Q1 Prevention Series

Preventing the Spring Slide in Senior Horses

Published January 27, 2026 • Draw It Out® Horse Health Care Solutions

Senior horses don’t usually break down in spring. They lose ground quietly in winter—and never quite get it back.

What the “spring slide” really is

The spring slide happens when winter routines loosen just enough to let stiffness, swelling, and compensation creep in. By the time spring workload increases, the horse is already behind.

Seniors don’t need more intensity. They need fewer gaps.

Why seniors are more vulnerable

Reduced circulation efficiency
Slower tissue recovery
Less margin for missed days
Greater impact from cold and inactivity

The winter habits that protect spring soundness

Daily movement, even on light days
Consistent leg checks after work
Thin, even liniment gel application
Hydration support despite cold weather
No long gaps in routine

A steady daily foundation matters most here: Draw It Out® Liniment Collection

What not to do

Do not “wait for spring” to tighten routines
Do not overcorrect with aggressive products
Do not change systems weekly

Senior horses respond best to calm, predictable care: Senior Horse Care

Protect what you’ve already built

Soundness lost in winter is hard to earn back in spring. Prevention now keeps your senior horse steady when the work increases.

Build a Senior-Safe Routine

Start here

Reading first? Here’s the clean path.

This article explains background and context. If you’re here to act, these are the most common next steps riders take.

What this looks like in real barns

Keep your barn dialed in

Simple, rider-trusted tips and tools.

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Build a Complete Recovery Routine

Want a smarter way to handle soreness, heat, swelling, and post-ride leg care? Visit our Performance Recovery Hub for clear routines and product guidance.

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