Cooling Clay & Poultice: Cooling care for horses' legs after work
For many riders, a clay poultice is a trusted ritual after training or a show. Here you will find pastes, gels and balms for caring for your horse's legs.
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Schmidt's Special Clay Balm – Cooling Care Balm for Animals, 1 kg
Sale price: €20.50 Regular price: €23.99 (14.55% saved)
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Pharmakas CLAY GEL 2 kg
Content: 2 kg (€11.29 / 1 kg)
Sale price: €22.57 Regular price: €25.99 (13.16% saved)
Leovet Mineral Pack Plus Arnica Clay for Horse Legs, 1500 g
Content: 1.5 kg (€19.61 / 1 kg)
Regular price: €29.42
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Kerbl KerbaSan Clay Paste, Udder Care for Dairy Cows, 1.5 kg
Content: 1.5 kg (€14.59 / 1 kg)
Sale price: €21.89 Regular price: €23.99 (8.75% saved)
Cooling Clay & Poultice: trusted care for horses' legs
Cooling clay has been used in horse care for a long time. Applied to the legs as a paste or poultice, it has a pleasant cooling effect and is popular after training, after a show or after long hacks. In our range you will find clay pastes, clay gel, a cooling clay balm and mineral poultices with arnica for caring for the cannon bones and tendon area.
How to apply cooling clay
The legs should be clean and dry. Apply the clay in an even, thick layer from just below the knee down to the fetlock, working it in against and then with the direction of the hair. Many riders leave the poultice uncovered to dry, while others cover it with damp paper and a loosely applied bandage. Once dry, the clay can be brushed out or washed off with lukewarm water.
What to bear in mind
Clay should only go on unbroken skin, never on open wounds or grazes. Make sure any bandage over a poultice is not too tight. With competition horses, check whether additives such as herbs comply with the rules of your governing body. If a leg is warm, swollen or sore, or your horse is lame, have it examined by your vet. Cooling clay is a care product and does not replace treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long should clay stay on a horse's leg?
Many people leave the poultice on for a few hours or overnight and wash it off the next morning. It is important not to apply it for weeks on end without a break, so the skin does not dry out. Follow the instructions for the specific product.
Do I need to cover cooling clay with a bandage?
No, it is not essential. Covering it with damp paper and a bandage stops the poultice drying too quickly and keeps bedding from sticking to it. The bandage must only be loose.
How do I get dried clay off again?
First brush out the dry clay roughly, then wash off the rest with lukewarm water. A sponge helps with stubborn residue in the feathers. Afterwards, let the legs dry thoroughly and check the skin for any dry or irritated patches.
Cooling clay for caring for your horse's legs
For many riders, a clay poultice is the way to round off a hard day. After jumping training, a long cross-country ride or a show weekend, the paste is applied thickly to the legs and provides a pleasant coolness. Whether you choose classic clay paste, an easy-to-spread gel, a cooling balm or a mineral poultice with arnica, all versions are applied to clean, unbroken skin and brushed out or washed off again after a few hours. A loosely applied bandage stops bedding sticking to the poultice. If there is heat, swelling or lameness, however, your horse needs to see the vet first, because cooling clay is care, not treatment. A bucket of lukewarm water and a sponge make washing off quick and thorough the next morning, so your horse is clean and comfortable again in no time.