Cooling down is vital after exercising to keep your horse sound and healthy. Skipping this process can be incredibly detrimental to your horse’s health and can result in reduced oxygen and blood circulation which traps heat in the muscles and increases the risk of damage. In more severe cases, not cooling down efficiently can result in neurological deficits, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
How do horses keep cool?
Horses have a surprisingly small skin surface and a large amount of muscle in relation to their body weight which means they do not cool down as easily as we do. Sweating is essential for them to keep cool as the sweat will evaporate from the skin’s surface and transport heat away from it.
How to cool your horse down after riding
Post-exercise, you should always make sure you are taking the time to cool your horse down properly. In hot temperatures, horses will warm up very quickly and they will need to release some heat which is not so easy as they have a large amount of muscle mass. Additionally, if the weather is cooler outside, a proper cool down is vital in preventing your horse from catching a chill. Here is how to cool your horse down properly after your ride:
1. Take the time to walk
You should aim to walk your horse either in hand or under saddle for at least 10 minutes after exercise or until their breathing has returned to normal. Doing this will help to remove heat and disperse lactic acid from the muscles, aid heart rate recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Never just stop and put your horse straight away, this can cause tightness and cramping, a condition known as tying up which can be very serious.
KBIS event rider Georgie Campbell’s top tip for cooling your horse down is to stretch them on a long rein in walk and trot for 10-15 minutes. “It’s important to cool your horses down after any form of higher intensity exercise, both physically and mentally. I like to do this by stretching them on a long rein in walk and trot for 10-15mins.” KBIS event rider Jesse Campbell adds “- I like to think of the cool down as the time to let the horse mentally relax and gain some confidence. A lot of the time the horse will have been under pressure either from the atmosphere or the pressure we have to perform well. Take a moment to give your horse a pat and let them prick their ears and know that you’re proud of them.”
2. Wash them down
After exercise, if your horse is sweaty, either hose them off or use a sponge and bucket to cool them down. Not only will this help to remove sweat, but it will also aid with dissipating heat from the body and lower their core temperature. Repeat sponging/hosing until they’ve cooled down properly, which can take a while for the cold water to properly penetrate the fat layer and reach the large muscle groups.
If the weather’s cooler, use warm water and a no-rinse wash to remove sweat. Scrape them off properly and then use a cooler to help them dry faster and prevent chills. Once they’ve dried properly you can then put on a rug if you are planning to.
3. Ice after hard workouts
If your horse has had a particularly strenuous workout, hose their legs by running cold water over them for 15 – 20 minutes. Alternatively, try using ice wraps or boots to help direct the cold into the leg tissues. If you choose boots with ice packs, make sure you’re checking them regularly and once they’ve thawed, change them out for some fresh ones.
4. Hydration is key
It’s a myth that you shouldn’t offer your horse water straightaway after exercise. Doing so will give them the opportunity to replace any water lost through sweating, will help them cool down faster and aid with regulating their body temperature. After intensive exercise, consider adding salt or electrolytes to the water as these are lost through the sweating process and will help to replenish minerals and encourage drinking.
Now you know how to cool your horse down after riding and why it’s so important to do so. Looking for more equestrian top tips? Find out how to warm your horse up properly next.