Arnica Gel/Cream

[Nina76]

Hi All

After a visit from a Physio last night I have been recomended to use Arnica Gel On my mares hips/shoulders/poll and saddle area after exercise.

The visit was very interesting, I felt as a novice owner I benefitted greatly and will certainly continue with the techniques and massage I was shown.

However in the age of the credit crunch, does anyone else use this gel? how much? where from? your physio experiences?

I am not expecting a massive change as a result as we don't have any 'problems' to solve as such, but If I can make her more comfortable in any way then....

 

[spike123]

arnica is good for bruising and works well on people as well as horses.I brought mine from ebay.I can't remember how much I paid for it but I know it wasn't that expensive.You maybe able to buy it from any herbalist type shop too.I presume your mare has a soft topline and the idea of the massage combined with the arnica is to help her soften her outline without causing too much discomfort from her muscles.
I have had the physio out to 2 of my horses in the past and both times it made an enormous difference and I have no doubt that I would rather call them if I suspected a muscular problem rather than my vet.

 

[sarahs]

Gold Label do a very god arnica gel which isnt to expensive, cant remember how much though.

 

[ossip71]

I have used Witchhazel & Arnica on my boys back for a while now. I've found the best place to get it is Equine Pharmacy as they sell it in a 1kg pot for just under £15 whereas my local tackshop charges nearly £10 for 400g!

Hyperdrug Witchhazel & Arnica page

A 1kg pot lasts me about 3 months & I use it on his back every time I ride him.

 

[Nina76]

Thanks sarahs, spike123 and ossip71

I have just ordered the 1kg tub from the equine pharmacy,
found a 1L pump on ebay for £26 inc delivery so the pharmacy seemed better value, I have a feeling we might be using quite a bit.

 

[kellyeaton]

why dont you just give the arnica tablets less messier!