Daily Leg Checks for Horses: A 3-Minute Guide
Excerpt: In just three minutes a day, you can spot soreness, heat, or swelling before they turn into something serious. This guide gives you a simple, repeatable routine to check your horse’s legs like a pro.
Why Daily Leg Checks Matter
Legs do all the work—and take most of the damage. From stocking up to strains, the earlier you notice a change, the better chance you have to prevent an injury from escalating.
It’s not about paranoia. It’s about being proactive.
Step-by-Step: Your 3-Minute Routine
- Look: Scan each leg from shoulder/hip to hoof. Check for swelling, cuts, or asymmetry.
- Feel: Run your hands down each leg. Feel for unusual heat, tenderness, or firmness.
- Flex: Gently lift and flex each limb. Watch for resistance or flinching.
Repeat this every day—ideally before AND after work.
What You’re Looking For
- Heat: Could indicate inflammation or infection
- Swelling: Common in lower legs after hard work or stall rest
- Pain: Flinching or resistance when touched
- New bumps or texture changes: Might signal tendon or ligament stress
When to Act
If anything seems off—don’t wait. Apply a safe, non-tingling liniment like Draw It Out® Gel to support circulation and reduce inflammation. Cold hose if needed. Monitor closely for 24–48 hours, and call your vet if it worsens.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Power
Checking legs isn’t just for pros or paranoid horse moms. It’s for anyone who wants to ride longer, stay sounder, and protect their horse from preventable injury.
Three minutes. Two hands. One grateful horse.