A good ride doesn't end when you dismount. Whether you've completed a dressage lesson, finished a cross-country course or enjoyed a relaxing hack, your horse deserves the right aftercare to recover comfortably.
Today, riders can choose from a wide range of cooling products.
In this complete guide, we'll explain how cooling products work, when to use them and how they can become part of a practical post-exercise routine that supports your horse's wellbeing.
Why Use Cooling Products?
Exercise naturally creates heat in your horse's muscles and lower legs. After more demanding work, particularly during warm weather or on harder ground, extra cooling can help your horse feel more comfortable.
Cooling products are commonly used after:
- Competitions
- Intensive schooling sessions
- Long rides
- Fast conditioning work
- Travelling
- Riding in warm weather
Remember that cooling products are designed to support recovery, not replace it. Always start by walking your horse until their breathing and heart rate have returned to normal.
Horse Cooling Wash
A horse cooling wash is ideal when your horse has worked up a sweat and needs to cool down quickly. Most formulas are no-rinse, making them practical both at home and at competitions.
Products such as NAF Cooling Wash refresh the coat while removing sweat and dirt, making them a popular choice during the summer months or after particularly warm rides.
If your horse simply needs to feel clean and refreshed, a cooling wash is often the easiest option.
Cooling Gel
Cooling gels are designed for more targeted care. Instead of treating the whole body, they're applied directly to areas that have worked particularly hard, such as the lower legs or larger muscle groups.
Popular choices include NAF Ice Cool Gel and Veredus Ice Gel. Because they absorb quickly and are easy to apply, many riders use them after jumping, dressage training or conditioning work.
A cooling gel is a practical choice when you want fast, convenient aftercare.
Cooling Clay
Cooling clay remains one of the most popular products for horses in regular work. Unlike a gel, it stays on the legs for longer, allowing a prolonged cooling effect.
Well-known options include Equine America Like Ice, TRM Staysound Leg Cooling Clay, Cavalor Ice Clay, Foran Ice Clay and Farnam Ice Tight.
Many competition riders apply cooling clay after demanding exercise, particularly to the tendons and lower legs, before removing it later according to the product instructions.
Ice Vibe Boots
Ice Vibe Boots combine cold therapy with vibration technology and offer a reusable recovery solution. They're especially popular with riders who compete regularly or manage horses in intensive training.
While they work differently from washes, gels and clays, they can be a valuable addition to an overall recovery routine.
Which Cooling Product Is Right for Your Horse?
The right choice depends on your horse and the work they've done.
A horse cooling wash is ideal for refreshing the coat after a sweaty ride.
A cooling gel is perfect when you want quick, targeted cooling for muscles or legs.
Cooling clay is often chosen after more demanding exercise because it provides longer-lasting cooling.
Many riders keep more than one cooling product in their tack room so they can choose the most suitable option for each situation.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your horse doesn't stop when the ride ends. A consistent recovery routine helps keep your horse comfortable and ready for the next training session.
Whether you choose a refreshing horse cooling wash, a fast-acting cooling gel or a longer-lasting cooling clay, each product has its own purpose. Understanding when to use each option makes it easier to give your horse the care they need after exercise.
At Emmers Equestrian, you'll find a carefully selected range of cooling products from trusted equestrian brands, helping you build a recovery routine that fits both your horse and your riding goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cooling products replace a proper cool-down?
No. Walking your horse until breathing and heart rate return to normal should always come first. Cooling products are designed to complement a good recovery routine.
Are cooling products only useful for competition horses?
No. Leisure horses can also benefit from cooling products after longer rides, warm weather or more demanding exercise.
Should I choose a cooling gel or cooling clay?
Cooling gels are ideal for quick, everyday use, while cooling clay provides a longer-lasting cooling effect and is often used after more intensive work.
Can I use cooling products after every ride?
That depends on your horse's workload. After a light ride, a cooling wash may be enough. After harder work, a cooling gel or cooling clay can be a useful addition to your aftercare routine.
