How to Use Veterinary Liniment Gel on Horses

Published January 8, 2025

Veterinary liniment gel is most effective when it is used intentionally, not rushed or overapplied. Riders who see the best results tend to treat liniment gel as part of a routine rather than a last-minute fix.

This guide walks through how riders commonly use veterinary liniment gel before and after riding, where to apply it, and what to avoid.

If you want a deeper explanation of what liniment gel is and why riders choose it, visit our complete guide to veterinary liniment gel for horses.

When riders use veterinary liniment gel

Most riders use liniment gel in three main moments: before a ride, after a ride, and as part of daily maintenance for horses in regular work.

• Before riding to help muscles feel loose and ready
• After riding to support a calm cooldown
• On non-ride days as part of ongoing comfort care

Understanding when to apply liniment gel matters just as much as how you apply it.

How riders apply liniment gel before riding

Before a ride, liniment gel is typically applied during grooming or tacking up. Riders focus on areas that tend to tighten or carry workload.

• Legs and joints for horses in consistent work
• Shoulders, hips, and back muscles
• Areas that historically feel stiff during warmup

Apply liniment gel to clean, dry hair using your hands. Massage it in lightly and allow it to absorb before adding boots, wraps, or pads.

How riders use liniment gel after riding

After a ride, liniment gel is often part of the cooldown routine. This is where riders slow things down rather than piling on products.

• Apply after untacking, once sweat has dried
• Use calm, consistent pressure rather than aggressive rubbing
• Let the gel absorb fully before turning out or wrapping

Many riders find post-ride application helps maintain consistency across long training weeks or show schedules.

Where to apply veterinary liniment gel

Liniment gel is commonly applied to:

• Lower legs and joints
• Shoulders and hips
• Back and large muscle groups

Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin unless a product is specifically labeled for those uses.

How much liniment gel to use

More is not better. Most riders use a modest amount and focus on even coverage rather than saturation.

A good rule is to start light, observe how your horse responds, and adjust gradually. Liniment gel should support comfort, not overwhelm the skin.

Using liniment gel as part of a routine

Veterinary liniment gel works best when it is part of a consistent system. Riders often combine it with structured warmups, proper cooldowns, and proactive care strategies.

If you are building or refining your routine, tools like the Draw It Out® Solution Finder and our guide to prehabilitation for horses can help reduce guesswork.