A proper horseback ride on a cold winter's day can offer an exhilarating experience, with the fluffy snow energizing your horse and the sunshine taking your mind off of the chilly air. But now, as the sun sets and winter’s cold returns, your horse is steaming with sweat, and it’s time to think about cooling down.

In the winter months, it’s crucial to incorporate a proper cool-out routine for your horse. Walking for up to 15 minutes effectively prevents achiness to your horse's muscles while ensuring his hair is completely dried. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cooling down after winter exercise. Your cool-out plan will vary depending on factors like whether your horse is clipped, wearing a blanket, or has a full winter coat. The type of housing your horse has (indoors or outdoors) can also play a role in determining the right cool-down strategy.

If your horse had a light workout, producing minimal sweat, the cool-out process will differ from that after a more intense session designed to improve fitness. Regardless of the specifics, always make sure to allow ample time for your horse’s winter cool-out routine to ensure proper recovery.

Winter Cool-Out Guidelines

• 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 oils.

Related: Clipping 101

Reprinted with the kind permission of Equine Guelph.

Photo: ©Canstockphoto/Castenoid