Show safe liniment checklist label reading ingredient awareness and rider responsibility
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Show-Safe Liniment Checklist: Label Reading for Riders

January 12, 2025
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The Show-Safe Liniment Checklist (FEI/USEF Edition)

When you’ve poured months of work into training and invested thousands in entries, the last thing you want is a disqualification because of what’s in your liniment. This guide gives you a quick way to vet labels and avoid banned substances—plus a printable barn card you can tack up in your aisle.

Why Show-Safe Matters

FEI and USEF rules are clear: banned substances mean penalties. Even products labeled “all natural” can contain ingredients that test. Knowing what to avoid—and what’s safe—keeps your ride legal and your horse comfortable.

Ingredients to Watch

🚫 Red Flag Ingredients

  • Menthol and Capsaicin (commonly in “hot/cold” liniments)
  • High alcohol content (dries skin and stings)
  • FD&C dyes and synthetic fragrances (irritants, unnecessary risk)

✅ Green Light Ingredients

  • Minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium
  • Aloe vera and natural carriers
  • Arnica (allowed for topical use)
  • Simple, transparent ingredient lists

The Barn-Ready Checklist

✅ Show-Safe Signs 🚫 Risk Signs
Mineral base Menthol, Capsaicin
Aloe carrier “Hot/Icy” claims
No smell or mild herbal scent Strong camphor/chemical smell
FEI/USEF compliance noted Vague “proprietary blend”
📥 Download Printable Barn Card (PDF)

Draw It Out® is FEI/USEF Compliant

Our liniment gel and concentrate are free from banned substances, sensation-free, and trusted by riders worldwide. Keep relief simple, safe, and effective with Draw It Out® 16oz Gel.

Is menthol ever allowed?

Topical menthol is often restricted or viewed as a “masking” agent under FEI/USEF rules. It’s safest to avoid it entirely in competition. Always check the rulebook and your labeling.

What about “cooling” or “warming” liniments?

These are red flags—“cooling,” “warming,” or “icy/hot” claims typically imply menthol, camphor, or capsaicin. Use caution and read the full ingredient list.

How often are liniments tested at shows?

Testing frequency varies by competition and division, but even small risks are enough to disqualify you—so it pays to be safe and consistent.

 

Further Reading