What causes stocking up after hauling?

Reduced movement, heat buildup, and standing for hours can contribute to mild leg filling after travel. A structured cool-down, clean skin, and smart compression help.

Should I cool or warm after a long haul?

Post-travel, prioritize cooling and clean legs before any compression. Save warming products for pre-ride in cold weather—not immediately after hauling.

Can I apply product under standing wraps after travel?

Yes—if the product is clean, show-aware, and designed for under-wrap use. Apply a thin, even layer and allow brief set time before wrapping.

When should I call the veterinarian?

If one leg is hot/painful, the horse is lame, or swelling persists beyond 24–48 hours, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Recovery Theme • Show-aware routine

Haul-Day Recovery for Horses: Trailer Legs, Cooling & Compression

Travel is its own workout. Hours of standing, heat, and micro-bracing can leave legs puffy and minds over it. Here’s a simple post-haul plan that keeps horses comfortable today and ready to go tomorrow.

Step 1 — Walk it down (8–12 minutes)

Unload, loosen the girth, and hand-walk on level ground. Let breathing settle and joints cycle before you touch water or wraps.

Step 2 — Cool clean (don’t trap heat)

Hose or sponge cool water from knee/hock downward. Scrape between passes so water doesn’t hold heat against the leg. If specific areas run hot, use a quick pass of CryoSpray® and allow to dry per label.

Tip: Dust + sweat from the road = skin irritation risk. Rinse clean now to help tomorrow’s wraps and boots sit better.

Step 3 — Thin, even support layer

On clean, damp-dry legs, smooth on a thin, even layer of an under-wrap-friendly gel. Many riders keep the Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel in the trailer for this step—it stays where you put it and won’t sting.

Show-aware: Always follow the label and your association’s current rules.

Step 4 — Compression, correctly

Use clean quilts and standing wraps; no wrinkles or debris.
Even tension—secure but not strangling. Two fingers under the edge.
Re-check at 30–45 minutes for temperature, comfort, and slip.
Typical time windows: 2–4 hours or overnight for known stockers.

Avoid: Wrapping on wet legs, globbing product, or wrapping over irritated skin.

Step 5 — Log & adjust

Note any filling patterns, which legs puff first, and how long they take to tighten. This informs tomorrow’s work and what you wrap on the way home.

Real Riders, Real Routines

Barrel Racing & Big Heart: Jenna Riga — consistent, calm recovery on the road.
Real Rider of the Month: Kaydence Grant — small, steady habits that travel well.

Helpful Hubs

Solution Finder — build a routine for your travel calendar.
Show-Day Prep Guide — smooth mornings start here.
Switch & Save — keep essentials stocked without guesswork.

Haul-Day FAQ

Should I wrap in the trailer?

Protective shipping boots or wraps can help on the road, but they’re not a substitute for post-haul cooling and checks. After unloading, reassess before applying compression.

My horse stocks up overnight—wrap or walk?

Both have a place. Gentle walking and turnout are first-line; on stall nights, clean compression over a thin support layer helps, with a mid-session check.

When do I skip product under wraps?

Skip if the skin is irritated or you can’t get the leg dry. Treat skin first; return to wraps when everything is calm and clean.

Educational content—not a diagnosis. Always follow label directions and current rules. If heat, swelling, or lameness persists, consult your veterinarian.