There is something magical about steam from a good ride spiraling up into the grey winter sky, foggy breath flowing out their nostrils, and you having built up a pleasant warmth under layers of clothing. You feel accomplished that you rode through the coo-weather-crazies, and ended up with a productive ride, where you can relax on the cool-down, instead of holding onto the neckstrap for dear life.
But then reality hits, and you realize that you will probably be spending the better part of the evening trying to dry out your horse that just worked so hard for you. JUST KIDDING… because you have the WikSmart Cooler – which makes your life so much easier… and your horse thanks you for it (because now he/she won’t have to spend hours in the cross ties while you curry under a bulky, ill fitting cooler).
By using the following tips to cool your horse out, your winter riding will be a whole lot more enjoyable.
- After ride is done, walk the horse until respiration has returned to normal. If it is particularly cold, walking the horse in a WikSmart cooler will keep their muscles from cooling too rapidly, risking them tying up. The secure fit will ensure that the cooler doesn’t shift or become a cape while walking, even outside in the breeze.
- Once their respiration has returned to normal, use a quick curry to fluff hair and provide airflow. (Re)Apply the WikSmart cooler to quickly wick moisture away from the horse. Keep horse away from wind until they are completely dry.
- Do not use a hair dryer (you shouldn’t need to with WikSmart), as it will strip the horse’s hair of its natural oils and risk burning the skin.
- Once horse is completely dry, they can be turned back out or put in their stall. It’s best to make sure that they still have a windbreak available to use.
Now, instead of dreading the winter season you can get excited, because you have multiple colors to choose from and a horse that is (surely) going to appreciate their new winter-riding present.