Washing your horse: practical tips for summer and winter

When is it safe to wash a horse?

In summer the rule of thumb is simple: wash your horse when the outdoor temperature is at least 15°C and there is enough sun or wind to let it dry quickly afterwards. In winter a stricter limit applies. Avoid washing at temperatures below 10°C unless you have access to a heated wash area or a professional cooler rug. A horse that stays wet for too long loses body heat and, in the worst case, can develop colic or muscle problems. If you still need to clean your horse in winter, use dry shampoo, a curry comb or a warm damp sponge for targeted work — for example on the hindquarters after a training session.

The right water temperature for each season

Water that is too cold startles the muscles and makes your horse restless. In summer use lukewarm water (around 20–25°C) to start and finish with cool water on the legs to stimulate circulation. In winter, if you do wash in a heated space, use water of at least 30°C and work as quickly as possible. Always rinse from back to front so that water does not pool on cold areas. Avoid wetting the head with a hose; always use a soft sponge on the head.

Choosing a shampoo: what works best?

Not every shampoo is suitable for every coat or skin type. Keep the following points in mind:

• Use a pH-neutral horse shampoo (pH 6.5–7) to keep the skin barrier intact.
• For dry or flaky skin, choose a nourishing shampoo containing aloe vera or aloe extract.
• White or flaxen-coated horses benefit from a purple-tinted shampoo that neutralises yellow discolouration.
• Never shampoo more than 1–2 times per week; washing more frequently strips too much of the natural sebum layer.
• Always rinse for a minimum of 3–5 minutes until the water runs completely clear — shampoo residue causes itching.

Step-by-step washing in summer

• Loosen dry dirt first with a curry comb and body brush before using any water.
• Wet the horse from the shoulder towards the tail — never start at the head.
• Apply shampoo with a sponge or wash mitt and work in circular movements.
• Rinse thoroughly from front to back; check the groin, armpits and dock area.
• Remove excess water with a sweat scraper using straight, firm strokes.
• Let the horse move around or stand in the sun; in warm weather it will be dry in 15–20 minutes.

Drying techniques that really work

The drying process is at least as important as the washing itself. After scraping off the excess water with the sweat scraper, you can use a fleece rug or cooler rug that absorbs moisture while still allowing air to circulate. Then let your horse walk or lunge at a relaxed pace for 5–10 minutes; movement speeds up the drying process considerably. In winter, an anti-sweat rug combined with a warm stable rug is the safest option. After 30 minutes, check that the skin behind the saddle area and between the hind legs feels dry. Never put a horse away in its stable with a wet mane, tail or belly line.

Legs and hooves: treat them separately

The legs deserve extra attention, especially in horses that are prone to mud fever or skin irritations. Rinse off mud immediately after a ride, but dry the legs completely with an absorbent towel or paper. For horses with a lot of feathering (Friesians, Tinkers) it is wise to check the back of the fetlocks weekly for redness or scabs — early signs of mud fever. Never leave a horse standing in its stable with wet legs; wet bedding attracts bacteria. Record these kinds of observations in the horse profile in EquiSight so that you can look back at patterns over several weeks.

Planning and tracking with EquiSight

Consistent care starts with a clear overview. Through the calendar in EquiSight you can schedule washing and grooming sessions and link them to training rides or competitions. Use EquiCoach to quickly generate a tailor-made washing schedule based on the season, the type of work and your horse's coat. That way you will never forget when you last used shampoo or last checked the legs.