Horse Stocking Up | Why Legs Fill, What It Means, and How Riders Can Help
Legs. Circulation. Recovery.

Horse Stocking Up. Why Legs Fill And What Riders Can Do

You walk into the barn and notice your horse’s hind legs look puffy from fetlock to cannon, but there is no obvious cut, no heat, and no lameness. That quiet leg filling is called stocking up. It can look scary if you have never seen it before. This guide explains what it usually means, what to check to stay safe, and how riders support legs that work hard and stand more than they should.

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Definition

What Stocking Up Really Is

Stocking up is a type of leg swelling that usually shows up after a horse has been standing still for long periods. Fluid pools in the lower legs, often around both hind fetlocks, sometimes in all four legs. When the horse moves and circulation improves, the filling often goes down.

It is different from an acute injury. With stocking up, the horse is often sound or only mildly stiff and the swelling is usually soft and even, not hot and sharply painful.

Stocking up is about circulation and movement. It is still information that your horse’s legs are under more load than they like.
Why It Happens

Common Reasons Horses Stock Up

Stocking up often happens when the circulation in the legs cannot keep fluid moving smoothly.

  • Standing for long periods in a stall or trailer.
  • Limited turnout or movement after intense work.
  • Older joints and soft tissue that do not pump fluid as efficiently.
  • Weather swings and changes in routine.
  • Previous leg injuries that make one limb work harder.

None of these automatically mean something is badly wrong, but they do say your horse’s legs are working harder than they show.

Real Rider Routine

A Simple Three Step Plan When Your Horse Stocks Up

This is a calm place to start for horses that stock up regularly or suddenly show filled legs after a quiet night.

Step 1

Call Your Vet If Anything Feels Wrong

If the swelling is hot, firm, on one leg only, or your horse is lame or clearly uncomfortable, treat it as a possible injury and talk with your vet right away.

Step 2

Increase Gentle Movement

For typical stocking up, hand walking, controlled turnout, and light exercise all help legs pump fluid out. Motion is one of the best tools you have.

Step 3

Support Legs With A Thoughtful Routine

Many riders build a simple leg care program that supports circulation and comfort on days when horses stand more, haul, or work hard.

Relates to your horse. Stocking up is your horse’s way of showing that circulation and workload need a little extra help. Comfort and movement go hand in hand.
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Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® With Stocking Up

Draw It Out® products do not diagnose or cure stocking up. They are used by riders as part of a leg care routine that supports comfort and normal circulation in hardworking legs.

  • Applying Draw It Out® 16 ounce Gel to lower legs after work or hauling as part of a cool down routine.
  • Using CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace for a targeted cooling effect after intense rides, especially in warm weather or heavy work.
  • Choosing MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue support in areas that have a history of strain, in line with veterinary guidance.
  • Pairing topical support with turnout, hand walking, and bandaging only as directed by their veterinarian.

Products are most effective when used inside a complete plan that includes movement, appropriate workload, and professional veterinary advice.

Horse Stocking Up FAQ

What does stocking up in horses mean

Stocking up describes soft, often cool swelling in the lower legs, usually after periods of standing. It is commonly linked to circulation and movement rather than a specific injury.

Is stocking up in horses painful

Mild stocking up is not always obviously painful, but it can feel tight and uncomfortable. Any heat, firm swelling, or lameness should be treated as a possible injury and checked by a veterinarian.

Can stocking up turn into something serious

Long term circulation issues and repeated episodes deserve attention. Stocking up can also mask an underlying problem, so ongoing or severe cases should be evaluated by your vet.

How can I help my horse that stocks up

Gentle movement, turnout, hand walking, and a good leg care routine all help. Work with your vet to decide whether bandaging, cold therapy, or topical products fit your horse’s situation.

Does Draw It Out® fix stocking up

Draw It Out® products do not cure stocking up. Riders use them to support comfort and normal recovery in legs that work hard, as part of a program that includes movement and veterinary guidance.

This page is for education only and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your horse’s legs are hot, very painful, or your horse is lame, call your veterinarian immediately.

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