How to Cool Out Your Horse After a Ride

. Do some hand-grazing.

The last tip in cooling out your horse properly is to do some hand-grazing. “A little hand-walking in the shade can be beneficial,” says Johnston. “Grazing fresh grass, which is high in water content, and/or some hay is fine. Wait until he is completely cooled down to offer grain.”

Cooling Out Routine

Finding the best cool-down routine for your horse might take some time. Just like people, some horses bounce back quickly and are ready to move on with their day, while others need more care.

Coat color and fitness level matter, too. Johnston says lighter-colored horses, horses that are more fit, and smaller-framed horses will heat up slower and cool down faster.

Also be aware of your horse’s normal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate to gauge how his cool-down is going. “If they have returned close to normal, he should be cool enough to return to his stall or get turned out,” says Johnston. “Generally, it’s not necessary to take your horse’s temperature after a routine ride; however, if he continues to breathe