-
Step 1
Keep that horse moving! Strenuous activity makes muscles stiff, but a cool-down session will loosen them up again. It will also help get rid of muscle waste (e.g. lactic acid) that builds up during exercise. A horse should be walked for about half an hour before turning in. A languid pace is not advisable; moving slowly will cause the animal to cool down much too fast.
-
Step 2
Be wary of water. Give cold water to a dangerously overheated horse and he/she may end up with stomach cramps or colic! Four quarts of cool (not cold) water is just the right amount in that situation. It is okay to provide more once the horse is completely cooled off. In most cases, however, a horse can safely drink as much water as his/her heart desires.
-
Step 3
What about weather? A hot day calls for a hose-down and perhaps some grazing in the sun. For sponge bathing, lukewarm water should be used. The horse is finally cooled off when the water dripping off of him/her is not too warm. Now, care on a bitter winter day is an entirely different story. Then a fleece cooler or blanket should be used to sponge up moisture after the towel-dry.
-
Step 4
Start the rub-down. Horses are not fans of being wet! Scrapers can get rid of large amounts of water before a towel-dry. In cold weather, a Turkish towel may be used instead of a regular one for its high strength and absorbency. The neck, feet, flank, and ears require extra attention. Especially in wet weather, if a horse's heels are not dried, mud fever could result. No thanks!
Comments
MarlaineMarie said
on 6/13/2009 Hopefully, someday I will live in the country again and I'll use your tips to refresh my memory about how to work with those beautiful creatures again!
QueenofMisc said
on 1/4/2009 I don't own a horse, but this is quite fascinating!
librarylady said
on 9/7/2008 This was interesting to me. I have a friend who owns 3 beautiful but old Arabians. I enjoy watching him care for them. 5 stars for you. :)