Winter always shows up first in the senior horse. The stiff step off the stall mat. The extra minute before they want to push into the trot. The look they give you that says, “Let me loosen up first.”

Cold temperatures slow circulation, tighten joints, and make old stories louder. The good news? A simple, steady routine can keep your older partner feeling comfortable, willing, and proud of the job all winter long.

This guide walks you through a calm, practical winter joint-care routine built around Draw It Out® liniments and thoughtful warm-up patterns.

Why Senior Horses Struggle More in Winter

Age brings three predictable winter challenges:

• Slower circulation = longer warm-ups
• Tighter connective tissue = stiffer steps
• Old injuries = louder complaints in cold weather

Supporting the joints before and after work — and keeping hydration steady — goes a long way toward protecting your senior’s comfort.

Step 1: Gentle Pre-Ride Loosening

Before you saddle, groom with intention. Use slow, consistent strokes to warm the back and major muscle groups. Feel for cool patches, small puffy areas, or places they resist touch.

Add targeted support with Draw It Out® Gel

Apply a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel to the joints or tendons that take the longest to warm up. Knees. Hocks. Stifles. Old suspensory spots.

The gel is sensation-free, gentle, and safe under boots — ideal for seniors who don’t tolerate “hot” liniments.

Step 2: The First 10 Minutes — Slow, Intentional Movement

Older horses need more time in first gear. Start with:

• 2–3 minutes free walk on a long rein
• Large bending lines to mobilize the ribcage
• Walk–halt–walk transitions to wake up hind-end engagement

When trot comes, ask for forward but soft — think “loosen,” not “collect.”

Step 3: Deeper Soft-Tissue Help with MasterMudd™

Seniors benefit hugely from deeper support — especially those with an old racing career, ranch mileage, or past injuries.

Massage MasterMudd™ EquiBrace into the lower back, hamstrings, stifles, or known “story legs.”

• Use before riding for chronic stiffness
• Apply post-ride to support recovery in the cold
• Wrap lightly overnight when appropriate

MasterMudd™ is fast-absorbing, gentle, and show-safe — perfect for seniors needing extra care.

Step 4: Hydration — The Overlooked Winter Factor

Senior horses drink less when temperatures drop, which can slow digestion, reduce joint lubrication, and make stiffness worse.

Use Hydro-Lyte® with GastroCell® to encourage steady hydration and support electrolyte balance.

• Offer in warm water to improve intake
• Add to soaked feeds on cold mornings
• Use consistently during winter conditioning

Step 5: Post-Ride Reset That Protects Tomorrow

After work, walk out at least 8–10 minutes. Seniors take longer to cool down smoothly.

Reapply Draw It Out® Gel to any joints that felt sticky. Use MasterMudd™ on deep tissue areas that stayed tight.

These routines stack. Tomorrow’s warm-up gets easier. Next week’s movement looks freer. Your senior partner feels seen.

Build a Winter Senior-Care Kit

• Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel
• MasterMudd™ EquiBrace
• Hydro-Lyte® with GastroCell®
• Visit the Wisdom Library

Explore more daily insight inside the Draw It Out® Wisdom Library.