Winter Horse Care: Keep Muscles Loose and Hydration Steady with Liniment and Electrolytes
Cold weather can tighten muscles, dry out hooves, and slow recovery. A steady liniment and hydration routine keeps horses sound and supple all season long.
Why Winter Recovery Needs Extra Attention
As temperatures drop, circulation slows, hydration dips, and joints can stiffen. Horses often drink less in the cold, and those small daily deficits add up fast. Combined with cold, tense muscles, it’s the perfect recipe for soreness and sluggish recovery. Fortunately, a few simple changes can keep them feeling their best.
Step 1: Warm Muscles with a No‑Burn Liniment
Before and after rides, use Draw It Out® High Potency Gel to massage large muscle groups—shoulders, stifles, and gaskins. It’s menthol‑free and sensation‑free, so it won’t chill or sting in the cold. For full‑body coverage, mix Draw It Out® Concentrate into a spray bottle and apply along the topline before you ride to improve comfort and mobility.
Step 2: Post‑Ride Cooldown and Leg Care
After work, clean legs and lightly reapply gel or concentrate to support recovery. For horses prone to stocking up in the stall, MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ provides overnight joint and tendon relief without mess or residue. Apply evenly and bandage for the night.
Step 3: Keep Hydration Steady with Warm Water + Electrolytes
Cold air dehydrates horses faster than you think. Encourage steady drinking with warm water and Hydro‑Lyte® Electrolyte + Gut Recovery. It replenishes minerals lost through sweat and helps keep the gut active even in cold weather. When horses stay hydrated, circulation improves—and so does recovery.
Bonus: Turnout and Movement
Don’t let short days or frozen footing limit motion. Controlled turnout or hand‑walking helps move fluid through joints and keeps stiffness at bay. Combine light exercise with a quick liniment massage to keep muscles elastic and warm through winter’s toughest stretches.
Winter Liniment & Hydration Routine Checklist
- ✅ Pre‑ride: Spray or massage Draw It Out® Concentrate to activate circulation.
- ✅ Post‑ride: Apply Draw It Out® Gel or MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ for recovery.
- ✅ Hydrate: Add Hydro‑Lyte® to warm water daily.
- ✅ Move: Include turnout or hand‑walking even on cold days.