6 Best Horse No Bow Wraps For Pasture Turnout That Horsemen Swear By
Protect your horse’s legs during turnout. We review 6 top-rated no-bow wraps chosen by horsemen for their durability, support, and secure fit in the pasture.
You look out at the pasture and see your older gelding, a little stiff from an old injury, taking a clumsy step in the mud. Or maybe your show horse just came home from a long weekend and needs some extra support while he unwinds. Choosing to wrap a horse for turnout isn’t a decision to take lightly, but sometimes, it’s the right tool for the job.
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The Role of No Bows in Pasture Leg Protection
Using no bow wraps for turnout is a calculated risk. The primary goal is to provide soft, even padding under a standing bandage to protect a horse’s lower legs from scrapes, stocks, or interference injuries. They can also offer mild support and help manage swelling for a horse on stall rest that’s getting limited, quiet turnout.
This isn’t an everyday solution for every horse. A wrap left on in the field can get wet, slip down, or get snagged on a branch. The risk of a bandage bow or a tangled leg is real and serious. This practice is best reserved for specific situations: a horse recovering from a minor strain, an older horse needing gentle support, or a horse prone to stocking up that needs to be out of its stall.
The decision hinges on your horse, your pasture, and your skill. A quiet, sensible horse in a clean, flat paddock is a much better candidate than a young, rowdy one in a field full of trees and gullies. If you’re not 100% confident in your wrapping ability, it’s better to find another solution.
Back on Track Therapeutic Wraps for Recovery
Back on Track wraps are a go-to for horses needing more than just padding. Their standout feature is the Welltex fabric, which is infused with ceramic particles. The idea is that this material reflects the horse’s own body heat back as far-infrared energy, which can help increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
Think of these as a recovery tool. They’re excellent for the horse with chronic arthritis, persistent windpuffs, or one coming back into work after a soft tissue injury. The gentle, consistent therapeutic effect can make a noticeable difference in comfort and mobility during low-key turnout.
The tradeoff is price and care. These are an investment, and they require careful washing to maintain the fabric’s properties. They aren’t the wraps you want to see caked in mud every day, so they’re best for drier conditions and horses that are relatively clean in the field.
Wilker’s Combo Quilt Wraps for Durability
When you need a wrap that just works, day in and day out, Wilker’s is often the answer. These are the workhorses of the no bow world. They are typically made with a durable poly-cotton broadcloth on the outside and a soft, absorbent flannel on the inside, sandwiching a dense foam or fiberfill core.
Their biggest advantage is their sheer toughness and longevity. You can wash them repeatedly, and they hold their shape without bunching or compressing into useless, thin pads. This resilience makes them a practical choice for the realities of pasture life, where mud and moisture are inevitable.
While they don’t offer the fancy therapeutic tech of other brands, they excel at their core job: providing consistent, uniform padding to protect against pressure points from the outer bandage. For simple protection and reliability, Wilker’s is a classic for a reason.
Professional’s Choice SMB-3 No-Bow Wraps
Professional’s Choice has built a reputation on well-engineered leg protection, and their no-bow wraps are no exception. These are often designed to integrate seamlessly with their other products, providing a complete system for those who trust the brand. They feature quality construction and materials designed to withstand regular use.
These wraps are a solid middle-ground option. They offer excellent padding and a conforming fit that helps them stay in place, which is critical for turnout. The materials are often a bit more modern than traditional quilts, offering good breathability without sacrificing cushion.
Consider these if you’re looking for a step up from a basic quilt but don’t need the full therapeutic features of a ceramic-infused wrap. They provide a reliable, well-made product from a company that specializes in equine leg care. It’s a dependable choice for general-purpose support and protection.
Draper Therapies Quilted Wraps for Joint Support
Draper Therapies offers another therapeutic option, utilizing a technology called Celliant. Similar to Back on Track, Celliant-infused fabric is designed to convert body heat into infrared energy. The claimed benefit is an increase in local circulation and tissue oxygen levels, which can aid in recovery and reduce pain.
Many horsemen find Draper wraps to be a bit lighter and less heat-intensive than some other therapeutic options. This can make them a better choice for horses in warmer climates or those sensitive to heavy wraps. They provide the potential benefits of increased circulation without trapping as much heat.
The choice between Draper and other therapeutic brands often comes down to the individual horse. Some horses respond better to one technology over the other. If you’re looking for joint support or to manage mild swelling without adding too much warmth, Draper is an excellent wrap to consider.
EquiFit T-Sport No Bows: A Breathable Pick
Heat and moisture are the enemies of a healthy leg under a wrap. EquiFit’s T-Sport line directly addresses this with a focus on breathability and moisture-wicking. These wraps often feature a perforated, medical-grade foam that allows heat to escape and air to circulate.
This makes them an outstanding choice for turnout in humid or hot weather. By keeping the leg cooler and drier, you reduce the risk of skin funk and irritation that can develop when a leg is wrapped for extended periods. They are lightweight and conform exceptionally well to the leg’s contours.
The compromise here can sometimes be in the density of the padding. While they offer good protection, they may feel less substantial than a thick, traditional quilt. However, for a horse with sensitive skin or for use during summer months, the benefit of superior ventilation is a massive advantage.
Vac’s Deluxe No Bows: A Traditional Choice
For decades, Vac’s wraps have been the gold standard in tack rooms across the country. They are the definition of a traditional, no-frills, high-quality no bow. Made with a durable cover and a dense, resilient foam core, they are famous for never bunching, wrinkling, or breaking down.
The key to a Vac’s wrap is its consistency. The foam provides perfectly even pressure under a standing bandage, which is the single most important factor in preventing bandage bows. They are simple, incredibly long-lasting, and do their one job perfectly.
There is no advanced technology here. You are buying craftsmanship and proven materials. For the horseman who values reliability and tradition over the latest therapeutic claims, Vac’s remains an unmatched choice for safe, effective padding.
Applying No Bow Wraps Safely for Turnout
Putting wraps on for turnout requires precision. An incorrect wrap is far more dangerous than no wrap at all. The process must be meticulous every single time, as a slipped or overtightened bandage can cause catastrophic injury.
Start with a completely clean and dry leg. Any dirt or moisture trapped under the wrap can cause severe skin irritation. Place the no bow smoothly against the leg, ensuring there are no wrinkles. The edge should sit just below the knee or hock and extend down to the bottom of the fetlock.
When applying the outer standing bandage, the tension is everything. It must be snug enough to stay up, but not tight enough to restrict circulation. Follow these critical rules:
- Pull the bandage only across the front of the cannon bone, never across the delicate tendons at the back.
- Apply even, consistent pressure with each pass.
- Overlap each layer by about 50%.
- Ensure you have at least a half-inch of no bow visible at the top and bottom to prevent the bandage from cutting in.
If you have any doubt, ask an experienced vet or horseman to check your work. This is one area where it’s better to be cautious than confident.
Ultimately, the best no bow wrap is the one that suits your horse’s specific needs and is applied with skill and care. Whether you choose a high-tech therapeutic wrap or a time-tested traditional quilt, safety must always be the first consideration. A well-chosen, correctly applied wrap can be a valuable tool, but only when used with knowledge and respect for the risks involved.
