There are many myths regarding the regeneration of a horse’s joints, tendons and muscles after a strenuous workout or field trip. Some cool down the legs of a horse using water, some apply liniments, and some don’t use anything at all.
There are in fact many reasons and recommendations (often directly from a vet) for using liniments. Depending on the result you desire, you can use cooling or warming liniments, there are also 2in1 formulas combining the effects of both.
Check out our list of the best liniments.
How to use liniments?
First and foremost, ask an experienced person, a trainer, a vet, or another rider for advice on how to apply the liniment on a horse’s legs or other parts of its body that need regeneration. Don’t use products on your own if you haven’t used them before.
After training it is advisable to apply a cooling liniment (around the area where the pads are) which cools down tendons. Don’t spread the product all over the horse’s leg!
If your horse has a tense back, neck, or other muscle groups you can give it a relaxing massage using the warming liniment.
What are the best liniments for horses?
1. Veredus Phlo Gel horse warming gel
The product is ideal for inflammation of joints and muscles. It stimulates circulation in both muscles and tendons.
The product’s ingredients include many valuable components for horse health, such as essential oils of marjoram, cypress, eucalyptus, arnica, angelica and myrrh, which form an extremely nourishing blend, and are supported by methyl salicylate with anti-inflammatory properties.
This is a product recommended for use in winter. It is worth considering its properties and giving some thought to the purchase.
2. Black Horse Thermo Effect warming liniment
The liniment works brilliantly as a compress, but you can also rub it into your horse’s tendons or muscles.
The ingredients of the product contain natural extracts, so we can be sure that the simple and natural composition will not irritate even the most sensitive horses.
The combination of ingredients makes tendons more flexible, reduces muscle fatigue and promotes muscle regeneration, as well as supports the motor system and eliminates the arising tensions.
This is a great product at a low price, do not hesitate to purchase!
3. Absorbine Liniment Gel
A warming liniment in the form of a liquid gel spreads out very well and is quickly absorbed. It is best to rub the liniment into the affected area and warm it up using a rug or a wrap and then massage the area after several minutes have passed.
Horse owners see the effectiveness of Absorbine Liniment Gel and that is why it is one of our best-selling products. Additionally, this product has a great quality-price ratio.
4. Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel
A gel product based on menthol and potent herbs.
Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel is an excellent product to help treat arthritis or muscle inflammation. Any swelling, soreness, or edema quickly vanishes after applying this product.
Despite the powerful effects of this product, it is quite gentle on the skin, so you can use it on horses that are delicate and prone to irritation.
5. Absorbine Veterinary Liniment in liquid form
This liquid liniment perfectly relieves inflammation and swelling, especially those caused by joint stiffness.
The ingredients of this product are specifically chosen to stimulate blood circulation and support the regeneration process as much as possible.
The liniment works greatly with a cooling compress (e.g., ice compress). This combination gradually easiest pain and inflammation, which brings a horse much needed relief.
This product is well perceived among owners of horses that have joint problems or are recovering after surgery.
6. Topical gel pain reliever Absorbine Veterinary Liniment
This liniment will work wonders for localized used e.g., for bug bites or minor cuts. The ingredient list includes mint, which has soothing properties for muscle pains.
The liniment is safe to leave in for the whole night. It can be used under a rug, wraps, or on its own.
Summary
Every horse stable’s first aid kit should include a good liniment. You never know when you will have to apply it in places where a horse needs regeneration or relaxation. If you don’t have access to water, rubbing a cooling liniment on a horse’s tired legs will have a great effect. A warming liniment will do wonders for muscle pain.
