I spoke with several manufacturers and distributors to learn what they perceive about the application and advantages of their products.

Poultices

Equilite Sore No-More Poultice. 

Equilite’s goal with Sore No-More Poultice is a natural material that is easily applied and washed off. Ingredients include bentonite/kaolin in a solution containing a blend of witch hazel, arnica montana, rosemary, lavender, lobelia and sodium borate as a natural preservative.

“There are no added chemicals or drugs, just herbs that have been used for centuries,” according to Equilite representative L.A. Pomeroy.

This poultice can be used on the horse’s legs and body to reduce heat, swelling or inflammation. It also treats abscesses, puncture wounds, thrush and dry or cracked hooves. Pomeroy recommends that the treated surface should always be clean and wet before application.

“For poulticing a leg, scoop an egg-sized dollop of poultice into your hand, and using one smooth stroke with the palm of your hand, spread the poultice evenly down the leg to the top of the fetlock,” she suggests. “Then…