PLN
Cooling is only part of what you get in a clay pack or a liniment bottle. The rest of the effect depends on what else the manufacturer has included in the formula. It is the composition that determines whether the product will act solely as a momentary cooling sensation, or additionally support the blood vessels, tissues, and skin of the horse's legs.
The difference between two similar-looking liniments can be greater than the difference in price. One bases its effect solely on menthol. The other combines menthol with plant extracts that act on vessel walls, support regeneration after micro-injuries, and at the same time protect the epidermis from the irritating effects of cooling substances.
In this article, we show how to break down the composition of liniments and clays into four functional groups, what each of the most common ingredients does, how to match the formula to a specific stable situation, and what mistakes to avoid when purchasing and using them. Instead of a list of trade names, you get criteria by which you can evaluate every product you pick up.
Key information at a glance
- The sensation of coolness is primarily due to menthol and essential oils: eucalyptus, mint, and peppermint. Menthol provides the strongest cooling effect by acting on cold receptors in the skin.
- Cooling is not the only value of the product. Extracts of horse chestnut, arnica, witch hazel, and gotu kola act on blood vessels and tissues: they seal vessels, support regeneration after micro-injuries, and reduce blood stagnation.
- Aloe, calendula, and glycerin act as protective agents. Aloe additionally protects the epidermis from the irritating effects of menthol, which is important for regular use.
- Preservatives in the composition are an advantage, not a disadvantage. Phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate protect the formula from spoilage. Potassium sorbate is especially useful in products packed in jars that are accessed by hand.
- The composition should be read by functional groups, not ingredient by ingredient. The four groups are: cooling, effect on vessels and tissues, skin protection, preservation.
- A product with an extensive "vascular" component makes sense when it comes to more than just cooling the legs after training. A product based mainly on menthol is sufficient if you are looking for a quick refresh.
- The label does not replace diagnosis. Liniments and clays are care products. Persistent swelling, heat, or lameness is a situation for a veterinarian, not for a jar of clay.
Table of contents
- What exactly you buy when you purchase a liniment or clay
- Which ingredients are responsible for the cooling effect
- Ingredients supporting blood vessels and tissues
- What protects the horse's skin from irritation
- Preservatives: why their presence works in your favor
- How to read the composition of a liniment and clay step-by-step
- Which composition for which situation: a summary
- What the composition won't tell you about the product
- Safe use of liniment and clay
- Common mistakes made by riders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conscious choice instead of intuitive purchase
What exactly you buy when you purchase a liniment or clay
You are buying a specific formula, not just the concept of "cooling." Two products with the same promise on the packaging can have completely different ingredient lists and, consequently, differ in what they actually do to the skin and tissues of a horse's leg.
It is most convenient to divide the composition into four functional groups:
| Ingredient group | What it does in the product | What to look for on the label (INCI) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Provide an immediate, palpable sensation of coolness | Menthol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil |
| Vascular and tissue | Work slower, but are responsible for the added value of the formula | Aesculus Hippocastanum Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract |
| Protective and conditioning | Care for the skin that comes into contact with active ingredients | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Glycerin |
| Preserving | Keep the product in a condition suitable for safe use until the end of the packaging | Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate |
Such a division allows you to evaluate the product in a few dozen seconds. A formula composed solely of the first and fourth groups is a cooling preparation and nothing more. If plant extracts from the second and third groups appear alongside menthol, you get a product designed more broadly.
Liniment vs. clay: how they differ in practice
The fundamental difference concerns consistency and application method, not the philosophy of the composition itself. Liniments have a lighter form that is rubbed into the skin. Clays are denser and are applied in a layer. The specific density, application method, and time of remaining on the leg depend on the particular product. Here, the manufacturer's instructions always decide.
However, consistency has a consequence that is rarely mentioned: the type of packaging affects the preservatives needed for the formula. Clay in a jar, accessed by hand, is more susceptible to microbial contamination than a product in a bottle with a dispenser. Therefore, the presence of potassium sorbate, effective against yeasts and molds, makes sense in such formulations.
