Rookie question -riding in rain - how to dry

[Heccyd]

It’s tipping out - and i want to ride my new giant ginger. He sweats a lot.How can I best dry him off after - put a fleece/polar on? Then do I wait until he’s dry before brushing?
I know it’s a total beginner question but he’s my first horse and it’s a something I've never had to deal with at riding centrés... TIA

 

[Auslander]

I don't bother, unless it's freezing cold - so not at this time of year. I wash any sweaty bits, then scrape, chuck them out in the field, and leave them to it

 

[Heccyd]

I don't bother, unless it's freezing cold - so not at this time of year. I wash any sweaty bits, then scrape, chuck them out in the field, and leave them to it

Thank you. This is the worst part of being a first time owner - not sure if you’re doing the right thing, being negligent or over cautious........thank you

 

[dogatemysalad]

Ok, if you want to rug a wet horse after riding, you can either stable with a fleece, thermatex or naked until dry, which takes ages. Or you can use a wicking turnout like Bucas fleece lined turnout rugs. Or you can chuck out wet and naked and expect them to roll happily in the mud.
Ps. You horse may sweat more if he's not fit, which is a temporary issue, or if he needs clipping. Some horses do need clipping all year round, but for those who sweat because they 've worked extra hard, just wash off the sweaty bits with a hose or bucket and sponge after riding.

 

[Heccyd]

Ok, if you want to rug a wet horse after riding, you can either stable with a fleece, thermatex or naked until dry, which takes ages. Or you can use a wicking turnout like Bucas fleece lined turnout rugs. Or you can chuck out wet and naked and expect them to roll happily in the mud.
Ps. You horse may sweat more if he's not fit, which is a temporary issue, or if he needs clipping. Some horses do need clipping all year round, but for those who sweat because they 've worked extra hard, just wash off the sweaty bits with a hose or bucket and sponge after riding.

Thank you! I hate asking stupid questions but it’s the only way I’m going to learn!

 

[Outdoorgirl]

They're not stupid questions. If you don't ask, how are you going to learn? We all had to ask them at some point, so ask away.

 

[paddy555]

if the horse is capable of going out in the rain unrugged I just put him straight out, don't wash him as in 5 mins time he will be totally wet and muddy and I will deal with it later, which may be the following day. If he has to be rugged (eg cold, muscle problems etc) then ATM I don't clean him but put a lightweight rug on and turn him out. If it is winter I do the same but with a heavier rug (probably) mine are Rambos and the horses dry nicely in them. Then by the time he comes in and I have time to deal with him I clean the mud and sweat off.
There is plenty of criticism of people like me who just basically chuck the horse out without cleaning him but I feel the horse just prefers to be unsaddled and let loose to roll and relax and most important of all to move.
I find if you put a sweat rug on to try and dry a horse off then many times you will still be there at midnight as they don't dry very quickly. I prefer them to be out moving rather standing in drying.