Trail Ride Horse Recovery

There’s nothing like hitting the trails with your horse—open space, fresh air, and long, steady miles. But after the ride, recovery becomes critical to maintaining your horse’s soundness, comfort, and performance. Trail rides can be deceptively taxing, especially if your horse isn’t used to uneven terrain or long-distance work. Here's how to help them recover right.

1. Start with a Gentle Cool Down

Allow your horse to walk for 10-15 minutes at the end of the ride. This helps flush lactic acid from muscles and brings the heart rate back to normal. Avoid immediately tying up or stalling your horse without a proper cool-down period.

2. Assess and Rinse

Check for heat, swelling, or soreness in the legs, back, and girth area. Use a hose or sponge bath with cool water to bring down inflammation, then scrape the water off to help with cooling. For an extra boost, add Draw It Out® Liniment to your bath water to support circulation and ease soreness.

3. Apply Liniment to Support Recovery

Massage Draw It Out® Gel or MasterMudd™ into key muscle groups and joints post-ride. These help reduce inflammation, soothe tired legs, and promote recovery after long rides. They’re safe to use under standing wraps or alone.

4. Hydration & Electrolyte Replenishment

Trail rides mean sweating—sometimes a lot. Ensure your horse has clean water available, and consider adding Hydro-Lyte™ to help replace lost electrolytes and keep muscles functioning properly post-exercise.

5. Turnout or Light Movement

After a break, allow your horse some turnout time. Gentle movement keeps circulation flowing and prevents stiffness. Avoid stalling them for long periods immediately after a ride unless they’re wrapped and supported.