Road Testing Equi-N-icE Reusable Cooling Bandages

Bid Ice Boots Goodbye

Showing has never been my cup of tea—well, until lately! My Azteca jumping pony has blossomed during the past year, and I’ve finally gotten to dabble in regional competitions. But when a weeks-long heat wave descended on Montana, I knew I needed to take extra steps to keep my horse cool, comfortable, and able to recovery quickly during events. 

After watching a vlog with Eventer Cameron Beer, in which he used Equi-N-icE’s Reusable Cooling Bandages, I reached out to the company. They kindly sent me two bandages and a bottle of coolant for my next show.

Note: I’ve already ordered a second full set of bandages and another bottle coolant on my own dime—that’s how much I love these!

Seeking a Better Way

Has anyone else noticed how dang expensive horse ice boots can be?! As if the cost wasn’t enough of a deterrent, lugging a giant cooler to horse shows just for boots—and having them last exactly one use before you need to refreeze them—wasn’t appealing. 

Plus, traditional ice packs and boots allow extreme cold temperatures to come into contact with the leg and can cause pain or damage to the tissue.

The other option is liniment and stable wraps, but that’s slower and more difficult to apply. Adding thick stovepipe wraps to hot legs can also feel…yuck. I keep returning to check the tightness and make sure they haven’t sagged down the leg, and I’m always hesitant to leave them on overnight.

I needed something small and simple that I could stick in my show trunk, use in any temperature, and apply in seconds. Too much to ask?

Initial Impressions

The first thing that struck me about the Equi-N-icE bandages was how compact and lightweight they were. Two bandages and a bottle of recharge coolant fit could easily fit in a small ringside backpack.

Each bandage comes in its own reusable bag, pre-loaded with coolant and ready to use. The Stable Pack includes a 500ml bottle of coolant, and the company recommends using ~80ml to recharge a bandage.

I took the full bottle to the show since my friend was bringing two horses and the forecast was 95+ degrees all weekend.

Horse First

Keeping our horses comfortable and healthy is always our top priority. We parked the trailer in a spot where the horses could enjoy a bit of shade and full breeze. We also brought a full water tank from home so they’d be more likely to drink it throughout the weekend.

Jax and I did two jumping classes the first day, along with a warmup session in the facility’s shaded indoor arena. Once we finished our rounds, it was back to the trailer for a long drink of water. (Good boy!)

I pulled off his tack and open-front jumping boots. He was pretty sweaty under the saddle, but his breathing was already back to normal. He was happy to munch hay and hang out with his buddy Teddy while I fetched the Equi-N-icE bandages.

Effectiveness in High Heat

By the time I applied the bandages, it was above 90 degrees. Using these bandages in such extreme heat would be a true test of their effectiveness.

Unlike traditional ice boots that require refrigeration and are cumbersome, Equi-N-icE bandages were ready to go right out of the resealable pouch.

I wrapped the first bandage around Jax’s front left leg, just as I would a polo wrap or standing wrap. A velcro-type strap at the top secured the bandage.

The company recommends overlapping the bandage by no more than a third, so that’s something I could improve next time. But the process was super easy and took less than one minute!

As soon as the bandages were on, I could feel the instant cooling take effect.

I was thoroughly impressed by how fast-acting and effective they were. The bandages pulled heat away from his legs quickly, without the bulk of standing wraps or ice boots.

It was so comforting to know that, within just a few minutes, I could support Jax’s recovery by drawing heat away, rather than forcing cold in (as ice packs do). 

Recharge & Reuse

Show days are busy, and I loved being able to safely leave Jax in his cooling bandages while I helped my friend tack up and show her pony.

As soon as she finished her classes, we moved the wraps to Teddy’s legs. It only took a couple minutes to unwrap Jax, roll up the wraps, pour Recharge Coolant over them in their pouches, then wrap them around Teddy’s legs. 

Best of all, Jax’s legs felt perfect when I removed the wraps—zero puffiness or heat. Magic!

Step-by-step directions for applying the bandages:

• Take the bandage out of the resealable pouch.
• Squeeze excess fluid back into the pouch, bandage should be damp not dripping wet.
• Securely wrap bandage around the leg, following proper wrapping procedure.
• Do not overlap the bandage by more than a third or it’ll reduce the coolant’s ability to evaporate.
• Fasten the bandage with the self grip strap.
• For best results, leave the bandage on for at least 20 minutes.

After use, follow these steps:

• Remove the bandage, roll up, and replace into resealable pouch.
• Add 80ml of recharge coolant.
• Seal the pouch and shake briefly.
• The bandage is now ready for its next use.

Clinical Validation

The effectiveness of Equi-N-icE isn’t just anecdotal either. Clinical trials have demonstrated a dramatic improvement in pain management and mobility compared to traditional cryotherapies.

