How to Use a Horse Hot Walker

A hot walker can be a valuable tool for working with horses. Horses need to be exercised or walked to cool out after strenuous exercise. A hot walker is a machine with arms that travel slowly in a circle. Horses can be tied to the arms and made to walk circles with a motor turning the arms. Follow these steps to use your hot walker successfully.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check to see if hot walker is in good working condition. It needs to be lubricated every two months or so, and all bolts checked for tightness. The belt that transfers power from the motor to the gear box should also be checked periodically.

2. Inspect the leads that are left hanging from the arms for signs of wear or weakness. Replace them, if they are questionable.

3. Ensure your horse is accustomed to the machine, calm and halter broke before putting them on the hot walker. These machines are not made for breaking or forcing horses to lead.

4. Snap a lead rope attached to one of the arms to your horse's halter. If walking more than one horse at a time, but not as many as the walker will accommodate, tie them opposite each other, so the unit is balanced.

5. Set the machine to the desired speed and turn it on. Never leave horses on the hot walker unattended. They can get into trouble quickly, so stay close and pay attention. Don't leave your horse on the walker overly long, as they get bored with it and may get resentful.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use rope leads and never chains with a hot walker.
• You can accustom your horse to the hot walker by turning it on while holding him calmly near and let him look it over thoroughly. Rub and reassure him. It would be helpful to have some other horses walking on it while you hold him nearby.
• Your hot walker should have a safety mechanism that will stop the machine if one of the horses gets hung up, falls, or otherwise gives a strong tug on it. Ensure this mechanism is operable.
• Don't ride or allow anyone else to ride a horse as it walks on a hot walker and don't allow children or adults to play on or around the machine at any time.
• Use caution when working around the hot walker. Don't let loose clothing or long hair become caught in moving parts.
• Have your hot walker installed by a licensed electrician and don't let water accumulate near the electric motor or wiring.

Resources

• View articles and follow links to hot walkers at the Ultimate Horse Site.
• Get ideas for your hot walker at the website of Kraft Horse Walker.