February 2005

Sweat That Leg Out

This bandaging technique has changed little over the years and remains as effective as ever.

A leg sweat requires minimal supplies.

Sweating is the time-honored practice of applying an occlusive wrap to a horse’s leg in an effort to trap heat and moisture and promote healing. You can use a flexible, Velcro-closure neoprene boot or a stall wrap with a layer of plastic wrap between the cotton/quilt and the outer bandage.

Sweating may be done with the leg dry or after application of a “sweat” product. These sweating rubs/liniments vary from as simple as straight viscous solutions like glycerin or polyethylene glycol to medicated sweats with ingredients like alum or other drawing agents. Even the mouthwash Listerine can be used in sweats. …