Horse Gel Guide: When, Where & How to Use Draw It Out® Gel
If you ride hard, haul far, or just want your horse feeling ready every day, a great gel is a quiet advantage. This guide simplifies when to use gel, where to apply, how much to use, and how to wrap—so you can elevate every ride without second-guessing.
On this page
1) What Horse Gels Actually Do 2) When to Use Gel (Before, After & On the Road) 3) How to Apply (Amount, Areas, Frequency) 4) Wrap-Safe: Doing It Right 5) Gel vs. Clay vs. Cream 6) Pro Routines (Quick & Complete) 7) Common Mistakes to Avoid 8) FAQs1) What Horse Gels Actually Do
Great gels deliver focused, even coverage to legs and large muscle groups without mess or drama. Draw It Out® Original Gel is sensation-free and scent-neutral—designed for calm application in any barn or show-pen. It spreads thin, pairs well with tack and wraps, and keeps your program consistent day after day.
2) When to Use Gel (Before, After & On the Road)
Pre-Ride | Prime
- Thin coat to tendons and suspensories before tacking.
- Allow to absorb; wipe any excess where tack contacts.
Post-Ride | Support
- After cool-down, towel dry and apply a light, even layer.
- Use alone or under clean standing wraps for quiet support.
Hauling | Preventive Care
- Before loading, small amount to legs and key muscle groups.
- On long hauls, reapply at stops once legs are clean and dry.
Show Days | Routine
- Use a light pre-warm-up coat; re-apply post-pattern or class.
- Keep it consistent—calm application, calm horse.
3) How to Apply (Amount, Areas, Frequency)
Amount: think thin and even—a nickel-to-quarter per leg is typical. More is not better under compression.
Areas: cannon bone, tendons, suspensories, hocks and stifles (light), and major muscle groups (back, hindquarters, shoulders) as needed.
Frequency: daily use is common in active programs. Follow label directions and your trainer/vet’s guidance.
4) Wrap-Safe: Doing It Right
- Start with clean, dry legs.
- Apply a light, uniform coat—no pooling.
- Use clean standing wraps; avoid over-tight spots.
- Check comfort and skin as you would with any wrap routine.
5) Gel vs. Clay vs. Cream
Pro move: Keep all three in the tack room—use gel for daily legs, clay for heavier sessions, cream for bodywork.
6) Pro Routines (Quick & Complete)
Quick Daily (2–3 minutes)
- Pre-ride: thin coat on tendons/suspensories.
- Post-ride: reapply lightly after cool-down and towel dry.
Show-Day Complete (10 minutes)
- Pre-warm-up: light application to legs, shoulders, hindquarters.
- After class: cool down, towel dry, reapply to legs.
- Wrap overnight if that’s your normal program.
Haul-Smart (before + mid-trip)
- Before loading: quick gel pass to legs.
- Mid-trip stop: check, clean, reapply thinly if needed.
7) Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-applying under wraps: more isn’t better; keep it thin and even.
- Wrapping over dirty/wet legs: always clean and towel dry first.
- Chasing strong sensation: calm beats “hot/cold fireworks” for many horses.
- Inconsistent routines: build habits your horse can rely on daily.
Shop the Gel Real Riders Swear By
Deep Relief in Every Drop. Calm application. Clean routine. Wrap-friendly.
Get Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel Switch & SaveWhat pairs well with gel?
- MasterMudd EquiBrace for clay-style, heavier coverage sessions.
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream for smooth bodywork on larger muscle groups.
- Cold-hosing or icing first—then towel dry before applying gel.
FAQs
Can I use gel before a ride?
Yes. Apply a thin, even coat and allow it to absorb before tacking. Keep contact areas dry and clean.
Is Draw It Out® Original Gel wrap-safe?
Yes—use a light coat under clean, properly applied standing wraps. Monitor comfort as usual.
Will the gel make my horse smell or tingle?
Draw It Out® Original Gel is sensation-free and scent-neutral for calm, consistent use.
Can I combine gel with ice or cold therapy?
Many riders do. Cool therapy first, towel dry, then apply gel. Avoid trapping moisture under wraps.
How much should I use?
Usually a nickel-to-quarter per leg. Thin and even beats thick and sloppy—especially under wraps.
Information on this page is for general barn use. Always read and follow product labels, and consult your veterinarian or trainer for horse-specific guidance.
