Cooling Blankets

Hello, let me start by saying that I don't blanket any of my horses but they do have plenty of shelter to get out of the elements and stalls if its bitterly cold. But my question is in regards to cooling blankets. This time of year I still ride and whether I take it easy or not, my horses still can't seem to avoid sweating. After riding I always walk and walk and walk them until they are dry but I can't help but be concerned for them. Would a cooling blanket be something I would want to invest in? I understand they still need to be walked afterwards but would that help them to dry faster and avoid getting a chill? Or since I never blanket should I just continue to walk and forget it? Any advise or suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks

I LOVE having coolers. They dry the horses out and you don't have to walk for hours after. I never blanket but I use coolers too. They are very very handy.

I don't blanket either...horses are fine with out them...anyway, i've never used a cooing blanket, be I hear they are handy..but you still need to walk your horse

Yes.. coolers are REALLY helpful especially when it is really cold.. it helps them dry quicker and saves so much time!!!!

The February 2007 Practical Horseman has a great article on coolers... the fabrics most recommended are wool, polar fleece (not as good as wicking, but it easier to wash and is moth resistant), and "various types of high-tech synthetic wicking materials" (Page 69)

Hi All,

I swear by putting my sweat rug on my Fell gelding after exercise! I use the end of the hack or schooling session to walk him and cool him off so he doesnt get bad muscles and then I stand him for at least half an hour with his sweat rug on. It takes the wetness out of his coat and away from his skin and reduces the chance of him getting a chill. Not lucky enough to rely on the warm temperatures here in sunny England to dry our horses!!

So I would highly advise a good sweat rug / cooler. :)