by Mary Knetter

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: March 15, 2010

After a strenuous workout, there is nothing more refreshing than a quiet, positive cool down. A session of pampering and care can provide relief for your horse after a difficult or frustrating training session.

Benefits of a Cool Down

* Providing slow, quiet walking after a strenuous workout can reduce the amount of lactic acid buildup in the muscles, preventing muscle spasms.

* Walking the horse after a workout helps slowly and gently reduces heart and respiratory rates.

* Rinsing the horse with warm water helps slowly reduce the horse's body temperature.

* Rinsing the legs slowly reduces the temperature of the tendons and ligaments, which can easily be overstretched when hot.

* Running warm water on the legs also helps bring the core temperature down because the blood vessels there are very close to the skin.

* A quiet cool down provides a positive experience at the end of a difficult or frustrating training session.

* Caring for the horse after a strenuous workout helps improve the relationship you have with your horse.

Equipment

Here's what you'll need to cool down your horse:

* Halter and lead rope
* Grooming brush
* Bucket and sponge OR
* Hose with an adjustable sprayer nozzle
* Liniment (optional)
* Sweat scraper
* Cooler blanket (optional but helpful in cold, wet weather)

How To

As you work, look for signs of bruising, wounds or injuries that may have happened during a workout. Check the tendons and joints for sensitivity and swelling as they may need attention from your veterinarian.

Step 1: Remove the saddle, bridle and leg wraps from the horse. Allow the horse to have small sips of water. Do not let the horse drink cold water as it will shock the horse's system, leading to colic and eventually laminitis.

Step 2: If you decide to rinse the horse to remove sweat and dirt, take your horse out to a grassy spot or the arena and let them take a roll in the dirt as a treat. If you choose not to rinse your horse, skip to step 5.

Step 3: In the wash stall, fill the bucket with warm water or use the hose and spray nozzle. Check to make sure the water is lukewarm before using it on your horse.

Step 3a: Sponging the horse: start by squeezing the sponge out onto the horse's legs and move your way up to the shoulders and neck, then to the barrel and hindquarters. Move to the opposite side and do the same. Sponging the eyes, face and ears is not necessary.

Step 3b: Spraying the horse: keep the nozzle about a foot away and start with a mild spray on the horses legs to

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