Windgalls — soft, fluid-filled swellings commonly found around a horse’s fetlock, cannon, or tendon sheath — are often spotted during routine grooming or physical checks. While many horse owners regard them as a benign cosmetic issue, they can sometimes signal repeated soft tissue stress or early signs of strain that warrant further attention. Understanding how windgalls present across different horses and how they relate to workload and management can help owners make better care decisions.
This article summarises insights from an anecdotal study of 25 horses diagnosed with windgalls, offering real-world observations about how these swellings appeared, how the horses performed, and what treatment or management strategies were used. By exploring trends seen in actual cases, we aim to provide useful context for owners and caregivers — helping you spot early warning signs, differentiate harmless swellings from concerning ones, and tailor supportive care that protects long-term comfort and soundness.
Whether you’re familiar with windgalls or seeing them for the first time, the patterns and experiences discussed here offer practical perspectives you can apply in your own horse care routines.
✔ Repair when something goes wrong.
✔ Prevent problems before they occur.
✔ Perfect their daily routines.
Can a horse diagnosed with Windgalls use EQU StreamZ magnetic bands?
This study was developed internally to help provide efficacy evidence to support whether EQU StreamZ advanced magnetic bands can be used alongside a horse who has been diagnosed with Windgalls (or wind puffs).
There is currently no scientifically proven cure for Windgalls, as such, owners around the world use a variety of methods to support the condition.
StreamZ introduction of advanced magnetism to the equine community is of significant interest as its unique approach to magnetism creates no heat, unlike traditional magnets. This is of relevance when using on an animal who is experiencing some form of inflammation, where increasing heat should be avoided. EQU StreamZ can there for be worn by a horse with Windgalls.
Study group of 25 horses with Windgalls
Twenty-five (25) horses previously diagnosed with Windgalls (Wind puffs) were sourced using social media and evaluated by their owners for 30 days. StreamZ had no previous relationship with the owners and the horses had not been using StreamZ technology prior to the trial.
Initially a survey was sent to each owner and once the horse qualified a set of bands was sent to them. They were then required to keep them on for 30 days and to report back via another survey with what impact the technology had after those 30 days.
Many of these horses had been administered various treatments and medications prior to the study and were interested to establish what impact EQU StreamZ magnetic bands would have on their horses Windgalls and recovery process.
Study findings after 30-days of use
After 30 days of use owners completed a 'final survey' by answering a series of questions relating to their horses Windgalls. These anecdotal survey results provide a level of efficacy when suggested EQU StreamZ bands can be used alongside a horse with Windgalls.
The study makes no medical claims and is purely anecdotal evidence form other users of the technology. No professionally prescribed medications or treatments should be replaced.
Question 1) Can you confirm that your horse has worn the bands for a minimum period of 8 hours within a 24 hour period, consistently through the trial.
This indicated that the study was consistent and that no horses in the trial were left without the product for longer than the recommended period of time. Although two horses can in theory share a set of bands we recommend that every horse uses StreamZ technology for at least 8 hours per day and specifically when sleeping (in 'recovery mode')
Question 2) As a result of using EQU StreamZ horse bands have you noticed a reduction in the windgall?
Windgalls create swellings that develop slightly above or behind the fetlock joint, rarely creating pain or lameness but not the prettiest of sites. Many owners use cold compresses or bandages on an ongoing basis to help reduce this inflammation.
Question 3) At what stage in the study did you notice a reduction in the windgalls?
Windgalls are notoriously stubborn to reduce so our team were keen to understand how quickly the impact was seen. As owners we expect results quickly so this question was included so we could provide accurate information when asked how long the technology should take to work.
Results showed that 64% of horses experienced a reduction in their windgalls within 7 days, with the others reporting it took up to 15 days.
Question 4) If a reduction of swelling was observed; were previous methods of treatments reduced as a result?
Managing a horse with windgalls can require continuous management with owners often needing to use bandages on a daily basis. Other treatments used to support a horse with windgalls include cold compression products,
Question 5) Would you recommend EQU StreamZ horse bands to other owners who have a horse diagnosed with windgalls?
A vital question to ask owners at the end of the study, and a real indication to other owners looking to support their horse with windgalls that EQU StreamZ are a genuine option.
In summary
Easy-to-use and suitable for turnout, advanced magnetism has shown to be a valuable tool when used alongside a horse with windgalls. (96% of this study group agree!)
👉 Articles of interest:
If your horse is recovering from injury, read our complete guide to Rehabilitation & Recovery for Equine Injuries (Repair).
Prevention is as important as cure. With this in mind, read our guide to How to Prevent Injuries in Horses (Prevent).
To go beyond prevention and optimise long-term soundness, explore Optimising Performance in Horses (Perfect).