Winter Horse Warm-Up Routine – Keep Muscles Loose in Cold Weather | Draw It Out®

Winter Horse Warm-Up Routine – Keep Muscles Loose in Cold Weather | Draw It Out®

Winter Wellness Series — Week 2

The Warm-Up Ritual Every Winter Horse Needs

Ten minutes of movement and Draw It Out® Gel is all it takes to prevent cold-weather stiffness. Here’s the fast routine that keeps circulation flowing and rides feeling smooth when the air bites.

Pre-Ride Warm-Up Circulation First Sensation-Free Care Winter-Safe Routine
Quick Take: Walk to wake up the stride, apply Draw It Out® 16 oz High Potency Gel to big muscle groups, then ease into work. Finish with RTU Spray to flush tension and reduce next-day soreness.

Why warm-ups matter more in winter

Cold air slows circulation and reduces muscle elasticity. Without a proper warm-up, the first minutes of work happen on tight tissue, which can feel stiff and increase strain. This routine primes blood flow so the body moves freely and comfortably.

Build your 10-minute warm-up

Walk before work

Spend five minutes hand-walking or on a loose rein. Look for a steady, swinging stride and softer ears before asking for more.

Apply Draw It Out® Gel

Massage a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16 oz High Potency Gel into shoulders, back, and hindquarters. It supports circulation without burn, scent, or residue — safe under blankets or tack.

Stretch and bend

After the gel sets, add a few carrot stretches or gentle lateral bends to wake up the neck and core.

Ride light to heavy

Warm at the walk and trot for 5–10 minutes before asking for collection or speed. Let warmth build from the inside out.

Cool down the smart way

Finish with Draw It Out® RTU Spray to help flush lactic acid and reduce next-day soreness. Spray, walk, blanket — done.

Pro tip: Keep your gel bottle in a room-temp tack space so it massages in smoothly on the coldest mornings.

The Winter Warm-Up Kit

Pair Draw It Out® Gel for pre-ride priming with RTU Spray for post-ride recovery. It’s the simple, winter-safe combo that keeps horses moving comfortably all season.

Going deeper on sore spots

For localized tension in hocks, stifles, or back, add MasterMudd™ EquiBrace after rides. For skin stressed by dry air and blankets, use Rapid Relief Restorative Cream on high-friction zones.


Warm-Up FAQ

Can I apply Draw It Out® Gel before blanketing or tacking?

Yes. The formula is sensation-free and non-greasy. Apply a thin layer, allow a brief set-in, and blanket or tack as usual.

How is Gel different from RTU Spray?

Use Gel for focused pre-ride priming and deeper work on large muscle groups. Use RTU Spray for fast, even post-ride coverage and daily recovery.

Is this routine show-safe?

Draw It Out® products are designed to be competition-friendly and sensation-free. Always review current rules for your discipline and region.

Consistency beats the cold — every ride.

Further Reading

Keep your barn dialed in

Simple, rider-trusted tips and tools.

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.

Visit the Recovery Hub

Rider Favorites—Always in the Kit

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