After the Haul: Post-Trailering Recovery Checklist (10 Minutes or Less)

Road miles add up—balance work in the trailer, new surfaces, fresh barn energy. Here’s a calm, repeatable routine that keeps your horse comfortable on arrival and ready for the next ask.

Why Travel Tires Horses

Hauling isn’t passive. Horses micro-adjust at every turn and stop, often sweating under pads and boots. Arrival is the moment to reset: normalize breathing, cool the legs, and apply sensation-free support so tomorrow stays on schedule.

10-Minute Post-Trailering Routine

1. Unload & settle. Give a minute to take in the scene, then hand-walk 3–5 minutes.
2. Quick scan. Run hands down each leg. Note any heat, puffs, or rubs at the fetlock or pastern.
3. Cool & dry. Hose or sponge legs; squeegee and towel to damp-dry.
4. Cooling support. Mist a light pass of Cryospray along tendons and large muscle groups as directed.
5. Target hotspots. Smooth a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel on known stress areas; allow to absorb.
6. Skin defense (conditions-based). In wet or muddy setups, dust heels/pasterns with ShowBarn Secret® Powder Coat. Use RESTOREaHORSE® on minor rub zones.
7. (Optional) Compression. If your program uses standing wraps post-haul, apply clean, even pressure and recheck at 30–45 minutes.

Build a Trailer-Side Recovery Kit

• Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel — sensation-free, under-wrap friendly when used per label.
• Cryospray Cooling Body Brace — quick, even cooling after travel.
• ShowBarn Secret® Powder Coat — light moisture/friction defense for splash zones.
• RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel Salve — stays put for targeted skin support.
• Clean towels, soft brush, spare quilts/wraps, extra lead rope, bucket & sponge.
• Solution Finder — tailor your kit to discipline and conditions.

When to Pause & Escalate

Stop riding and consult your veterinarian if heat or swelling spreads, your horse is sore to the touch, off in movement, or shows signs of stress that don’t resolve with a calm walk-down and cooling.

Always follow label directions. Patch-test new products. If heat, swelling, or lameness persists, consult your veterinarian.

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