What is in horse liniments?

In horse liniments, you'll often find natural ingredients like menthol, alcohol, mint, eucalyptus and medicinal herbs. The ingredients usually differ based on whether you will use it to cool down or warm your equine pal. Some of the most popular choices have additional ingredients like calendula, echinacea and witch hazel. Reference the ingredient list for the horse liniments you are considering to see what the active ingredients are. As always, check with your vet to see if she has a recommendation.

Are horse liniments safe for humans?

Most horse liniments are not safe for humans unless usage instructions specifically say you can share. You work hard in the stable too, so it can be tempting to use a little liniment on yourself when treating your horse to some TCL, however most are not advertised for human use. If your equine pal's liniment does say on the label that it can address your soreness, consider checking with your doctor first.

What are horse poultices?

Horse poultices are a thick paste you can apply to your horse's body to alleviate sore muscles or help an abscess drain. Poultices for horses are often made with clay, but some are made with bran and herbs. When treating sore muscles, a poultice that cools down is helpful. If tending to a wound, consider using a horse poultice that warms up the area. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and check with your vet to see what she recommends to help your horse.