Preventing Stocking Up in Horses – Keep Legs Tight, Healthy, and Ready to Ride

Introduction:

Stocking up—those swollen, puffy legs after standing in a stall—can be frustrating for any horse owner. While it’s often not painful at first, swelling signals poor circulation and fluid buildup that can lead to soreness if ignored.

The good news? With a little daily care and Draw It Out® Liniment, you can reduce the risk and keep your horse’s legs healthy, tight, and ready for every ride.

1. Understand Why Stocking Up Happens:

Stocking up is your horse’s way of telling you their circulation is sluggish—and it’s more common than you think.

✅ Common Triggers:
✔ Limited movement stalls circulation, causing fluid accumulation in the lower legs.
✔ Weather changes, age, or heavier workloads increase the likelihood.
✔ Extended stall time, especially overnight, is a classic culprit.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t ignore those puffy fetlocks—small signs today can mean soft tissue strain tomorrow.

2. Keep Your Horse Moving:

Movement is medicine when it comes to preventing stocking up.

✅ Daily Movement Goals:
✔ Regular turnout is the best prevention—fresh air and freedom to move keeps legs tight.
✔ Hand walking or light lunging if turnout isn’t possible.
✔ Stretching exercises and pole work during rides to stimulate circulation and engage muscles.

💡 Pro Tip: Even 15-20 minutes of hand walking can make a difference for a stalled horse.

3. Use Draw It Out® Liniment for Daily Support:

Liniment is your secret weapon against stocking up—supporting circulation and soothing tired legs.

✅ How to Use Draw It Out® Liniment:
✔ Apply after workouts or before overnight stalling.
✔ Massage gently into legs to promote blood flow and reduce swelling.
✔ Pair with standing wraps if needed, especially after hauling or hard training sessions.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep Draw It Out® Liniment in your daily grooming kit—it’s safe enough for daily use and gentle on sensitive skin.

4. Check Daily for Changes:

The earlier you catch mild swelling, the easier it is to prevent long-term issues.

✅ What to Look For:
✔ Heat, swelling, or puffiness around fetlocks and cannon bones.
✔ Changes in leg tightness after work or overnight.
✔ Resistance under saddle—tight legs can lead to reduced range of motion.

✔ Cold hose or reapply liniment if legs are slow to tighten up.

💡 Pro Tip: Routine checks during grooming save time (and vet bills) down the road.

5. Long-Term Management:

Preventing stocking up is a marathon, not a sprint—keep the big picture in mind.

✅ Key Management Tips:
✔ Maintain regular farrier care to support correct leg alignment and balance.
✔ Monitor diet and hydration—healthy horses circulate fluids better.
✔ Make Draw It Out® Liniment part of your daily recovery routine to support muscles and circulation long-term.

💡 Pro Tip: Watch seasonal changes—horses often stock up more in cold, damp weather or during spring mud season.

Preventing stocking up comes down to movement, proactive care, and muscle support. By adding Draw It Out® Liniment to your daily leg care routine, you’ll help your horse stay tight, healthy, and ready for every ride—no puffy legs, no problem! 🐎✨

🚀 Ready to support your horse this spring?

Grab your Draw It Out® Liniment and let’s make this your horse’s best season yet! 💪🐎