Rainfall is a common occurrence for horses who live out, and if you have a busy working or school routine, there may not be sufficient time for your horses to properly dry out first before your riding session. If you want to know more about Saddling a wet Horse – Dos and Don’ts, we suggest you keep reading this article!
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Tacking a wet Horse
When you put tack on a horse, the cold water that is poured directly into their big muscles may cause the muscles to constrict and spasm. Placing gear on a wet horse won’t hurt the horse as long as you give it enough time to readjust and warm up again beforehand. If you do so, putting tack on a wet horse won’t do the animal any harm.
It is also extremely vital to make sure that the location at which saddle and girth go has been dried off with a towel and is not completely drenched in water.
Saddling A Wet Horse – Dos And Don’ts and how it affects horses’ skin
The skin of a horse will become more smooth after it has been wet for some time. This not only makes the skin more susceptible to chafing and rubbing, but it also makes it more likely that germs will penetrate the skin.
This is made worse by equipment that does not fit properly or a horse that has not been maintained.
Drying wet horses in cold weather
A wet horse that is having its winter coat is the single most time-consuming thing that may happen at the barn. Even if your horse gets wet in the summer, it’s not a huge concern since the weather is hot and his coat is thin and will dry off soon.
Why does your horse grows a coat during winter time?
Your horse develops a coat throughout the winter that is often impenetrable to the effects of dampness. It is actually constructed to repel water and keep him warm at the same time.
It may come as a surprise to learn that the naturally occurring oils known as sebum that make him seem shinier in the summer also serve to protect his coat in cold weather.
One another justification for decreasing your use of cleaners who have a lot of chemicals.
Drying and Saddling A Wet Horse – Dos And Don’ts
It is possible to dry your horse with only a little bit of hard work, a few fans made of fleece or wool, and even with a stroll mostly around farm when you do have the time.
Once you have decided to be back from your journey and untacked the horse, throw a cooler over the sweating regions of your horse’s body and coat. This will allow the cooling system to begin collecting wetness from the sweaty regions of the horse’s body and coat.
When the horses are wet, is it possible to ride them?
When it rains, most horse owners don’t mind having their clothes a little damp whenever they go outside for a ride; nonetheless, it is essential to go prepared in your rides, in order to avoid becoming completely drenched. It is very necessary to wear the appropriate gear in order to avoid becoming wet.
You can assist keeping yourself dry by wearing a raincoat or poncho. Also, you can additionally protect your legs from getting wet by wearing some rain trousers. You may always put a rubbish bag over your clothing. That is to prevent it from getting soaked in the rain if you do not have rain gear with you.
Riding a muddy horse – tips
Mud that is thick and sticky would not be an appropriate riding environment. You should do all in your power to stay away from it. When the mud is excessively deep, it is dangerous. That is especially for the tendons and ligaments of the horse’s legs to get injured.
When it rains, even the most impressive field may turn into a murky mess. The arena at your barn becomes excessively muddy and sticky due to rain. If this happens, you should give the horse the day off from riding and other outdoor activities.
Final thoughts on Saddling A Wet Horse – Dos And Don’ts
Even if it is possible, it is not advisable to saddle a wet horse. The horse’s coat is going to be slick. This is is going to be challenging to obtain a strong grip on the saddle.
There’s also a chance that the saddle may move about. This will make things unpleasant for your horse and also for the owners. If you have no choice but to saddle a moist horse, ensure to only use a saddles pad. Also, a breastplate to protect the saddle from slipping off the horse’s back.