Horse Linaments

from www.proequinegrooms.com:

Can my horse benefit from liniments during the grooming process? 

 Probably!  There are definitely a few things to know about liniment in the meantime.  Liniment is the general term for a lotion, potion, or topical application designed to relieve pain. Liniments are soothing or counter-irritating.  Liniments that are counter-irritating work by irritating the skin so that the capillaries and superficial vessels are opened, thus allowing more blood flow and warmth/heat to the area.  

 Liniments can be great in helping with muscle soreness, chronic (long term) issues your horse may have in his joints, and even bug bites.  Some liniments are even good for adding a bit of shine to your horse’s coat, in addition to their warming properties.  

Typically, you would apply a liniment to your horse after exercise.  Liniments come in many forms, like sprays, lotions, and even thicker ointments.  Spray liniments are the easiest to use, point and go!  With lotions and ointments you will definitely want to rub them in to your horse’s muscles.  This doubles as a nice massage after work.  If you are using liniments on your horse’s tendons below the hock and/or knee, you can use a quilt and a standing wrap over the liniment if need be.  Some liniments can be sponged on, these are great to combine with a rinse off after exercise. 

A few more things to know about liniments.  Many of them contain substances that will test positive under USEF guidelines when given intravenously, intramuscularly, sub cutaneously, and also orally.  Camphor, oil of rosemary, and oil of thyme are all examples of such ingredients.  But, you are using a liniment on your horse’s skin, so there is usually no association of a positive test result with topical use.  The exception is capsaicin and closely related analogues (eg. Capsicum Oleoresin), a counter irritant that is prohibited for use topically within seven days of an event under USEF rules and regulations.  

 You should also consult your Veterinarian if your horse has a new or acute injury.  Generally speaking, new injuries are better treated with ice, save the heat producing liniments for chronic conditions and muscle soreness.  When in doubt, ask your Veterinarian!  

---

Absorbine Linament

Absorbine® Veterinary Liniment is the world's number one selling horse liniment. It is a soothing antiseptic blend of natural herbs and oils that is an effective treatment for temporary muscular soreness and stiffness. Absorbine's time-honored formula is made with our proprietary blend of the herbal extracts Calendula, Echinacea, and Wormwood. 

Veterinary Liniment speeds the natural process and brings instant warmth to overworked or strained muscles and joints by stimulating the flow of blood. The blood quickly carries off toxic wastes that cause stiffness and swelling. At the same time, substances in the bloodstream lay down a network of tissues to aid the process of repair to reduce swelling. It is also an antiseptic that helps prevent infection while healing minor cuts, bruises, abrasions, and relieving insect bites. The unique herbal formula can also be used as a brace and tightener. 

Medicinal Ingredients: Menthol 1.25%, Chloroxylenol .5%, Thymol .25%, Potassium iodide .02% 

USEF Statement: "Some ingredients in Absorbine Veterinary Liniment and Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel are forbidden under the USEF Drugs & Medications Rule; however, provided the products containing these substances are administered only topically and as recommended by the manufacturer, there is no need for restricting their use during competitions under USEF rules. However, if these products are used inappropriately, e.g., in a manner other than topically, this could result in a positive finding in the blood or urine of the horse, which would be a potential violation of the rules."   June 2014

---

Absorbine Power Gel

Absorbine® Veterinary Liniment Gel is a warm soothing treatment for temporary muscular soreness caused by overexertion, minor injuries, and/or arthritis. This concentrated spearmint-scented gel contains natural botanical extracts that help reduce swelling and speed recovery. 

Veterinary Liniment Gel is also excellent for injuries requiring prolonged heat treatments such as splints, sprains, bruises, bowed tendons, and bucked shins. For older horses with arthritis, Absorbine Gel loosens stiff joints and reduces pain and swelling. With or without wraps, before and/or after workouts or competition, it keeps legs sound and tight. Use with or without a wrap. Menthol loosens stiff joints and reduces swelling.

Active Ingredients: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark 35%, Menthol 4%, Artemesia Absinthium (Wormwood) Whole Plant .4%, Echinacea Purpurae rhizomes .2% 

USEF Statement: "Some ingredients in Absorbine Veterinary Liniment and Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel are forbidden under the USEF Drugs & Medications Rule; however, provided the products containing these substances are administered only topically and as recommended by the manufacturer, there is no need for restricting their use during competitions under USEF rules. However, if these products are used inappropriately, e.g., in a manner other than topically, this could result in a positive finding in the blood or urine of the horse, which would be a potential violation of the rules."   June 2014

---

Buckley's 3 in 1 Linament

As a Tightener/Liniment:

Relief of an existing condition: Pour a small amount of 3 IN 1 FORMULA into the palm of the hand, apply to affected limbs, and rub briskly until dry. Cover application with cotton and bandage. Apply twice daily. Repeat application until relief of symptoms is noticed, or as directed by a Veterinarian.

To help prevent leg swelling and muscular soreness: Add 30 ml of 3 IN 1 FORMULA to one litre of warm water. Mix well. Apply once daily to legs after strenuous work.

As a Body Wash and Brace: Add 30 ml of 3 IN 1 FORMULA to one litre of warm water. Mix well. Apply to entire body or desired area after strenuous work, once daily. This makes a refreshing and stimulating lotion, allowing horses to cool out free of stiffness.

To Help Relieve Stifle Lameness: Pour a small amount of 3 IN 1 FORMULA into the palm of the hand, apply gently around stifle before a race or workout. Use once daily or as directed by a Veterinarian.

Apply on a clean leg, from which all other medications have been removed. If condition does not improve after 2 or 3 consecutive applications, or if the condition deteriorates, consult a Veterinarian.

---

Buckley's Shin Band

DIRECTIONS:

For the prevention of Bucked Shin: Paint Shin-Band one half hour before each workout or race. DO NOT BANDAGE. Repeat application daily or as recommended by a Veterinarian.

For the relief of temporary pain and discomfort associated with splints, osselets, big knee swelling, sore tendons, muscular soreness and soft ankles: Apply with brush to the affected area. DO NOT BANDAGE. Repeat application once or twice daily on each working day or as recommended by a Veterinarian.

CAUTION: For external use only. Apply Shin-Band on a clean leg, from which all other medications have been removed. If condition does not improve after 2 or 3 consecutive applications or if the condition deteriorates, consult a Veterinarian.

Ingredients: 
Methyl Salicylate 84.63 mg/ml, Iodine 47.44 mg/ml, Camphor 31.17 mg/ml, Isopropyl Alcoho l564.40 mg/ml, Gum Benzoin 20.46 mg/ml, Potassium Iodide 13.77 mg/ml

---

Pro Line MSM Soothing Gel

---

McTarnahans Blue Lotion

---

McTarnahans Green Cool Gel

---

Straight Arrow Mineral Ice

---

Blue Sport Lotion

---

EZ Willow Linament

---