How to Cool Out a Hot Horse in Winter

After a winter workout, a 10 to 15 minute walk will not only guard against muscle soreness, it is essential to allow the horse’s skin to dry. But one method does not fit all. Your winter cool-out regime will be different depending on a number of factors including whether your horse is clipped, blanketed or “au naturel”; whether he lives inside or outside; and the intensity of your workout. If your horse had a light workout to maintain condition and produced little sweat, your cool-out routine will be different from that needed if your workout incorporated higher intensity training to improve condition. Whatever the situation, always allow sufficient time for your winter cool-out. 

• After your workout, walk the horse on foot or in the saddle until respiration is normal and skin is dry (returning the hair to completely dry is the next challenge).
• Never put a heavy winter rug on a wet horse. Use a breathable wool or polar fleece cooler to wick the moisture away, allowing the horse to cool down gradually without catching a chill.
• Clipped horses will cool down faster and a quarter-sheet or cooler during the final walking phase of the workout is recommended.
• Lighten the intensity of a workout to avoid a lengthy cool down period on days when you know you are pressed for time.
• Keep the horse in a heated or warmer area until he is dry.
• Having a windbreak outside is good management but it will not save your horse from catching a chill. Always make sure your horse is completely dry before turning him out.
• Curry the horse to fluff up wet hair and keep the horse well groomed. A clean hair coat is more effective when it comes to insulation.
• Use of a hair dryer on horses is not recommended – skin is too easily burnt and you risk drying out natural