Without seeing the wound, it is very difficult to provide instruction. Unless you are very comfortable bandaging legs, you will need to have a veterinarian or someone very comfortable with bandaging instruct you about the way to bandage the leg without causing further damage. If the injury involves much of the hoof, you may need to place a foot bandage (bandage that encloses the foot) first, then place a leg bandage starting at the ground over the foot bandage. This method helps hold the leg bandage in place and keeps the hoof bandage in place as well.
Other concerns that you must consider with an injury in this area include:
1) Did the injury involve any vital structures such as joints, tendons or tendon sheaths? These need to be recognized early and treated aggressively to have a successful outcome; a sound horse. Treatment includes antibiotics and potentially flushing the area under surgical conditions. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be given to control pain. If your horse is lame as a result of this cut, I would strongly suggest that your veterinarian examine your horse.
2) Cuts in this area have a tendency to develop proud flesh during the healing process even when bandaged. Various treatments are used for proud flesh depending upon the severity and area effected; consult your veterinarian.
3) If the wound is deep, the horse will likely also need to be put on antibiotics until the wound starts to heal well.
4) Depending on when the last tetanus vaccination was given, a booster may be needed. Tetanus is present world-wide and is easily prevented with vaccination on a yearly basis.
