Poultice

A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth and placed over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body.

It is usually used on the lower legs, under a stable bandage, to focus treatment on the easily injured tendons in the area.

Poultices are sometimes applied as a precautionary measure after the horse has worked hard, such as after racing, jumping, or a cross-country run, to prevent heat and filling.

Poultices may also be heated and placed on an area where extra circulation is desired.

A poultice is applied to the horse's distal limbs after exercise, for 9–12 hours.

Schoolgirls in Britain being shown how to make a poultice, 1942
Linseed flax ( Linum usitatissimum ) may be used in a poultice for boils, inflammation and wounds.