Poultice vs. Liniment: What's the Difference and When to Use Each
Excerpt: Should you reach for a poultice or a liniment? Real riders know there's a time and place for both. Here’s how to choose the right recovery tool for your horse—without overthinking it or overusing it.
The Basics
Poultice: Usually a clay-based paste that’s applied thick to legs or hooves. It’s designed to draw out heat and swelling over time—typically under a wrap overnight.
Liniment: A liquid or gel applied directly to the skin. It penetrates quickly to support circulation, reduce soreness, and help muscles bounce back faster.
When to Use a Poultice
- After intense activity where heat builds up in legs
- For hooves with abscesses or bruising
- When wrapping overnight and time is on your side
- If you're dealing with an acute flare-up and want to draw out heat
Note: Poultices can be messy and not ideal for quick-turnaround use.
When to Use a Liniment
- After every ride for consistent recovery and soreness prevention
- On joints, muscles, and tendons that need circulation support
- When time is limited (e.g., during travel, between runs)
- When you want something that works under wraps, boots, or by itself
Bonus: A non-tingling liniment like Draw It Out® Gel or the deep-penetrating MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ offers serious recovery without side effects.
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. Many riders apply liniment immediately after a ride, then use poultice overnight if swelling is still present. Just make sure the skin isn’t already irritated and that products are fully absorbed between layers.
Final Thoughts: It's Not Either/Or
Don’t feel pressured to pick one forever. Liniments are your go-to for fast, daily support. Poultices shine when deeper cooling is needed. Real riders use both wisely and consistently—always guided by what the horse is telling them.
