bracing the horse legs

Question
hello ,what does "bracing the horse legs" mean?

Answer
Hello.

After exercise, a "bracer" is used on a horse's legs to reduce edema (swelling). The massage that is used to apply this solution to the legs is probably the most important part of this application.It increases circulation to the area. One can more easily feel the tendon and suspensory ligaments.

Horses are usually bandaged after the bracer is applied. A bracer may be different than liniment in that it is a MIXTURE of rubefacient drugs, i.e. solutions that would commonly cause reddening of the skin. This result, of course, would normally not manifest itself on a horse's leg, but you do have to be very careful about overuse of braces, especially when bandaging afterward.

A bracer is only superficial if used correctly, and should not penetrate the structures beneath the skin.