Ice Wraps

There are many ice-wrap products available today. Most are simply a reusable bandage or neoprene sleeve with a pocket for ice or an ice pack. Most do not provide consistent cold over the whole area of the bandage for any length of time. More sophisticated cooling systems exist but are far more expensive, and may not cool the hoof to the temperatures needed to prevent laminitis. Ultimately, the best way to cool a lower limb or hoof is to stand the horse in ice water, though this is not always easy or practical.

When you are away from a freezer or a supply of ice — traveling, at a show, or on the trail — single-use instant cold packs are a practical addition to the kit. You squeeze or strike the pack to activate a chemical reaction that makes it cold without refrigeration, then apply it over a thin layer of cloth to an acute injury such as a fresh strain, bruise, or area of swelling. They are inexpensive and store indefinitely. Keep in mind that an instant pack stays cold only for a limited time and does not deliver the sustained, deep cooling needed to treat or prevent laminitis; for that, cold water or ice immersion remains far superior. Treat the instant pack as a first-response tool for when nothing colder is available.