The Secret to Faster Recovery—Why Every Horse Needs a Post-Workout Routine

Introduction

After a tough ride, your horse’s muscles, joints, and overall system need time to recover. Whether it’s an intense training session, a long trail ride, or a competition day, a solid post-workout routine is key to keeping their muscles healthy, reducing soreness, and ensuring they’re ready for the next ride.

Want to help your equine athlete recover like a pro? Here’s what every rider should include in their horse’s post-workout care.

1. Cool Down Gradually

One of the most important steps after a workout is allowing your horse to cool down properly. A rushed or incomplete cool-down can lead to stiffness, muscle fatigue, and increased soreness.

✅ Steps for a Proper Cool-Down:
✔ Walk for 10-15 minutes after exercise to gradually lower heart rate.
✔ Avoid sudden stops—letting them move prevents muscle tightness.
✔ If your horse is sweaty, use a sponge or light hosing to remove excess heat.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid heavy blanketing immediately after cooling down—a horse that’s too hot under a thick layer may trap heat and delay recovery.

2. Hydration & Electrolytes

Proper hydration is essential for muscle recovery. After exercise, horses lose fluids through sweat and need to replenish to prevent fatigue and cramping.

✅ Post-Workout Hydration Tips:
✔ Ensure fresh, clean water is always available immediately after exercise.
✔ If your horse has sweated significantly, add electrolytes to their feed or water to restore minerals and prevent dehydration.
✔ Monitor hydration—check skin elasticity with a simple skin pinch test.

💡 Pro Tip: If your horse isn’t drinking right away, offer wet hay or soaked feed to encourage moisture intake.

3. Use Liniment to Ease Muscle Soreness

One of the best ways to help muscles recover faster is by using liniment. Draw It Out® Liniment is formulated to reduce inflammation, soothe soreness, and promote circulation, making it a must-have in every post-ride routine.

✅ How to Use Liniment for Recovery:
✔ Apply directly to legs, shoulders, and back after a ride.
✔ Use under standing wraps to support circulation and reduce swelling.
✔ For all-over refreshment, add liniment to a post-ride rinse or bath.

💡 Pro Tip: Liniment can also be applied before workouts to warm up muscles and prevent injuries.

4. Reduce Inflammation with Cooling Techniques

If your horse has had a particularly intense ride, extra cooling methods can help prevent swelling and inflammation.

✅ Best Cooling Methods for Post-Workout Recovery:
✔ Cold hosing for 5–10 minutes on legs and joints.
✔ Ice boots or wraps—ideal for high-impact disciplines like jumping, barrel racing, and eventing.
✔ Pairing cold therapy with liniment enhances circulation and recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: If using ice boots, don’t leave them on for too long—15–20 minutes is the sweet spot for safe cooling without causing tissue damage

5. Provide Proper Stall or Turnout Time

After a workout, your horse needs room to move in order to prevent stiffness.

✅ Movement Matters:
✔ Light turnout encourages natural movement and supports recovery.
✔ If stalled overnight, ensure they have space to stretch and lie down comfortably.
✔ Consider hand-walking if turnout isn’t an option—this keeps blood flowing and joints mobile.

💡 Pro Tip: Deep bedding in stalls provides extra comfort and reduces pressure on tired legs overnight.

A great ride doesn’t end when you hop off the saddle—it continues with how you care for your horse afterward.

✅ A proper post-workout routine includes:
✔ Cooling down gradually to prevent stiffness.
✔ Ensuring hydration & electrolytes to support recovery.
✔ Using Draw It Out® Liniment to ease soreness and reduce inflammation.
✔ Applying cooling techniques for swollen or tired legs.
✔ Providing adequate stall or turnout time for natural movement and joint health.

Building these habits into your routine will keep your horse feeling fresh, strong, and ready for every ride! 🐎✨

🚀 Ready to Help Your Horse Recover Faster?

Try Draw It Out® Liniment for natural, effective relief that keeps your horse performing at their best! 💪🐴