What causes muscle soreness in horses?

Overexertion, poor warm-up or cool-down, and sudden workload increases are common causes of equine muscle soreness.

How do I prevent muscle soreness after riding?

Warm up slowly, cool down properly, and use circulation-supporting liniments post-ride.

Can liniment help horse muscle recovery?

Yes. Show-safe liniments like Draw It Out® Gel can be massaged into large muscle groups to reduce stiffness and support faster recovery.

Prevent Muscle Soreness in Horses | Draw It Out®

October 7, 2025

Real Rider Resource

Prevent Muscle Soreness in Horses

5-minute read • Updated for training recovery

Muscle soreness slows progress and frustrates both horse and rider. But with the right care, you can prevent stiffness and keep your horse comfortable after work.

Pro tip: soreness tomorrow starts with how you cool down today.

Simple Prevention Routine

Warm Up Gradually — Start each ride with 10 minutes of walk and stretching exercises.
Cool Down Thoroughly — Always walk your horse until breathing and heart rate return to normal.
Apply Liniment — Massage Draw It Out® 16oz Gel into large muscle groups (back, loins, hindquarters) to reduce stiffness.
Hydrate & Feed Well — Proper nutrition and hydration support muscle repair.
Check for Irritation — Use Rapid Relief Restorative Cream on any tack rubs or skin issues to avoid secondary soreness.

Why Show-Safe Matters

Horses in competition need daily recovery care. Show-safe liniments let you support muscles without worrying about compliance issues. Learn more in our deep dive: Liniments with Purpose – Show-Safe Rider’s Guide.