by Charlotte Howard

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING COOL

It is just as important to cool down a horse after riding as it is to warm them up before hand. Cooling down is not done just through gentle riding, but should continue after you have dismounted as well. If you just stop riding and put them either in the stable or out to grass you are jeopardising their health and well-being.

COOLING DOWN WHILST RIDING

Strenuous exercise is a way of increasing the heart beat and breathing rate, so it is vital that these are slowed down to a normal pace gently. Cooling down also allows the heated muscles to return to normal body temperature slowly. If they were to just stop, the body temperature would drop dramatically and can cause the horse to become ill.

Once you have decided that you have completed your exercise task, slow your gait to a steady trot, riding several times around the ring at this pace. Change the rein once and lengthen their stride, allowing them to stretch their tense leg muscles. After about five minutes of this loosen the girth slightly and slow to a walk. By loosening the girth, you are allowing cool air to pass between the skin and saddle. Personally, it is at this stage that I tend to go for a very short hack; about ten minutes would do nicely. Allow the breeze to cool any excess sweat, and the horse to relax beneath you.

COOLING DOWN AFTER RIDING

Once you have dismounted, remove the saddle, bridle and any boots that your horse may be wearing as protection and tie them up using a halter and rope. You can either hose your horse down or use a sponge and bucket of cool water, but either way make sure that the horse's skin is soaked thoroughly. This will help remove the sweat and froth that has built up, and as the water cools down under the air the muscles will relax as well.

It is important that the horse is dried thoroughly, or you could end up making your horse ill. Use a sweat-scraper to push away any excess water, then rub down with a towel or handfuls of straw. By doing this in circular movements you are also massaging the tight muscles, helping them to relax.

It is also important that you groom them after riding, concentrating on the saddle area, legs and feet. Make sure that you pick any mud or stones out of the hooves and give the back a good rub down to prevent any injuries from occurring. Offer some hay and water whilst you are grooming them, but don't let them eat or drink too much too quickly or you could end up with colic.

Once the horse is dry and cool dress them in a rug suitable to the weather. If it is winter or cold then a heavy New Zealand should be used. If it is summer or warmer weather than a light sweat sheet is preferred.

SUMMARY

Your horse will appreciate the attention you pay to them regarding the cooling down period. Not only are you helping them to relax after strenuous activity, but you are also preventing them from catching colds or injuring their legs and back; tired horses with tense muscles are more likely to catch colds and viruses or to fall and injure themselves. It is your duty as a caring owner to make sure that this never happens.

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