The difference in form is well illustrated by two products from the Over Horse brand. Over Horse cooling gel in 500 g packaging is a gel for rubbing into limbs and muscles, while Over Horse Kaoglin Horse cooling clay is a dense preparation applied in a layer, available in 2 kg packaging, intended for regular stable use.
Which ingredients are responsible for the cooling effect?
Four ingredients are responsible for the sensation of coolness, most often appearing together: menthol, eucalyptus oil, mint oil, and peppermint oil. Menthol provides the strongest effect, while the others support and modify this action.
Menthol: the strongest cooling effect in the formula
Menthol (INCI: Menthol) provides the strongest cooling effect because it acts on cold receptors located in the skin. This explains a mechanism that remains unclear to many riders: the sensation of coolness is not synonymous with a physical reduction in tissue temperature to a great depth. Menthol triggers a receptor response, it does not act like ice.
This difference has practical significance. The intensity of the cooling sensation is not a measure of how deeply and lastingly the preparation has worked, yet it is by this that riders most often judge a liniment. Products with a high menthol content therefore seem "stronger," although they may not be functionally more complete.
Menthol is also a substance that can irritate the skin. Therefore, well-formulated recipes combine it with protective ingredients.
Eucalyptus oil: cooling plus care
Eucalyptus oil (INCI: Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil) has a cooling and refreshing effect, and additionally supports skin care. Its presence in the composition therefore means that part of the cooling effect comes from an ingredient that simultaneously works for the condition of the skin.
Mint oil and peppermint oil
Mint oil (INCI: Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil) has a cooling and refreshing effect, and also contains natural menthol. It is therefore a carrier of the same mechanism, but in the form of a plant extract.
Peppermint oil (INCI: Mentha Piperita Oil) has a refreshing and cooling effect, supporting the effect achieved by menthol.
In practice, these three oils collectively create a sensation that is more complex than the action of menthol alone: not only coolness appears, but also a distinct refreshment. If you are looking for a product with a milder profile, a formula based more on plant oils and less on pure menthol will be a more reasonable choice.
How does such a system look on a specific label? In the composition of Over Horse cooling gel, menthol (Menthol) is combined with peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita Oil) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil). The strongest cooling ingredient is thus complemented by two refreshing oils, not used alone.
Ingredients supporting blood vessels and tissues
This is the part of the composition that differentiates products the most and about which manufacturers say the least on the front of the packaging. Four extracts found in liniment and clay formulas act on blood vessels and tissues, each at a different point in the same process.
Horse chestnut extract: sealing vessels and preventing swelling
Horse chestnut extract (INCI: Aesculus Hippocastanum Flower Extract) seals blood vessels, improves vein wall elasticity, inhibits inflammation, and prevents swelling.
This is a preventative ingredient. Its action targets the cause of swelling (vessel permeability and elasticity), not just the sensation the swelling causes. Therefore, formulas with horse chestnut make particular sense where the goal is to support regularly working legs, rather than to react to a one-time situation.
Arnica extract: regeneration after micro-injuries
Arnica montana flower extract (INCI: Arnica Montana Flower Extract) supports regeneration after micro-injuries, helps with fragile capillaries, bruises, and hematomas, soothes inflammation, and accelerates the absorption of fluids accumulated in tissues after injuries.
Arnica is the most "interventional" ingredient in this group. Its action profile relates to a situation where something has already occurred. If you are looking for a product to use after intensive work where the horse's legs may have suffered micro-injuries, the presence of arnica in the composition is a substantive, not a marketing, argument.
Witch hazel: less stagnation, less limb heaviness
Witch hazel (INCI: Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract) exhibits astringent properties: it constricts and narrows blood vessels, reduces blood stagnation, and eliminates the feeling of limb heaviness after exertion. At the same time, it increases the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces their permeability.
