Liniment Before and After Riding: A Safe Routine (Including Under Saddle Pad Rules)

Horse Pre and Post Ride Care Guide | Warm Up, Cool Down, Recovery | Draw It Out®
Draw It Out® Barn Proven Routines

Horse Pre and Post Ride Care Guide

Use this page as your fast routine for warm up, cool down, and recovery. The key is clean application, thin layers, and avoiding slick product directly under high friction tack contact.

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Tack safety

Liniment Gel Under a Saddle Pad: The Friction Rule

If a spot is under the saddle panel or girth where friction and sweat build, treat it like a no go zone for slick product.

Avoid

Directly under high friction tack contact

  • Saddle panel contact areas
  • Girth line where tack can slip
  • Any area already prone to rubs
Do instead

Use the safer workflow

  1. Apply a thin layer to target zones adjacent to tack contact
  2. Let it fully absorb
  3. Wipe any excess
  4. Tack up, then do a quick slip check before mounting

If you ever feel tack security is compromised, stop and reset. The best routine is the one that stays boring and safe.

Choose Your Zone (Quick Map)

Pick the zone that matches what you feel today, then keep the application thin. If you are unsure, use the Solution Finder and follow the simplest routine.
Front end (reach and landing) Fronts

Use when the horse feels tight in the shoulder, short in stride, or needs cleaner reach.

  • Shoulder and chest area, front of the leg where you typically target soreness
  • Thin layer, rub in, let absorb before tack
Do not: Apply directly under saddle panel contact zones.
Hind end (push and drive) Hamstrings

Use when the horse feels stiff behind, slow to engage, or tight after hill work and circles.

  • Hindquarters and hamstrings as needed
  • Thin layer, let absorb, wipe excess if the coat stays slick
Do not: Apply to irritated skin or rubs.
Back and SI (swing and connection) Back and SI

Use when the back feels guarded, the topline feels braced, or the horse feels tight through turns.

  • Back, loins, and SI region as needed
  • Keep it light, especially near tack contact
Do not: Put product where it can make the saddle pad slick.
Travel and standing (stocking up prevention) Haul days

Use on haul days, show days, and long standing days to support a predictable routine.

  • Light application before loading once fully absorbed
  • Re scan after hauling and reapply thinly if needed
Do not: Wrap over wet product. Let it absorb first.

If the horse changes under saddle, do not chase it with more product. Reset the basics first: tack fit, warm up, footing, and workload.

Pre ride (3 to 5 minutes)

Quick Pre Ride Checklist

  • Skin and tack scan: Check for rubs, heat, swelling, burrs. Confirm pads and girth are clean.
  • Hoof and leg pass: Pick hooves. Note heat, fill, or tenderness.
  • Targeted liniment gel (thin layer): Fronts and shoulders, back and SI, hindquarters and hamstrings as needed. Let it absorb before gear.
  • Gear security: Avoid slick product directly under high friction contact. Wipe excess and test fit.
Fastest win when you are short on time
If you only do two zones, do fronts for reach and hamstrings for drive, then walk long and low for one minute.
Warm up (2 to 3 minutes)

Loosen Up Sequence

  1. Long and low walk for 1 to 2 minutes so the body starts to swing.
  2. Big circles, serpentines, and figure eights to mobilize shoulders and hips.
  3. Add easy transitions and a few poles once the body feels willing.

When you feel brace, make the circle bigger and slow the ask. Loose first, then effort.

Wraps and pads: Use only on intact skin. Allow liniment gel to fully absorb, wipe excess, and monitor heat and tension. Avoid direct application under high friction saddle panel or girth contact if it could reduce tack security.
Post ride (3 to 5 minutes)

Cool Down Routine

  1. Walk down until breathing and temperature settle.
  2. Quick wipe down, then check legs for heat, fill, or nicks.
  3. Apply a thin, even liniment gel layer on worked zones.
  4. Optional wraps per your program, clean, dry, and correctly tensioned.

Pro tip: If a horse is sensitive, start with less product and expand only if the skin stays calm.

Travel and show days

Trailer Day Reset

  • Before loading: Light liniment gel on target zones, allow full absorption.
  • After hauling: Walk out, re scan legs and back, apply thinly where needed.
  • On tight timelines: Sensation free, odorless care keeps the routine predictable.
The two check rule
Check before you ride, check after you ride. Consistency catches issues earlier than intensity.

Quick Comparison: Sensation Free vs Tingle Formulas

Sensation free (Draw It Out® liniment gel)

Calm, clean, show friendly

  • No hot or cold tingle, fewer surprises on sensitive skin.
  • Odorless and colorless, no perfume cloud, no dye transfer.
  • Wrap friendly once absorbed, designed to stay where you put it.
  • Built for repeatable daily routines.
Menthol or capsaicin

Perceived cool or warm with stronger scent

  • Noticeable sensation, not every horse likes it.
  • Often scented, can leave residue or transfer.
  • More likely to feel slick under heat and pressure.
  • Preference dependent, check rules and routines.

FAQ

Can I use liniment gel directly under the saddle pad or girth?

Better to avoid the exact high friction contact. If you apply near it, use a thin layer, let it fully absorb, wipe any excess, then test tack security before mounting.

Can I put liniment gel under wraps or standing bandages?

Use on intact skin after full absorption. Keep layers light, wipe excess, and monitor heat and tension to keep things barn safe.

Daily use okay?

Yes. Many riders use sensation free liniment gel pre ride, post ride, and on travel days. Stop if irritation occurs and ask your veterinarian about medical concerns.

What are red flags to call the vet?

Persistent or uneven heat or swelling, lameness, wounds, fever, behavior change under saddle, or anything that does not improve with rest and routine care.

Want a calmer routine that stays consistent?

Keep it simple. Thin layers, full absorption, and smart tack placement. If you are unsure what to use for your exact scenario, start with the Solution Finder.

Use the Solution Finder Shop 16oz High Potency Gel Read Prehabilitation Explore Liniment Gel Collection

Not a drug. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult your veterinarian, farrier, and saddle fitter for medical or fit questions.

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