

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Applying an emergency pressure bandage

An emergency pressure bandage is used to help control severe bleeding while waiting for your vet. It should only be applied in an emergency for a wound that is pumping, pulsing or spurting blood as it can cause damage if used inappropriately. If the situation is too dangerous to proceed, wait for your vet to arrive.

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How to bandage a wound

Your vet may advise you to apply a dressing to your horse's wound as part of their on going care. If applied incorrectly bandages can result in pressure points, sores and cause damage to your horse's limbs. Having a complete first-aid kit will make sure you have everything you need to apply a bandage.

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Applying a hoof poultice

A poultice can be applied to the hoof to encourage an abscess to burst through the hoof wall or sole. Once the abscess has burst through, switch to a non-adherent dressing as a poultice will continue to soften the hoof.

The video below will help you apply a hoof poultice.

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Helpful links

First Aid Kit Items

First-aid kit

Last updated: 2nd September 2026

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential at home and while travelling
Healthy Horse Side View High Risk Wound 72 Dpi

High-risk wound areas

Last updated: 3rd September 2026

Some wounds can appear minor, but their location can mean they’re close to important structures or may have difficulty healing.
Hosing Leg

Assessing a wound

Last updated: 2nd September 2026

It can be difficult to know if you need to contact a vet to treat a wound. our guide below will help you.
Proud Flesh

Types of wounds and wound healing

Last updated: 2nd September 2026

Understanding the different types of wounds, how they heal and what to look out for will help to safeguard your horse’s wellbeing
Thumbnail Pic 12 Walking Up

Lameness Signs, Assessment and Diagnosis

Last updated: 30th April 2026

Lameness can come from any part of the horse’s body and alter the way they move, behavioural traits and their ability to perform.
Horses Grooming Free Image Edited

Equine stress

Last updated: 10th April 2026

Equine stress can be described as the horse trying to cope with an undesirable aspect of their environment or management, that is causing a negative effect on their emotional health

Get in touch – we’re here to help 

Our Horse Care and Welfare team are here to help and can offer you further advice with any questions you may have. Contact us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk. You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels. 

Opening times are 8.35am–5pm from Monday — Thursday and 8.35am–3pm on Friday. 

*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.