The astringent and anti-stagnation action complements the cooling effect well: menthol provides an immediate sensation, witch hazel works on what is happening in the vessels.
How do these extracts actually appear on labels?
You will rarely find all four in one formula, and that's normal. In Over Horse gel, the vascular part is formed by arnica montana flower extract (Arnica Montana Flower Extract) and horse chestnut extract, in this formula derived from seeds (Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract), and glycerin is responsible for skin protection. In Kaoglin Horse clay, the manufacturer lists kaolin clay, zinc oxide with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, arnica flower extract, eucalyptus oil, and menthol as key ingredients.
Practical conclusion: check which part of the vascular group a given product covers, not just whether it "has arnica."
Gotu Kola: supporting skin and connective tissue regeneration
Gotu Kola (INCI: Centella Asiatica Extract) supports the natural regenerative processes of the skin and connective tissue.
It appears less frequently in product descriptions than menthol or arnica. Connective tissue is a structure in a horse's legs that works with every step. Supporting its natural regenerative processes is a sensible complement to the action of other extracts.
What protects the horse's skin from irritation?
The protective group is most often overlooked, yet it determines whether the product can be used regularly without adverse skin effects.
Aloe (INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) has soothing, moisturizing, and calming effects on the skin, and additionally protects the epidermis from the irritating effects of substances such as menthol. This is the most important information from this group: aloe is not a marketing embellishment, but a counterbalance to the most active cooling ingredient.
Calendula (INCI: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract) supports epidermal regeneration and soothes skin irritations. If the skin on your horse's legs is sensitive or the product is to be used frequently, the presence of calendula is an argument for this formula.
Glycerin (INCI: Glycerin) moisturizes and protects the skin from drying out. Drying out is a real risk with regular use of products containing active substances. Glycerin acts as a safeguard here.
The correlation is simple and worth remembering: the stronger the cooling part of the formula, the greater the importance of the protective part. A product with a high menthol content without soothing ingredients is a formula where skin irritation is more likely, especially if it is used frequently and on the same area.
Preservatives: why their presence works in your favor?
Preservatives in a liniment or clay formula are an advantage. Without them, a product containing water and plant extracts spoils, and a spoiled preparation is a worse solution than a preserved one.
Phenoxyethanol effectively protects the clay or liniment formula from spoilage and is safe for the skin. This answers a question that regularly arises in discussions about "natural" horse products: the presence of a preservative is not contradictory to safety.
Potassium Sorbate (INCI: Potassium Sorbate) is particularly effective against yeasts and molds, making it useful in products contained in jar-type packaging. We return here to the earlier observation: the product's composition should correspond to its packaging. Clay in a wide jar, opened in the stable with dirty hands, needs different protection than a product in a bottle.
Phenoxyethanol and potassium sorbate are not the only preserving systems you will find on labels of horse care products. The logic of evaluation remains the same: a product containing water and plant extracts must be protected, and information about the specific system can be found in the full INCI composition on the product card.
If you're looking for "red flags" in the ingredients, don't look among preservatives. The real problem is rather a formula with water and plant extracts, but without any protection.
How to read the ingredients of a rub and clay step by step
The following order allows you to evaluate the product in a few dozen seconds, without chemical knowledge.
- Find cooling ingredients. Look for the word Menthol and oils: Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil. Determine whether cooling is based on menthol alone or a combination of menthol and oils.
- Check the vascular and tissue group. Look for Aesculus Hippocastanum, Arnica Montana, Hamamelis Virginiana, Centella Asiatica. How many of them can you find? This is the best indicator of whether the product offers anything beyond cooling.
- Check the protective group. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Glycerin. Their absence with a strong cooling component is a warning sign for sensitive skin.
- Check preservation. Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate. Compare this with the type of packaging.
- Compare the ingredients with your real need. Refreshing legs after training, supporting post-exercise recovery, and caring for sensitive skin are three different goals and three different priorities in the ingredients.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions. Application method, frequency, contraindications, and washing recommendations are specific to each product and do not result from the ingredient list alone.
