Winter is unforgiving to aging joints. As temperatures drop, senior horses often take shorter steps, hesitate to move off, or struggle to warm up at all. Arthritis that stayed quiet in summer suddenly becomes impossible to ignore.

This doesn’t mean your horse is “done.” It means winter requires smarter management, better preparation, and consistent support that respects an older body.

Why Arthritis Gets Worse in Cold Weather

Cold weather changes how joints and soft tissues behave—especially in senior horses.

• Joint fluid thickens, reducing lubrication
• Muscles tighten, limiting range of motion
• Circulation slows, delaying warm-up response
• Old injuries speak louder in the cold

The result is stiffness that looks dramatic—but can often be improved with the right routine.

Step 1: Gentle Movement Before Anything Else

For senior horses, movement is medicine. Begin each winter day with 10–15 minutes of easy walking—hand walking, turnout, or slow under-saddle walking if appropriate.

This helps warm joint fluid, increase circulation, and reduce that first-step discomfort.

Step 2: Support Joints Before Work

Before riding or turnout, apply a thin layer of Draw It Out® High Potency Gel to arthritic joints—knees, hocks, fetlocks, or areas with known wear.

The non-heating, sensation-free formula makes it ideal for senior horses who need circulation support without irritation.

Step 3: Warm Up Longer, Ask for Less

Senior horses need time—not pressure.

• Extended long-rein walking
• Large, slow bending lines
• Minimal tight turns
• Gradual transitions

The goal is comfort and confidence, not intensity.

Step 4: Address Secondary Muscle Tightness

Arthritic joints often cause compensatory tightness in the back, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles.

Massage MasterMudd™ EquiBrace into the lower back, hips, and hamstrings to help soften deep tissue and reduce the strain placed on sore joints.

Step 5: Never Skip the Cool Down

Cold air stiffens joints quickly after work. Always finish with a long, slow walk to let muscles relax before the temperature locks them back up.

Reapply Draw It Out® Gel after the ride to support recovery and help your horse feel better the next morning.

Hydration Matters More Than You Think

Dehydration thickens joint fluid and worsens stiffness. Encourage steady drinking in winter by adding Hydro‑Lyte® with GastroCell® to your senior horse’s routine.

Senior Horse Winter Comfort Kit

• Draw It Out® High Potency Gel
• MasterMudd™ EquiBrace
• Hydro‑Lyte® with GastroCell®
• Browse the Wisdom Library

Daily senior-horse care insight lives inside the Draw It Out® Wisdom Library.