Cool Down Properly After a Workout

After removing the saddle, put on a light blanket or cooler if the weather is cold and windy.  If a cooler isn’t available, leave the pad in place until your horse cools down slightly.

Your horse should then be offered twelve to fifteen swallows of cool water.  On a hot day, hose the horse down with cool water then rub him down vigorously with a towel. Pay special attention to the area where the saddle was, as well as the neck and flanks.

Then walk the horse out to get his temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate down to a normal level.  Make sure the horse is moving at a good working walk, since a sluggish horse will cool too quickly.