EquiKare, LLC

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠?

When you're working a horse during the heat of summer, cooling them down quickly and effectively is important. One of the most common ways to do that is with a hose. But this is where the debate begins: Should you leave the water on the horse, or should you scrape it off?

I still remember the first time I heard this debate. I was an undergraduate in an equine program, taking care of the college horses during a hot Missouri summer. We were told you could never, and I mean never, leave water on a horse. The reasoning was that the horse's body heat would warm the water, creating an insulating layer that would actually slow cooling instead of helping it.

It's a belief that has been passed around horse barns for decades. But is it actually true?

A study by Takahashi et al. (2020) put this long-held recommendation to the test, comparing sweat scraping with four other cooling methods to determine which cooled horses most effectively. Let's dive into the research and see what they found.

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬

This study used five Thoroughbreds that exercised on a treadmill until their pulmonary artery temperature reached 108°F (42°C).

The researchers then evaluated five cooling methods:

• Control: Horses were walked only with no additional cooling

• Fan: Horses were walked with fans moving air at 6.7 mph (3 m/s)

• Intermittent Water: Horses were walked and 1 gallon (4 liters) of cold water (50°F/10°C) was applied over the body every 4 minutes

• Intermittent Water + Scraping: Horses were walked and 1 gallon (4 liters) of cold water (50°F/10°C) was applied over the body every 4 minutes and immediately scraped off

• Continuous Water: Horses stood stationary while tap water (79°F/26°C) was continuously applied

Researchers measured re**al temperature 30 minutes after exercise and recorded how long it took each horse's pulmonary artery temperature to drop below 102°F (39°C).

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬

💧 Continuous water application (without scraping) was by far the most effective method, with horses reaching the target temperature in 2.1 ± 0.6 minutes.

💧 Intermittent cold water application was the next most effective. Interestingly, horses whose water was not scraped off cooled slightly faster (9.8 ± 2.4 minutes) than horses whose water was scraped (11.6 ± 2.0 minutes).

💧 The control and fan-only treatments were the least effective, requiring 25.4 ± 6.0 minutes and 14.5 ± 6.0 minutes, respectively.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

This study found no cooling advantage to scraping water off a horse. In fact, horses cooled just as well, or even slightly faster, when the water was left on.

The authors concluded that continuous water application is the most effective way to cool an overheated horse because cool water continually absorbs heat from the body and carries it away. While continuous hosing isn't always practical, intermittent application of cold water is still highly effective, and scraping the water off doesn't appear to improve cooling.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬

🧊 Continuous application of water is the fastest way to cool a horse.

🧊 Intermittent cold water is also effective when continuous hosing isn't possible.

🧊 This study found no evidence that sweat scraping improves cooling.

These findings challenge one of the most common recommendations passed down through horse barns for decades. At least based on this research, you can put the sweat scraper down and focus on getting plenty of cool water onto your horse instead.

Do you still use a sweat scraper after hosing your horse?

Cheers,
Dr. DeBoer

Takahashi Y, Ohmura H, Mukai K, Shiose T, Takahashi T. A comparison of five cooling methods in hot and humid environments in Thoroughbred horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2020;91:103130.

Scar tissue tells a story—but it doesn't have to limit your horse's future.

After surgery, your horse's body naturally forms scar tissue as part of the healing process. While that's essential, excessive scar tissue and adhesions can sometimes reduce mobility, restrict normal tissue movement, and contribute to discomfort or compensation patterns long after the incision has healed.

One of the therapies we use during rehabilitation and bodywork sessions is equine cupping.

When incorporated into an appropriate rehabilitation program, cupping may help:
• Improve circulation to the affected area
• Encourage healthy fascial mobility
• Reduce restrictions caused by scar tissue and adhesions
• Support range of motion and overall comfort
• Complement other therapies such as massage, stretching, and therapeutic exercise

Every horse heals differently, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment timing and techniques are tailored to each horse and are only introduced when the surgical site has healed appropriately and the horse is cleared for rehabilitation.

Our goal isn't simply healing—it's helping horses return to comfortable, functional movement and giving them the best opportunity for long-term success.

Have questions about whether your horse could benefit from scar tissue management after surgery? We'd love to talk.

What are you doing Sunday?

Why not attend one of the most anticipated events of the summer! The Polo Classic benefitting This Old Horse!

You can find all of your favorite EspanaSilk Grooming Products in the Clubhouse and I'll be there to answer any questions you have.

If you know Karrie, you know she LOVES the Minnesota State Fair. So, it should not surprise anyone that she will do whatever she can to help clients achieve their dreams of earning a chance to compete there.

This morning, Karrie is at the Anoka County Fair working on client horses helping them feel their best for this weekends competition! Good Luck everyone!