Not every item on the list is an active ingredient. Some are responsible for consistency, pH, color, or formula stability, so a long list does not automatically mean a rich composition, and a short one does not mean a poor one. What matters is what you find in the four functional groups, not the total number of items.
The same method of reading labels is useful for other horse preparations. Using insect repellents as an example, we showed it in the text about the durability of horse repellents, where the composition determines not only efficacy but also the safety of long-term action.
The order of ingredients on the label usually reflects their decreasing content in the product, but the method of declaring the composition of horse preparations varies among different manufacturers. In case of doubt, the most reliable source is the product sheet or a direct inquiry to the manufacturer.
What ingredients for what situation: a summary
The table below organizes what we described above in a decision-making format. The column "What to look for in the ingredients" indicates ingredients whose presence is an argument for a given product in a given situation.
| Your need | What to look for in the ingredients | Why it works | When it's not enough |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick leg refreshment after training | Menthol, oils: eucalyptus, mint, peppermint | Menthol acts on cold receptors, oils enhance the refreshing effect | When you expect vascular and tissue support, not just a sensation of cold |
| Support for post-exercise recovery | Hamamelis Virginiana, Arnica Montana | Witch hazel reduces blood stasis and the feeling of heavy limbs, arnica supports regeneration after micro-injuries | For an injury requiring evaluation by a veterinarian |
| Tendency to swelling | Aesculus Hippocastanum, Hamamelis Virginiana | Horse chestnut strengthens blood vessels and prevents swelling, witch hazel reduces their permeability | If swelling persists or is painful: this is a veterinary situation |
| Sensitive or dry skin | Aloe Barbadensis, Calendula Officinalis, Glycerin | Aloe protects the epidermis from the irritating effect of menthol, calendula supports epidermal regeneration, glycerin prevents dryness | For skin changes of unclear cause |
| Support for skin and connective tissue | Centella Asiatica | Supports natural regenerative processes of skin and connective tissue | As the sole active ingredient in a narrow-profile formulation |
| Product in a jar, used daily | Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol | Potassium sorbate is effective against yeast and mold, phenoxyethanol protects the entire formula | If the product has been open for a long time or has changed its scent and consistency |
The columns are not mutually exclusive. The most elaborate formulations combine all four groups and are therefore often more expensive, and a higher price is justified when you genuinely need more than one action. Having established your need, you can browse Over Horse cooling and care products and evaluate their composition according to the above criteria.
What the ingredients won't tell you about the product?
The ingredient list is a good assessment tool, but it has limits, and knowing them is part of making an informed choice.
The ingredients don't specify concentrations. The presence of arnica extract doesn't mean there's a lot of it in the product. Two formulations with identical lists can differ in the proportions of active ingredients.
The ingredients don't specify the method of application. The frequency of application, product quantity, time left on the skin, and whether the preparation needs rinsing are specific to the particular product and result from the manufacturer's instructions.
The ingredients don't specify contraindications for a specific horse. Skin sensitivity, previous dermatological changes, or allergies are individual variables.
The ingredients also don't specify the product's permissibility in competitions. If you compete under the Polish Equestrian Federation or Fédération Équestre Internationale, it's worth comparing the composition of externally applied preparations with current anti-doping regulations and veterinary rules applicable in that cycle. This information should be checked at the source, before competitions, not based on the description on the packaging. Some packages are marked with a Doping Free sticker, but not always. The responsibility for checking the ingredients rests with the competitor; remember this when choosing care products.
Safe use of rub and clay
Even a well-composed formula requires sensible use. Below are practical rules derived from the nature of the discussed ingredients.
Start with a small area. Substances such as menthol can irritate the skin, so formulations contain protective ingredients, but an individual reaction is always possible. The first application on a new horse is a good time to test tolerance on a small patch of skin.
Do not apply to damaged skin. Abrasions, wounds, skin changes of unclear cause: these are situations where a preparation with cooling substances is not the right solution, and its active ingredients can be irritating.
