Menthol has been a staple in liniments for decades. Riders expect the sharp smell, the strong cooling sensation, and the instant feedback that something is happening. The question is not whether menthol can get your attention. The question is whether it is the best choice for daily use on a horse you care about long term.
More and more riders are deciding that menthol-free liniments are the better fit for everyday routines. Here is why.
1. Menthol Creates a Surface Illusion
Menthol produces a strong cooling tingle on the surface of the skin. That sensation can be intense enough to distract the horse, and it does not always reflect what is happening deeper in the tissue.
If you are using liniment to support daily recovery, you want calm, reliable support instead of a numbing illusion. Menthol-free formulas help you read your horse more honestly. There is no dramatic overlay. You see what your horse actually feels.
2. Daily Use Requires Gentle Ingredients
Liniment that is used after every ride needs to be gentle on the skin and comfortable to apply. Menthol, heavy alcohol content, and strong fragrances can dry the skin and irritate sensitive areas over time.
Menthol-free liniments are easier to use day in and day out because they avoid that constant sensory barrage. Horses accept them more readily. Riders are more likely to use them consistently. Consistency is what changes outcomes.
3. Menthol-Free Supports Show Safety
Regulatory bodies pay close attention to anything that could mask discomfort or alter the way a horse feels during competition. While menthol itself is not automatically disallowed, the idea of masking sensation is always under scrutiny.
Menthol-free, sensation-free liniments support recovery without adding a dramatic sensory layer. That is exactly what many riders want in a show-safe routine. Relief that stays in the background and does not raise questions.
4. Better for Sensitive and Senior Horses
Some horses simply do not tolerate menthol well. They dance, flinch, or brace when it is applied. Senior horses in particular have thinner skin and more reactive nervous systems. They do not need to be shocked awake. They need to be supported.
Menthol-free liniments offer a quieter experience. Horses stand still. Their breathing stays even. You can watch their muscles soften instead of tighten against the sensation.
What to Look For in a Menthol-Free Liniment
- Sensation free on the skin
- Odorless or very low odor
- Show-safe formulation
- Comfortable for daily use on legs, back, and large muscle groups
The best liniment is the one your horse accepts calmly and that you feel comfortable using after every ride.
Draw It Out liniments are menthol-free, naturally derived, and sensation free. They fit easily into daily routines for performance horses, senior partners, and everything in between.
The Bottom Line
If you only reach for liniment once in a while, menthol may not seem like a problem. If you use liniment every day, on a horse that matters to you, the story changes.
Menthol-free liniment supports quiet, honest, repeatable recovery. No drama. No masking. Just consistent care that keeps your horse comfortable and ready for the next ride.
