Winter stiffness isn’t a training problem—it’s a temperature problem. Cold muscles contract, joints move less freely, and circulation takes longer to reach working tissue. If your horse feels tight or resistant early in a winter ride, the warm‑up matters more than anything that follows.

A rushed warm‑up in cold weather doesn’t save time—it borrows trouble.

Why Horses Feel Stiffer in Cold Weather

Winter changes how the body functions:

• Muscles lose elasticity in low temperatures
• Joint fluid thickens, reducing glide
• Circulation slows to extremities
• Reduced turnout limits natural movement

Asking for performance before the body is ready increases strain and soreness.

Step 1: Start Before You Ever Mount

A winter warm‑up begins on the ground.

Hand‑walk for 5–10 minutes to encourage circulation, loosen joints, and assess how the body feels that day.

Step 2: Support Circulation Before Riding

Cold muscles benefit from targeted circulation support.

Apply a thin layer of Draw It Out® High Potency Gel to shoulders, backs, loins, and hindquarters before mounting. The non‑heating, sensation‑free formula supports blood flow without overstimulation—ideal for winter use.

Step 3: Walk Longer Than You Think You Need

In winter, walking is work.

• Allow 10–15 minutes of active walking
• Encourage long, low stretching
• Use large figures and straight lines
• Delay collection until looseness appears

If the walk doesn’t feel good, nothing else will.

Step 4: Build Intensity Gradually

Cold weather demands patience.

Add trot work slowly, focusing on rhythm and relaxation before asking for engagement or power.

Step 5: Address Deep Tightness After the Ride

Winter work often leaves deeper muscle tension, especially through the back and hindquarters.

Massage MasterMudd™ EquiBrace into the lumbar region, hips, and hamstrings after riding to help soften tissue and reduce next‑day stiffness.

Step 6: Hydration Helps Warm‑Up and Recovery

Dehydrated tissue warms more slowly and recovers less efficiently.

Support winter hydration with Hydro‑Lyte® with GastroCell® to help muscles stay elastic and responsive despite cold conditions.

Winter Warm‑Up Support Kit

• Draw It Out® High Potency Gel
• MasterMudd™ EquiBrace
• Hydro‑Lyte® with GastroCell®
• Explore the Wisdom Library

Real‑world horse care knowledge lives inside the Draw It Out® Wisdom Library.