Cooling down legs after XC

Previously always just used ice packets (human ones re freeze etc...) always with a layer in between so no Ice burn occurs.

Re gels etc... I use aloe vera, as it won't harm only help any knicks etc.. or wonder gel (gold label ... its for cuts but is aloe vera with added stuff like tea tree oil)

But we have a Zamar machine (worth every penny IMO for horse and human!) so I wash off at events travel home and put straight on zamar. Then gel, bandage (if has to stay in) or some gel turn out and zamar AM also.
 
Re 'someone else' giving your horse a banned substance. . .if it happens, appeal. That's what the process is for. But the rule is it's the rider's - and only the rider's - responsibility and so it should be. If you suspect your horse has been exposed to a banned substance, withdraw. As to your YO giving your horse bute without your knowledge. . words fail me! Why would that happen, at least more than once??

There is much confusion over therapeutic/controlled/banned substances so always best to err on the side of caution. It is rather a 'spirit of the law' thing though - basically if you are giving ANYTHING to address discomfort, affect temperament or change way of going then you are technically in breach of the rules. Of course people do these things all the time but to a large extent what's allowed has more to do with what's detectable than anything else.

Other substances are controlled because they interfere with testing. In some circumstances you can apply for dispensation but again, up to competitors to know the rules.
 
I like these! http://www.equiplus.co.uk/
Daughter has a constantly dodgy ankle as well as tennis elbow (from, would you believe, tennis ;)) and uses it on herself as well. I think they do make a human variety, they're exactly the same product and owned by the same person. But the horse one is cheaper as you get it in relative bulk! :D
 
I always ice after XC, it's not hard for me to do.

I have an awesome set of ice boots, they cover from over the knee right down to the hoof, and are made from a neoprene outer with slots inside. I can then add crushed up ice. Ice is the best, because as it melts it takes the heat away. I'm not a fan of water boots as I feel that they won't be cold enough when they hit a hot leg, and will then heat the leg up.
 
can i ask possibly a silly question... if you put on icepacks or ice boots etc, then the leg is going to wet and i thought that you shouldnt bandage wet legs..?
 
At the risk of being mocked...

I'm a fan of icing legs. But I'm lazy. My new trick from last summer? Little cooler filled with ice and.. wait for it.. freezies. Yes, the human "ice cream" freezy tubes. You can get a pack of about 50 for very cheap. If you throw lots of them in the cooler with a pile of ice they stay frozen for a while. Horse comes in from cross country, thin wrap and freezies taped on with exercise bandages. When they've melted (about 15 minutes), time for them to come off. I like using them because they are malleable and nicely mold around the legs.

Yes - you do need to make sure that there is something between the skin and the ice so you don't accidentally burn the horse.
 
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