With a little bit of sunshine and a possibility that temperatures might increase, I thought I would mention rapid cooling after strenuous exercise and the best ways to do it.
Horses which are rapidly cooled after strenuous exercise in hot environments (above 26 degrees) are less likely to suffer heat stress and will recover quicker. Some of this advice has been taken from David Marlin’s article on Endurance GB Article here. I have adapted it slightly for eventing, and being by yourself or with just one other helper.
The cold water cooling technique cools horses using two of the three ways they normally lose heat – convection and evaporation. You need the following equipment:
- large buckets filled with cold water (if you can add ice even better)
- 1 or 2 smaller buckets like supplement buckets which are easier to carry to slosh on the water.
- A large sponge
Start to cool the horse immediately it finishes exercising. Liberally apply cold water to all parts of the body including the quarters (this is where most of the large muscles used for movement are located and so is an area that gets particularly hot.)
Do not scrape off excess water after each application, it is more important to continue to apply cold water. Carry on cooling the horse, alternating 20-30 second cooling periods with 20-30 second walks in a circle. The walking and cooling sequence is important. The walking promotes blood flow to the skin and cooling by convection; the movement of air aids cooling by evaporation.
Don’t forget that the rider can also suffer from heat stress. To cool the rider, remove their hat, sit them in the shade, wash their face with cold water (which makes you feel better but is not very effective at reducing body temperature) and encourage them to drink an isotonic drink. The rider should also wear light coloured (preferably white) loose fitting cotton clothing. In addition, the hat should be lightweight and a comfortable fit.
Don’t hold small bags of ice against the skin on the head, neck, quarters or anywhere else – this reduces cooling by stopping skin blood flow to the area under the pack. Instead, concentrate on cooling as much of the body surface as possible with cold water.
Do not place wet towels on the horse. Although at first the towel may be wet and cool, it soon warms and acts as insulation, preventing the loss of heat.
Let the horse drink as much water as they want. It is a common myth that it will cause colic. The only exception is if the horse is severely overheated. Horses have been found to drink more if it is warmer water so leave buckets with water out to take the cold off them.
Horses do not cool quicker with a rug on. You want the heat to transfer to the air not be trapped against the body. Rugs are to prevent chills but are not necessary on a hot day.
Electrolytes can really help if horses overheat or begin to pant. They are useful to keep in the horses diet to help prevent loss of minerals and salts in sweating.
Overheating is possible above 26 degrees. If it is humid they can overheat quicker. Dark horses overheat quicker than lighter coloured ones. Fitness is also key because unfit horses will heat up more.
