Bringing Your Horse Back After Time Off – A Smart Conditioning Plan with Draw It Out®

Introduction:

Whether it's due to weather, injury, or life just doing its thing, every horse needs some time off now and then. But when it’s time to get back in the saddle, don’t just dive in—smart conditioning is the key to avoiding injury and building long-term strength.

The secret to a safe, successful comeback? A thoughtful training plan and daily recovery support with Draw It Out® Liniment. Let’s get your horse moving again—comfortably and confidently. 🐎✨

1. Start Slow and Focus on Consistency

Getting back into work is all about the slow build. The first few weeks are critical for avoiding strain and protecting joints and soft tissue.

🗓 Week 1–2:

✔ Walk 15–20 minutes daily, in-hand or under saddle
✔ Avoid tight turns—stick to straight lines to protect tendons
✔ Apply Draw It Out® Liniment pre-ride to warm muscles and joints

🗓 Week 3–4:

✔ Introduce light trot sets (5 minutes total), gradually increasing
✔ Add bending exercises and pole work to build balance and strength

💡 Pro Tip: Patience in the first month prevents setbacks later—slow and steady wins the soundness race.

2. Watch for Signs of Soreness

Horses returning to work can be extra sensitive as their bodies readjust. Know what to watch for:

✅ Common Red Flags:
✔ Stiffness the day after exercise
✔ Swelling in the lower legs
✔ Shortened stride or reluctance to move forward

🔹 What to Do:
✔ Apply Draw It Out® Liniment immediately after riding
✔ Focus on shoulders, back, and legs
✔ Monitor day-to-day changes and adjust your plan if needed

💡 Pro Tip: Early soreness isn’t unusual—it just means your horse is building muscle. The key is supporting recovery before it becomes a setback.

3. Support Recovery After Every Ride

This is where Draw It Out® Liniment shines. Regular post-ride care helps muscles recover faster and reduces inflammation before it builds up.

✅ Post-Ride Routine:
✔ Apply liniment to legs, shoulders, and back
✔ Massage gently to increase blood flow
✔ Use under standing wraps if your horse stocks up or after longer rides

💡 Pro Tip: Use even on non-ride days if your horse shows signs of tightness. It’s safe for daily use!

4. Maintain Turnout and Movement

Movement matters—even on rest days. It helps prevent stocking up and keeps your horse mentally and physically engaged.

✅ How to Keep Them Moving:
✔ Provide daily turnout—the more natural movement, the better
✔ Hand walk or light lunging when turnout isn’t possible
✔ Keep the routine low-pressure but consistent

💡 Pro Tip: A moving horse is a recovering horse. Muscle memory builds best with steady activity—not just saddle time.

Bringing your horse back after time off takes patience, consistency, and smart support. With a gradual conditioning plan and Draw It Out® Liniment in your daily care routine, you’ll reduce soreness, support recovery, and help your horse build lasting strength.

✅ Get fit. ✅ Stay sound. ✅ Ride on.

🛒 Start your comeback strong—shop Draw It Out® now at drawliniment.com

🚀 Ready to support your horse this spring?

Grab your Draw It Out® Liniment and let’s make this your horse’s best season yet! 💪🐎