Gamgee Padding for Horses: How to Wrap Legs and Wounds

By Pet Health Supplies Delivered to Your Door. — PETRX.com | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Guides pratiques

Learn how to apply Gamgee cotton padding for horse leg wraps and wound bandages, with step-by-step guidance and practical checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.

Quick answer

Apply Gamgee Highly Absorbent Padding in overlapping layers around the leg or wound, keeping it smooth and free of wrinkles, then secure it with a bandage. Always wrap from the cannon bone downward and check for tightness and slippage.

Why Gamgee works for legs and wounds

Gamgee is a hospital-quality 100% cotton roll with a non-woven, low-adherent cover. That cover helps prevent the bandage from sticking to a wound, while the cotton padding absorbs moisture and provides support. It stays strong even when wet, which matters for a horse that may sweat or step in a puddle.

For leg wraps, the padding distributes pressure and cushions the cannon bone. For wounds, the low-adherent layer reduces trauma when you change the dressing. Gamgee is indicated for use on horses, dogs, and cats, so it can serve multiple animals in your barn.

When to choose Gamgee over other padding

Gamgee is a good fit when you need absorbency plus padding in one layer, such as a wound that is draining or a leg that needs support during stall rest. It is less ideal for a wound that needs frequent inspection without disturbing the area, because you will still need to unwrap and reapply.

If your horse has a known adhesive allergy, note that Gamgee itself does not contain adhesive; the bandage you use over it does. Test any tape or cohesive wrap on a small area first.

Step-by-step: applying Gamgee padding

Gather supplies and prepare the area: You will need Gamgee padding, a bandage or cohesive wrap, scissors, and tape. Clean the wound or leg if needed, and make sure the area is dry. Cut a length of Gamgee long enough to wrap around the leg with overlap.
Start at the bottom and wrap upward: Begin just above the fetlock and wrap upward toward the knee, overlapping each layer by about half the width of the padding. Keep the roll flat against the leg and unroll it as you go. Common mistake: pulling too tight at the bottom, which can cause pressure points. Check that you can slide one finger under the top edge of the wrap.
Smooth out wrinkles as you wrap: Wrinkles in the padding can create pressure points and rub the skin. After each layer, run your hand over the wrap to smooth it. If the padding bunches, rewrap that section.
Secure with a bandage or cohesive wrap: Hold the Gamgee in place and wrap a bandage or cohesive wrap over it, again starting from the bottom and moving up with even tension. Do not pull the bandage tighter than the padding; it should be snug but not indenting the skin. If the bandage slips down, it is too loose; if it leaves marks, it is too tight.
Check for fit and comfort: After wrapping, check that the padding extends beyond the bandage at the top and bottom to prevent the bandage edges from rubbing. Watch the horse walk a few steps; the wrap should stay in place without slipping or causing lameness.
Monitor and change regularly: Check the wrap at least twice daily for slipping, moisture, or odor. Change the padding if it becomes wet or soiled, and inspect the wound or leg each time. For wounds, change the dressing as directed by your veterinarian. If the horse shows signs of pain, swelling, or the wrap feels hot, remove it and call your vet.

Product facts

Gamgee Highly Absorbent Padding Cotton: Gamgee Highly Absorbent Padding is a 100% cotton roll with a non-woven, low-adherent cover. The low-adherent cover helps keep the padding from sticking to wounds, making dressing changes less painful for the horse.
Gamgee Highly Absorbent Padding Cotton