Ray Goer in his article in July, 2001 The Horse stated that field and laboratory research over the past decade has dispelled the myth that tossing cold water on hot horses will cause muscle damage and tying-up. Applying cold water is effective and safe means to assist your horse in cooling.

Hosing a horse is the best means of applying cold water. Draping wet towels over your horse is counterproductive as it will warm up and impedes heat loss by insulating your equine’s body.

Shade is preferable to a breezeless stall as breezes provide convective cooling. Electric fans can be placed in front of the horse.

Walking a horse during cool down can further delay the decrease in body temperature.

The traditional belief was that allowing your “hot” horse to drink would cause colic and founder. However, excluding very hard galloping, it is safe for a horse to drink after exercise. It has been found that your horse’s thirst drive decreases with time after exercise, so it is suggested that you offer water as soon as is practical. Your horse should be allowed to drink up to 1 -2 gallons during the first 15 minutes of recovery.