White stuff on horses' legs in olympic cross country?

Question

What is that white stuff smeared on many of the horses' legs in the olympic cross country competition? At first I thought it might be foam from sweat, but many of the horses started the course with it on their legs. Does anyone know what it is?

Answer 1

It's a greasy substance smeared on their legs to help them slide over if they hit their legs on a jump.  I think the original people who thought of this idea used something like Crisco, but that they probably use something sold specifically for horses now.

Answer 2

I wondered the same thing too, and would also assume it was grease. I watched it for a bit yesterday and the jumps were big and solid, so I suppose it allows them to slide over if they touch the jump as opposed to stopping if they just hit it.

On another note, some very impressive (and good looking) horses in there!

Answer 3

It's a greasy paste that they put on their legs to keep them from hurting themselves if they hit/bump a jump.  It helps them slide over instead of scraping themselves.  

Answer 4

it' a waxy greasy substance so that they slide over jumps theydon't clear bc cross country jumps don't give like show jumps do.

Answer 5

Its really hot and humid there, the horses may be sweating before they even start out. I could be wrong, but that would be my guess.  

Answer 6

Its not sweat it is a lubricant which lessens the damage if a horse brushes one of the fences- unlike in showjumping the cross country jumps are fixed so if a horse touches them they won't fall down. The lubricant helps the horses legs slide over the jumps if they brush them rather than a full on impact which causes bruising and may cause the horse to pull up lame

Answer 7

A lot of jumpers will smear grease or shortening on their horses legs.  I can't remember why even though a 3 day eventer I used to board with told me once.

Answer 8

I was wondering that too! Is it some sort of muscle soother? I showed at state fair and i saw a horse with that stuff too! I'll be checkin in on this q

Answer 9

I havnt personally seen this white stuff, but i'd asume its poultice. its a heat drawer. its help the legs stay cool and maintained.

Answer 10

its eventing grease it helps the horses slide over the jumps if they get stuck.