Often times, you will see horses being led into the various race paddocks with a white covering that peaks out underneath their bandages, covers their knees and in some cases, their hocks as well. Many trainers will poultice a horse both before and after he races, to reduce as much heat as possible in all areas. Poultice either comes pre-mixed or can be made up by a caretaker, and has the consistency of a smooth mud. The caretaker will cover the horse's legs and feet with the poultice, then apply a piece of paper which has been soaked in water over the poulticed area. A bandage is placed over the paper, and then fixed with a traditional leg wrap.
Many race horses respond well to poultice treatment, which is part of their daily routine.
Horsemen can also use cold water as therapy. For instance, a horse with heat-filled hocks or knees can be placed in a bathing stall and have small, plastic tubes with tiny holes in them, which are attached to a normal garden hose fitted around the effected areas. The caretaker will then attach the hose to the water spigot and the cold water flows over the inflamed hocks or knees, reducing swelling and helping to eliminate pain. As with human atheletes, fitness is the key to a successful performance on the race track, and the trainers and caretakers will routinely perform what tasks are necessary to keep their charges intact, using whatever therapy is applicable to their individual equine atheletes. Used under License.