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Essential oils and menthol are highly irritating in these areas.
Observe the horse after application. Restlessness, attempts to bite or rub the application area, skin changes: these are signs to discontinue use.
Separate care from treatment. Rubs and clays are care and support preparations. Persistent swelling, noticeable warmth in the leg, pain, lameness, or worsening condition require contact with a veterinarian. Cooling and care do not replace diagnosis.
Regarding application under bandages, wraps, or protectors and other horse equipment, and combining the preparation with other products, the manufacturer's instructions always prevail. Applying irritating substances under material that restricts air access is a situation that the manufacturer should explicitly allow or exclude.
Most common mistakes made by riders
1. Evaluating the product solely by the intensity of the cooling sensation
What it involves: choosing a rub based on how strongly it "stings" after application.
Why it happens: the cooling effect is the only thing immediately noticeable, so it becomes a substitute criterion for the overall quality of the product.
Consequences: you buy a formula with a strong menthol component and poor vascular and protective components. You pay for the sensation, not the action.
How to avoid: before evaluating the product "in hand," check how many ingredients from the vascular and protective groups it contains.
2. Treating preservatives as a flaw in the composition
What it involves: rejecting products containing phenoxyethanol or potassium sorbate in search of a "fully natural" formula.
Why it happens: transferring doubts from discussions about human cosmetics to horse products.
Consequences: choosing a product that spoils faster in stable conditions, or giving up a good formula for no reason.
How to avoid: assume that in a product with water and plant extracts, preservation is a condition for safe use until the end of the package.
3. Omitting the protective part of the composition
What it involves: focusing on active ingredients and completely ignoring aloe, calendula, and glycerin.
Why it happens: protective ingredients sound "cosmetic" and seem less important than arnica or horse chestnut.
Consequences: irritation and skin dryness with regular use, especially in horses with sensitive skin.
How to avoid: for frequently used products, treat the protective group as equally important as the active group.
4. Using one product for all situations
What it involves: using the same preparation after every training, regardless of the workload, season, and condition of the horse's legs.
Why it happens: convenience and the belief that "a rub is a rub."
Consequences: a refreshing product does not add value where vascular support is needed, and a product with a complex composition is underutilized for simple refreshment.
How to avoid: determine which situations actually repeat in your work with the horse, and only then decide whether you need one product or two with different profiles.
5. Applying the preparation to damaged skin
What it involves: applying a rub or clay to an abrasion, wound, or unidentified skin lesion.
Why it happens: the belief that since the composition contains regenerating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, the preparation will help in any situation.
Consequences: irritation, worsening of the skin condition, delay in proper treatment.
How to avoid: use cooling and care preparations on undamaged skin, and consult a veterinarian for lesions of unclear cause.
6. Replacing veterinary diagnosis with care
What it involves: cooling a swollen or warm leg for several days in a row, hoping the problem will go away.
Why it happens: the immediate, noticeable effect of the preparation creates a sense that the situation is under control.
Consequences: delayed recognition of a problem that required intervention.
How to avoid: set a limit in advance. If the symptom does not subside, worsens, or is accompanied by lameness, call the veterinarian.
7. Contaminating the product in the jar
What it involves: reaching into the clay with your hand after working in the stable, without washing your hands.
Why it happens: haste and lack of awareness that the product is an environment in which microorganisms can thrive.
Consequences: shortened product shelf life, change in scent and consistency, necessity to discard partially used packaging.
How to avoid: clean hand or spatula, tightly close after use, store according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ingredient gives the strongest cooling effect?
Menthol (Menthol). It provides the strongest cooling effect because it acts on cold receptors located in the skin. Eucalyptus, mint, and peppermint oils also have cooling and refreshing properties, and mint oil contains natural menthol. In practice, formulations combine these ingredients to achieve an effect more complex than just a sensation of cold.
What is the difference between a rub and a clay?
