Cooling Down a Hot Horse

Many equestrians ride throughout the winter months. While some clip their horses to
make cool-down easier, others leave their hair natural. A thick winter coat can get
sweaty and steamy in the cool air. You’ll need to be prepared with a good cool-down
routine. You must leave yourself some extra time after each ride, especially
when temperatures are cold.

Your cool-down routine will vary depending on your horse’s hair, the intensity of your
workout, and how cold the weather is. Those who get very sweaty from a hard schooling
session will need a longer cooldown compared to those who are only a little hot.

Tips for Cooling Down

• At the bare minimum, your horse will likely need a 10-to-15-minute walk to cool
  down. This will help to reduce muscle soreness. If your ride was intense or long,
  they may need additional time.
• Once you finish your workout, a quarter-sheet can be draped over their
  hindquarters to avoid them catching a chill. These wool or fleece sheets are
  especially helpful for clipped horses.
• Start your cool down by walking the horse under saddle. The horse’s respiration
  rate should return to normal before you dismount.
• You may need to continue walking them on foot if they’re really breathing heavily.
•  The horse’s hair should be dried before turning them out. You can unsaddle them
  and use a wool or fleece cooler to absorb some of the sweat. It can be helpful to
  do additional handwalking. The cooler will prevent your horse from catching a chill.
• Don’t put a blanket or sheet on your horse until they’re fully dried and definitely
  not on top of a wet cooler. The cooler’s purpose is to be breathable. The blanket
  will trap the moisture onto the horse.
• It’s not advisable to use a hairdryer, as you risk burning the horse’s skin. You
  can, however, curry the hair to fluff it up. This will allow it to dry faster.
• Rubbing your horse vigorously with a towel can also speed up the drying
  process.
• Keep your horse in a warm area without cold wind until they’re fully dried.
• Clipped horses are easier to cool down, but also require blankets throughout
  winter. If you ride often in the cold months, then clipping may be your best bet.
• For occasional riders, it probably isn’t worth it. Their natural winter coat does a
  great job of keeping them warm, so choose carefully.
•  For days when you’re short on time, keep your rides quick and easy. This will
  prevent your horse from getting overly sweaty.
• Make sure to offer your horse cool water to rehydrate themselves.

The main purpose of cooling down a hot horse is to prevent muscle soreness, return
their respiration rate and temperature to normal, and dry sweaty hair. It may be an
additional step in your riding routine, but trust me your horse will be grateful that you
took the extra time. You don’t want them catching a chill this winter!