Part of this new thing we are doing is comparing different products. I figured since I often recommend clients use liniment we should discuss which liniment is best liniment.
First WHY do we use Liniment?
Many riders use liniment after their horses have worked hard, but many riders don’t realize liniment also has a soothing effect on your horses stress and emotions making it an all around tool to your horses comfort.
Liniment comes in many different forms, with many different uses and ways to apply, but I think we should break this into two major categories.
Gel and Liquid.
Reading the label for each product you use is always key, some of these need to be diluted, some are very strong, some get added to water and sponged on. READ THE LABEL
Lets start with the gels -
Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel - The reviews on this cooling gel liniment are pretty good, everywhere I looked it had more than 4 stars. Not just in the horse world, but with people alike. and I won’t lie, this is my go to for Gel Liniment and I have used this as an alternative for Biofreeze ;) Ingredients include: natural menthol and alcohol.
Carr & Day & Martin - From what I could find about this liniment, it smells amazing, and has heating and cooling effects. however, I could not find much of a review of it. This liniment can be used straight out of the bottle or diluted to make a wash. and claims to specialize in use of swelling and stuff muscles. Ingredients include: menthol, arnica, witch hazel, and rosemary.
Vetrolin Liniment Gel - Reviews of this gel liniment are also high. however, I have had personal clients complain it burns their hands, and are hesitant to put it on their horses. The label of this product does caution wrapping when applied. Active ingredients include: Menthol, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid.
Sore No-More Gelotion - This gel has good reviews in people, many say it helps their arthritis a ton, but not many reviews on horses. Some people said it was expensive compared to other products with the same benefits. Ingredients include witch hazel bark and leaves, arnica, rosemary, lobelia and xantham gum.
Bigeloil Liquid Gel - Great reviews across the board! Reviews state over and over the product is easy to apply and doesn’t burn. it is also easy to massage in, wraps well and can be used in a bath. Ingredients include: menthol and alcohol.
Liquids
Vetrolin Liniment - with an average 4.7 review across the board most reviews claim this product smells amazing and is super easy to use. It can be used full strength or diluted in spray or a bath. Ingredients include: alcohol, green soap, camphor, oil of sassafras methyl salicylate and more!
Sore No-More Liniment - This liniment in a spray bottle has been awarded “product of the year” twice by the Horse Journal. it contains only all natural ingredients and has great reviews across the board. Ingredients include: witch hazel bark and leaves, and common herbs.
Absorbine Veterinary Liniment - Absolbine can use used for muscle soreness and also as an antiseptic for minor injuries. it can again be applied full strength or with water and vinegar as a body wash. Active Ingredients include: menthol, cloroxylenol and iodine.
I grew up on a house on product loyalty and have a hard time switching unless the reasons are so good I can’t ignore it. Overall, I am an Absorbine girl for gel, and a Vetrolin person for Liquid. However I do think my next round of gel will be the Bigeloli Liquid Gel.
Please Please Please add in your favorites! Why do you like a product, why do you not like a product!
And as always Feel free to message me any topics to cover, comments, concerns and questions!
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