How to keep horse cool at shows?

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JessPickle

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I usually hack pickle to a local show, there is one in a week and a half and I am expecting it to be pretty hot!

I always just walk him there which takes around 45 mins, but when we get there after some jumping he is always hot. Are there any tips on keeping a horse cool? thinking I have no horsebox (i.e shade!) He is pretty fit he just sweats a fair bit.

There is a tap there but I am never sure whether soaking him before riding him back is a good idea! as surely the water will just warm up on him therefore warming him up more?


Any ideas very much welcome? Do cooling rugs exist?
 
I would just make sure he's allowed to have a drink if he needs one and get off/loosen girth at every opportunity. If he was really sweaty then I might give a rinse off before hacking home.

Is there never a shady spot you could stand in, ie next to a hedge or the other side of someone elses horsebox?
 
If you think at the Olympics, they sprayed them in a tunnel with cool water, and at events they immediately throw copious amounts of water over them, because as it evaporates, it takes body heat with it.

So I would either sponge him down as often as you think he needs it, or take a large spray container (old fly spray ones are good but rinse them out well) and spray him all over at intervals. And spray yourself while you are at it!
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Soak a sweat rug (one with holes in) with water, and put it over him. Sponge him down under the neck, chest and between hind legs as often as possible
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Obv only if you hae access to lots of water
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Or.. just dont go to the show if it is going to be a really hot day
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