Senior Horse Care
Winter Joint Care For Senior Horses
Cold weather can make your senior horse feel stiff, slow to warm up, and a little less eager to step out of the barn. The good news is that a simple winter joint care routine can make a big difference.
- Easy checks you can do while you groom.
- A short warmup sequence that respects older joints.
- How to layer in show safe support from Draw It Out®.
Winter is hard on senior horses because cold temperatures tighten muscles and slow circulation.
Your goal is not to turn back the clock. Your goal is to help your older partner stay comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy the work you still do together.
A consistent routine with gentle movement, thoughtful warmup, and smart topical support goes a long way.
Why winter feels different to your senior horse
As horses age, cartilage wears, soft tissue becomes less elastic, and old injuries speak up more often. When temperatures drop, joints and muscles take longer to warm up, which can turn normal stiffness into full blown reluctance or soreness.
Common winter changes in older horses
- Stiff steps coming out of the stall or pen.
- More time needed to loosen up at the walk.
- Shortened stride, especially behind.
- Mild stocking up after standing for long periods.
When to call your veterinarian first
- Heat, swelling, or obvious pain in any limb.
- Sudden or worsening lameness.
- Reluctance to move, lie down, or rise.
- Changes in attitude, appetite, or drinking.
Topical support and smart management are not a replacement for veterinary care. Think of them as extra tools in your kit after you and your vet have a plan in place.
Build a daily winter joint check in routine
The best winter program is one you can actually stick with on busy barn days. Use grooming time to run through a quick head to tail scan.
1. Start with posture and general comfort
- Watch your horse walk from the stall or paddock to the grooming area.
- Notice any uneven steps, shortened stride, or reluctance to turn.
- Look at how your horse stands when tied. Are they pointing one foot, or shifting weight often.
2. Feel legs and joints with calm hands
Run your hands down each limb, feeling for changes from your horse’s normal baseline.
- Gently check knees, fetlocks, and hocks for heat or swelling.
- Notice if your horse reacts when you touch a certain area.
- Compare left and right sides for symmetry.
3. Watch how they pick up and hold their feet
Older horses may be slower to lift their legs or less willing to flex deeply.
- Ask for each foot in a calm, steady way.
- Support the limb so joints do not feel over flexed.
- If flexion is uncomfortable, note it and loop your vet in before pushing harder work.
A winter warmup pattern that respects senior joints
Think of warmup as slow, steady circulation work rather than a race to the fun part of the ride. This pattern works in the arena or on the trail once the footing is safe.
Step 1: Start with hand walking
- Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of brisk, relaxed hand walking on level ground.
- Add a few gentle circles in each direction to encourage soft bend.
- Use this time to feel for any unevenness before you step into the saddle.
Step 2: Long, low walk under saddle
- Encourage a forward, swinging walk with a soft, longer rein.
- Ride large figures and big changes of direction rather than tight circles.
- Stay at the walk long enough for your horse’s step to feel looser and more open.
Step 3: Short trot sets with walk breaks
When your senior feels ready, add short sets of trot with plenty of walk in between.
- Begin with 30 to 60 seconds of easy trot, then walk for a minute.
- Keep circles large and avoid deep, heavy footing.
- Watch for signs that your horse is guarding one side or becoming disorganized.
If your horse never feels like they loosen up, or feels worse as you go, scale back, cool down, and talk with your veterinarian before you ride again.
Where topical support fits into your winter plan
Once your veterinarian has ruled out serious issues, topical products can help support comfort around work, hauling, or changes in routine. The key is consistency and good timing.
Before work
- Apply a sensation free liniment gel to major muscle groups and large joints before you ride.
- Target areas that tend to feel stiff on cold days, such as the back, hindquarters, and hocks.
- Give the product time to absorb while you hand walk and tack up.
After work
- Re apply to tired muscles once your horse has cooled out and is dry.
- Use standing wraps where your veterinarian says they are appropriate.
- Confine intense work to good footing days and use easy movement on others.
Show safe winter support from Draw It Out®
When you want modern performance with a calm, clean ingredient deck, Draw It Out® gives you options that fit real barn life and senior partners.
Draw It Out® Liniment Gel
Sensation free gel you can use before and after work on backs, legs, and large muscle groups without worry about strong smell or tingle.
Rapid Relief Restorative Cream
Targeted cream for areas that need a little extra attention, such as hocks, stifles, or old soft tissue injuries as directed by your veterinarian.
Draw It Out® RESTOREaHORSE®
Liqui gel salve that supports skin and soft tissue comfort in high wear areas, including legs that see more wrapping and protection in winter.
Adjust turnout, footing, and schedule for older bodies
Joint comfort is not only about products or warmup. It is also about how you manage your senior horse’s environment.
Turnout that encourages gentle movement
- Choose turnout that allows your horse to walk and graze rather than stand parked at a feeder all day.
- Group seniors with compatible pasture mates who will not push them around.
- Make sure water sources are close enough that older horses do not skip drinking in bad footing.
Footing choices that protect joints
- Avoid deep, loose footing that makes older joints work too hard.
- Keep paths to gates, water, and hay as safe and ice free as possible.
- Let intense arena work wait on days when the ground is either very slick or very frozen.
Scheduling rides with recovery in mind
- Plan a mix of easy days and more focused ride days rather than asking for heavy work back to back.
- Short, thoughtful sessions are kinder than rare, very long rides.
- Listen when your senior tells you they are tired, even if the plan on paper said more.
Nutrition and body weight support for winter joints
A senior horse that is underweight, overweight, or not drinking well will feel winter more intensely.
- Work with your veterinarian or nutritionist to keep body condition in a healthy range.
- Offer warm soaked hay pellets or mash to encourage water intake on cold days.
- Revisit your joint support plan regularly to be sure it still fits your horse’s age and workload.
Topical support from Draw It Out® fits best alongside a thoughtful nutrition and turnout plan. All three pieces work together.
Winter joint care for senior horses FAQ
How do I know if my senior horse is too stiff to ride in winter
If your horse comes out of the stall obviously lame, reluctant to move, or unwilling to place weight on a limb, skip the ride and call your veterinarian first. If your horse is a little stiff but improves with ten to fifteen minutes of gentle movement and then travels evenly, a light ride or hand walking session may be appropriate. When in doubt, keep the workload easy and check with your vet before you increase intensity.
Can I use Draw It Out® Liniment Gel every day on my senior horse
Many riders use Draw It Out® Liniment Gel as part of a daily routine for older horses, applying before and after rides or hand walking sessions. The sensation free formula and clean ingredient deck make it a good fit for regular use around work, hauling, or turnout changes. Follow the label directions and talk with your veterinarian about the best pattern for your specific horse.
Where should I apply topical support on an older horse in cold weather
Common areas include large muscle groups over the back, loin, and hindquarters, as well as around major joints like knees and hocks. Always avoid broken skin and sensitive areas, and follow your veterinarian’s guidance if your horse has existing injuries or conditions. Use clean hands or gloves and allow time for the product to absorb before you ride or wrap.
Is hand walking helpful for stiff senior horses when the footing is poor
Yes, as long as footing is safe, short sessions of hand walking can support circulation and comfort on days when riding is not a good idea. Stay on level, non slick ground, avoid tight turns, and let your horse set a comfortable pace. This is also a great time to observe small changes in how your horse moves so you can share those details with your veterinarian.
