Cold Therapy vs Liniment: What’s Best for Your Horse’s Legs?
Swollen legs. Sore joints. Puffy tendons. If your horse works hard, you’ve seen it—and you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Do I reach for the ice or the liniment?”
Turns out, the answer isn’t either/or. It’s knowing when—and how—to use both.
When to Use Cold Therapy 🧊
Cold therapy is your go-to for fresh inflammation. Think:
- After an intense workout
- Following a suspected tendon or soft tissue strain
- Hot, swollen legs post-event
- Preventing inflammation after hauling
It works by constricting blood vessels, reducing circulation and slowing the inflammatory cascade. In other words: chill it before it swells like a balloon.
Products like Draw It Out® IceBath deliver full-leg cooling with an easy pour-over formula. Pair with standing wraps or use as a pre-boot soak.
When to Use Liniment 💪
Once the initial heat has cooled—or as part of your post-ride ritual—liniment steps in.
Draw It Out® Gel is a no-burn, no-sting, no-nonsense formula that penetrates deeply to support circulation and reduce residual inflammation. It’s ideal for:
- Routine post-exercise recovery
- Older horses with arthritis or chronic stiffness
- Daily support for horses in hard work
It’s also FEI and USEF safe, so you don’t need to worry about the ingredients list come show day.
Using Both: The Smart Recovery Combo
The secret most pros already know? Use cold therapy first to bring down the heat, then follow with liniment to keep circulation moving and healing on track.
Example post-event protocol:
- Apply IceBath after untacking
- Let legs air dry or towel off excess
- Rub in Draw It Out® High Potency Gel
- Wrap with standing wraps or use cooling boots
FAQs: Cold Therapy vs Liniment
Should I use cold therapy or liniment first?
Always use cold first to reduce acute swelling. Liniment follows to promote recovery.
How often can I use cold therapy?
1–2 times daily during acute phases or after hard rides. Use 15–20 minutes per session unless directed otherwise by a vet.
Is Draw It Out® safe under wraps?
Yes. It’s designed for use under standing wraps and boots—no irritation, no residue.
Can I use both on show day?
Absolutely. Both our IceBath and Gel formulas are show-safe and trusted by pros worldwide.
The bottom line: Use cold to stop the problem. Use liniment to solve it.
Shop the recovery duo: