When temperatures drop, ensuring your horse stays healthy and active becomes a top priority. Cold weather affects not only muscles but also the tendons and ligaments that are crucial for your horse’s mobility and performance. Without proper care, these connective tissues can become stiff, strained, or even injured during exercise during the cold months of the year. Fortunately, Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages are designed to support tendon and ligament health, all year round and can be a big game changer, especially in cold weather conditions.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Tendons and Ligaments
Tendons and ligaments are made up of dense connective tissue that requires proper circulation to stay flexible and strong. In cold weather, reduced blood flow can make these tissues stiffer and more prone to injury.
Here’s how cold weather affects tendons and ligaments:
Reduced Flexibility: Tendons and ligaments lose elasticity in colder temperatures, increasing the likelihood of strains or tears during exercise.
Slower Warm-Up: Cold weather can delay the activation of tendons and ligaments, making them less effective at absorbing shock and transferring force.
Higher Injury Risk: Stiffness in the connective tissues can lead to overloading, increasing the risk of injuries like tendonitis or ligament sprains.
The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament —critical for movement and stability — are especially vulnerable to cold-induced stiffness and strain.
How Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages Help?
The Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages applied around the cannon bone, are specifically designed to promote blood flow in the lower legs bringing oxygen delivery to the tendons and ligaments. Using Incrediwear fabric technology embedded with semiconductors like carbon and germanium, the bandages are activated by the horse’s body heat, stimulating increased circulation to the targeted area.
Here’s how they support tendon and ligament health during cold-weather exercise:
Improved Warm-Up
By increasing circulation around the cannon bone, the bandages help tendons and ligaments warm up more efficiently. This ensures they are more elastic and ready to absorb the forces of movement, reducing the risk of strain.
Tendon and Ligament Protection
Enhanced blood flow keeps tendons and ligaments more pliable, reducing the likelihood of micro-tears or overloading injuries during exercise. This is especially important for horses working on uneven or frozen ground.
Fatigue Reduction
Better circulation improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to the connective tissues, allowing them to perform longer without becoming fatigued. This is critical for maintaining strength and resilience during extended exercise.
How to Use Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages Effectively?
While preparing the horse for the ride:
Apply the bandages around the cannon bone, immediately after grooming the legs before the activity. This helps to prepare tendons and ligaments for the activity by boosting circulation and oxygenation, improving flexibility, and reducing injury risks.
During Exercise:
Use the bandages during workouts to maintain circulation and prevent injuries by keeping connective tissues supple and strong.
Cool Down:
Keep the bandages on during the cool-down phase to support recovery by reducing inflammation and preventing stiffness in the tendons and ligaments.
Post Exercise recovery:
To extend the benefits of the Incrediwear Equine technology use Incrediwear Equice Standing wraps during stable rest to improve circulation and prevent stiffness and swelling on your legs during stable rest.
Why Use Circulation Bandages?
Winter workouts often involve unique challenges: frozen ground, colder air, and the increased risk of stiffness and strain. Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages offer a targeted solution to these challenges by actively supporting the health of your horse’s lower legs. By promoting circulation and improving tissue elasticity, they ensure your horse stays comfortable, protected, and ready for the next ride.
Protecting What Matters Most
Tendons and ligaments are at the heart of every stride your horse takes. With Incrediwear Equine Circulation Exercise Bandages, you can give them the support they need to thrive—even in the coldest conditions. Whether you’re preparing for a competition, going on a trail ride, or simply keeping your horse active through the winter, these bandages are your partner in equine care.