Barn-Ready Guide (Educational Only)

Horse Leg Swelling in Stall

Woke up to puffy legs? Here’s how riders calmly handle overnight/after-stall swelling—what to check, what to do first, and what to recheck at 15–30 minutes.

Open: Horse Leg Anatomy Wrap Method Guide Recovery Loop Shop 16oz Gel
Why It Happens Stall-Swelling Reset Stocking-Up vs. Worry FAQ

Why It Happens

Benign “Stocking-Up”

  • Cool, even puffiness in both hind (or all) legs after stall time
  • Often improves with 15–30 minutes of hand-walking/turnout
  • Common after travel or long overnight rest

Red-Flag Swelling

  • Heat, tenderness, or reluctance to bear weight
  • Pronounced asymmetry (one leg much bigger)
  • Stronger-than-usual digital pulse; pitting with pain

Any red flags—call your veterinarian.

Stall-Swelling Reset (Step-by-Step)

1) Move First

  1. Hand walk 10–20 minutes or offer light turnout.
  2. Recheck symmetry and feel for heat along tendons/cannon.

2) Cool if Warm

  1. Hose or sponge with cool water; scrape between passes.
  2. Avoid ice directly on skin unless your veterinarian advises.

3) Thin Gel → Absorb

  1. On intact skin, apply a THIN layer of Draw It Out® 16oz Gel to target zones.
  2. Allow hair to go dry-to-touch before pads/wraps.
  3. Optional standing wraps with even tension; recheck at 15–30 minutes.

“Wrap-ready” means thin gel → full absorption → gear on.

Stocking-Up vs. Worry (Quick Compare)

Looks like Stocking-Up

  • Cool, even puffiness both legs
  • No pain, normal behavior
  • Improves after 15–30 minutes of movement

Looks like Swelling (Worry)

  • Heat, tenderness, one-sided enlargement
  • Stronger digital pulse or pitting with pain
  • No improvement after reset or rapid worsening

Use the Horse Leg Anatomy map to compare the same landmarks every time.

FAQ

Should I wrap overnight?

Only on intact skin and after full absorption if you’ve applied gel. Use even tension with ~50% overlap and recheck at 15–30 minutes. Confirm with your veterinarian for your horse’s program.

Is “stocking-up” the same as fat legs?

No. Stocking-up is fluid that’s cool and symmetric; it improves with movement. Fat/overall thickness is a body-type look that doesn’t change after a short walk.

When do I skip DIY and call the vet?

Heat, pain, wounds, fever, lameness, pronounced asymmetry, strong/bounding pulses, or swelling that doesn’t change after the reset—call your veterinarian.

Where does hydration fit?

Keep water close—especially after travel or hot nights. See the Recovery-Ready Hydration guide for simple, show-friendly steps.

Educational content. Not a medical device or veterinary advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your veterinarian for medical concerns and follow current show rules.