The bandages draw heat away through evaporation, ensuring that the treatment area is cooled safely without the risk of tissue damage.

The treated area will drop by 10-15°C and stay that way for up to 2-3 hours.

Equi-N-icE bandages are designed to avoid the risks associated with ice therapy, such as frostbite and nerve damage from over-exposure to extreme cold. Here are some key benefits:

• Instant Cold Treatment: The bandages lower the temperature of the treated area by 10 to 15°C within 20 minutes, which is critical for managing pain and inflammation.
• Ease of Application: Even for awkward areas like knees and hocks, the bandages are straightforward to apply. They stay cold for up to two hours, providing sustained relief without needing constant attention.
• No Refrigeration Needed: This feature is a significant advantage, especially when you’re on the go. The bandages can be used anytime, anywhere.
• Reusable and Cost-Effective: After use, simply roll up the bandage, place it back in the pouch, add 80ml of recharge coolant, and it’s ready for the next application.

Equi-N-icE Saves the Day

During a single show, the practicality of Equi-N-icE bandages became evident. Not only did they provide immediate relief to my own pony, but they also helped speed up recovery time for two of my friend’s horses. 

When Teddy finished jumping, we came back to get her other horse Bruce tacked up. He had somehow scraped his leg in the trailer (ugh, horses) and it was already getting puffy. Equi-N-icE to the rescue!

I suggested we wrap his cut leg with the cooling bandage for 20 minutes while we got him ready. We pulled the bandages off Teddy, recharged them with coolant, and immediately wrapped Bruce’s leg.

Even that short amount of time did wonders—the puffiness went down, the cut looked better, and he was sound as a pound the entire show.

The immediate reusability makes them a cost-effective solution for ongoing care.

Key Takeaways

As I alluded to up top, I’ve already ordered two bandages for a gift, four more for myself, and a Recharge Coolant refill. These products are now a staple of my show kit!

My favorite things:

• Fast: Prepping, wrapping, and recharging the bandages is super fast. I can get my horse’s legs cooling within a minute..
• Easy: I can wrap legs fairly well, but I always worry I’ll mess something up. These bandages are so easy to do “right” that I never wasted a moment worrying.
• Reusable: With a quick dash of coolant, these wraps are ready to go back to work. This is especially useful if you’re showing with friends and want to help their horses recover, too.
• Safe: I don’t want ice touching my horse’s skin, and these wraps are the perfect alternative. Plus, the bandages don’t get too tight or sag as they dry.
• Portable: No giant cooler, no bags of ice—just a small bottle of room temperature coolant and the wraps. I tossed them in my bucket of horse care supplies for packing, and I can also pop them into my backpack at shows.

Food for Thought:

• Sticky Strap: The blue strap that secures the end of the wrap is quite long—at least on a 14.1hh pony. 
• Fabric Durability: I love the mesh-like quality of the bandage, through I worry it may be easy to snag and rip.
• Wrap Color: Would love a non-white option so dirt is less visible.
• U.S. Distributor: It’d be great to have these more readily available for US riders vs. shipping overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Equi-N-icE and Equinice the same thing?

They sure are! While the official name of the product line is Equi-N-icE, some retailers use “Equinice” for simplicity’s sake.

Q: Is Equi-N-icE competition safe?

Great question, and luckily the answer is YES! Horses who have had Equi-N-icE applied have been consistently blood and urine tested whilst using the product under British Jockey Club rules.

Q: Can you use Equi-N-icE coolant with any bandage?

Equi-N-icE bandages are made from special 100% undyed cotton with its own natural elasticity, so compression can safely be applied during wrapping.

Do NOT use other bandages that have elasticity in them as they may tighten and damage legs when they dry.

Q: Can you safely leave the wraps on more than two hours?

Unlike other cooling products on the market, Equi-N-icE will eventually dry out and can be safely left on for support overnight.

Q: Can you cover an Equi-N-icE bandage?

Because Equi-N-icE works by rapid evaporation, covering them will reduce the cooling effect.

Q: Are Equi-N-icE bandages washable?

Yes! Wash it like any normal cotton bandage—in a warm wash then line dry.

Parting Thoughts

Equi-N-icE’s Reusable Cooling Bandage is a revolutionary product that has genuinely impressed me. Its unique cooling system, ease of use, and clinical validation make it an indispensable tool for every equestrian.

Having used them in high heat conditions and seen their immediate effect, I can confidently say that Equi-N-icE has created a product that every horse owner and trainer should consider adding to their first aid and show kit. The convenience, effectiveness, and safety of these bandages make them an outstanding investment in your horse’s health and well-being!

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