From barrel racers to hunter/jumpers, the performance horse world unanimously agrees: A sound horse performs better. While veterinary care should be the first line of defense in keeping horses pain-free, many owners and trainers employ liniments, rubs, poultices, and more to keep their equine athletes feeling their best. But before you slather on your product of choice, be sure to read the label: Some topical therapy products contain illegal or banned substances and might result in a medication disqualification at your next show.

Richard Markell, DVM, MRCS, owner of Ranch and Coast Equine Practice Inc. in Encinitas, California, and an official Fédération Equestre Internationale and U.S. Olympic show jumping team veterinarian, is very familiar with medication rules and regulations, including those that apply to topical therapies.

“We need to remember that anything applied to the skin has the potential to enter the bloodstream and test,” Markell says. “And that doesn’t necessarily mean it is absorbed through the skin—if the horse licks the area where the topical was applied it can also be absorbed orally. Additionally, if the product comes in contact with any tack and/or equipment it can also contaminate the horse.”

All-Natural and Homemade

Markell cautions that just because a product claims to be all-natural does not necessarily translate to “show-safe