After exercising, a horse usually returns to the stable cool and dry, having been walked to cool down. However, sometimes the horse might be wet or sweating, requiring attention to ensure its comfort and well-being.
Dealing with a Wet Horse
If the horse is wet from rain, wisping with loose straw followed by using a stable rubber will help dry and warm it up. Pay particular attention to the heels and backs of the pasterns, which must be dried to prevent the development of cracked heels, a painful and uncomfortable condition for the horse.
Caring for a Hard-Worked Horse
In cases where the horse has been worked hard and for a long period, massaging the back muscles under the saddle can help restore circulation. If the horse is very wet and tired, place straw along its back and quarters, underneath a rug, to provide extra insulation. This assists in drying the horse off and prevents chills.
Don’t Forget the Head
When drying a horse, always remember to attend to the head, especially the ears. These sensitive areas require gentle care to ensure the horse’s comfort and well-being.
When a Horse Sweats Again
Occasionally, a horse may break out in sweat again after being dried off. In this case, the horse will need to be dried a second time and may require a rug to prevent chills. This highlights the importance of checking on a horse at night, following a hard day of work, to ensure its continued comfort and health.
The Strapping Procedure for a Horse
After your horse has exercised or done its work for the day, and taken the necessary steps to cool and dry it off, you can start your real grooming or strapping process. This process demands efficiency and a good amount of effort, often referred to as “elbow grease” to get the job done right.
Start with a Dry and Cool Horse
It’s crucial that the horse is dry and cool before you begin the grooming or strapping process. Starting the grooming on a cool and dry horse ensures the effectiveness of the grooming tools and techniques, leading to better results.
Grooming with Elbow Grease
Grooming a horse properly can be a tiring business, especially for those unaccustomed to it. It requires a good deal of physical effort- hence the term “elbow grease”. However, with practice over time, the process becomes more natural and less tiring.
Quick, Vigorous, and Thorough
The grooming process must be performed quickly, yet thoroughly and vigorously, to achieve the best results. A well-groomed horse not only looks good but also maintains a better level of health and hygiene. It’s possible to thoroughly groom a horse for cleanliness and appearance in about thirty minutes if the process is carried out efficiently.
Going the Extra Mile with the Wisp
Investing additional time, particularly using the wisp – a tool made of straw for grooming – can contribute to muscle development in both the horse and groom. This further emphasizes that grooming is not just about enhancing the horse’s appearance, but also contributing to its overall well-being.