The fundamental difference concerns consistency and application method: rubs have a lighter form, while clays are thicker and are applied in a layer. The type of packaging also affects the preservation needs of the formula. Products in jars are more susceptible to contamination, which is why the presence of potassium sorbate in them makes sense. The specific method of use always depends on the instructions for a given product.
Are preservatives in the ingredients bad?
No. Phenoxyethanol effectively protects the formula from spoilage and is safe for the skin. Potassium sorbate is particularly effective against yeast and mold, making it useful in products packaged in jars. In a preparation containing water and plant extracts, preservation is a condition for the product to be safe to use until the end of the package.
Why is aloe in a rub if I'm looking for a cooling effect?
Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) has soothing, moisturizing, and calming properties, and additionally protects the epidermis from the irritating effects of substances like menthol. Its role is therefore directly related to the cooling part of the formula: the stronger the menthol part, the greater the importance of protective ingredients, especially with regular use.
What ingredients should I choose if the horse is prone to swelling?
Look for horse chestnut extract (Aesculus Hippocastanum Flower Extract), which strengthens blood vessels, improves vein wall elasticity, inhibits inflammation, and prevents swelling, and witch hazel, which reduces vessel permeability and blood stasis. However, persistent swelling is a situation for a veterinarian, not for a care product.
Does a more expensive product always have better ingredients?
Not automatically. A higher price can be justified by the number and type of active ingredients. A formula combining cooling, vascular support, skin protection, and thoughtful preservation is more complex than a menthol-based product. However, justification only arises when you actually need more than one action.
Can a rub or clay replace a veterinary visit?
No, these are care and support products. Persistent swelling, noticeable warmth in the leg, pain, or lameness require evaluation by a veterinarian. Ingredients such as arnica or horse chestnut refer to micro-injuries and post-exertion effects, not to injuries requiring diagnosis.
How to check if the product is suitable for a horse with sensitive skin?
Look for a protective group in the composition: aloe vera, calendula (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract), and glycerin. Calendula supports epidermis regeneration and soothes irritations, while glycerin protects against dryness. For first use, it's wise to test tolerance on a small patch of skin and observe the horse's reaction.
Can I use the liniment on chafes and wounds?
No. Products containing menthol and essential oils should be applied to intact skin. On chafes and wounds, active ingredients can be irritating. Skin changes of unclear cause should be veterinarian-consulted, not treated with a cooling preparation.
How to store clay so it doesn't lose its properties?
Seal the packaging tightly after each use and reach into the jar with a clean hand or spatula. Preservatives protect the formula, but they don't neutralize the effects of regularly introducing contaminants. Storage conditions (temperature, light exposure, shelf life after opening) are provided by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Conscious Choice Instead of Guesswork Purchase
Liniment and clay are among the few products in the stable where the entire value is written on the label, provided you can read it. Four functional groups: cooling, vascular and tissue support, skin protection, preservation. Three questions before purchase: what do I really need, what part of this does the formula cover, and does the protective part match the strength of the cooling part.
The practical recommendation is simple. If you're looking for a product for daily leg refreshment, a well-composed cooling formula with a protective component is sufficient. If you work intensely with your horse and care about supporting post-exertion recovery, look for a composition combining menthol with witch hazel, arnica, and horse chestnut. And if the skin on your horse's legs is sensitive, the protective group (aloe, calendula, glycerin) should be your first criterion, not your last.
Before you buy, take a few minutes to review the composition. It's the cheapest way to make your money well spent and ensure the product delivers real results.
If you want to compare specific products, check out the Over Horse category, where you'll find both cooling gel for application in 500 g packaging and Kaoglin Horse 2 kg cooling clay. A broader overview of the brand, from supplements to vitamins and care products, is gathered in the article Over Horse at Equishop. You can also visit our store at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. We'll discuss what makes sense for your situation and check the ingredients together. For matters concerning the health of your horse's legs, the veterinarian should remain your first point of contact. A good care product is a support, not a substitute.
