Stop Stocking Up: How to Keep Your Horse’s Legs Tight and Healthy

You know the feeling — you walk into the barn and your horse’s legs look puffy after a night in the stall. That “stocked‑up” look isn’t just cosmetic. It’s circulation gone sluggish — and it’s preventable.

Why Horses Stock Up

When a horse stands still too long — whether overnight, during a trailer haul, or on cold days — lymphatic flow slows down. That causes mild fluid buildup in the lower legs. Usually it’s not injury, just inactivity catching up. But over time, it can strain soft tissues.

Simple Ways to Prevent It

• Movement matters: Even a short hand‑walk every few hours helps flush fluid and keep tissues elastic.
• Cool‑down walks: After workouts, don’t skip the 10‑minute walk‑out. It prevents fluid pooling and aids muscle recovery.
• Hydration & salt: Balanced electrolytes keep the circulatory system firing right — especially in winter.
• Proper wraps: When stalling overnight or hauling, support boots or standing wraps can limit excess swelling — just ensure they’re applied evenly.

Where Liniment Fits In

Daily use of Draw It Out® High Potency Gel helps promote healthy circulation and reduce minor swelling. Apply it before wrapping or turnout — it penetrates deeply without heat, menthol, or alcohol, making it safe for sensitive skin and show use.

Hauling Hacks

Before loading, lightly rub Draw It Out® Gel into legs and wrap if the trip’s longer than two hours. Once you unload, hand‑walk 10 minutes to re‑stimulate lymph flow and keep those legs cool and tight.

Always consult your veterinarian for unusual heat, lameness, or swelling that doesn’t resolve with movement or routine care.