07/12/2025
THE 1996 Olympics in Atlanta changed the way in how we use water to cool horses. New scientific research at the time determined that it is better to leave the water on the horse and let it air dry naturally, rather than scrape excess water from their coat.
In this hot weather we explore the research.
1. Water cools faster than air
High thermal conductivity: Water conducts heat away from the horse far more efficiently than air. A wet coat will lose heat quicker than a dry one.
Conduction over evaporation: Cold water pulls heat out via direct contact (conduction) much faster than sweating or evaporation, which is slower—especially in warm, humid conditions.
2. Air-drying keeps cooling going
Continuous evaporation: Once water is applied, letting it remain means evaporation continues, sustaining a cooling effect. Research indicates allowing water to stay on results in greater temperature reductions than scraping—which merely wastes time that could be spent reapplying water.
Current veterinary guidance: Many equine organizations now recommend, for overheated horses, that scraping off cold water offers no benefit and delays cooling. Not scraping allows more continuous conduction of heat away.
3. Context matters: water availability & environment
Unlimited cool water: If you have an ongoing hose of cold water, letting it run keeps the horse constantly cooling—no need to scrape.
Limited water supply: With buckets or sparse water, scraping helps, because the warmed water is removed and replaced with fresh cold water, which conducts heat better.
Humidity factor: In humid environments, evaporation is slow—so conduction (via staying wet or continuous rinsing) is far more effective for heat loss.
4. Practical guidance
Very hot or overheated horses: Let water stay on and/or continuously hose—don’t scrape—until moderate temperature is reached.
Moderately warm horses in limited-water situations: Scrape between hosing or sponging to maximize cooling efficiency.
Once cooled: Air‑drying is fine, especially in mild weather—just ensure the horse dries fully to avoid skin issues like scratches.
✅ Summary Table
Goal Water source Best method
Rapid cooling Unlimited hose Continuous hosing, no scraping
Limited water Buckets/sponges Hose → scrape → reapply cold water
After cooled Any Air-dry naturally or use a scraper to assist
🧠 Research Highlights
Studies using controlled trials showed scraping off cold water is not helpful and wastes time better spent applying more water.
Research confirmed that leaving water on resulted in larger temperature drops than scraping did.
Bottom line: If your priority is safety and efficient cooling—especially during overheating—leaving cold water on the horse or continuously hosing without scraping is the better science-backed approach. Scraping only makes sense when water is limited and needs to be recycled effectively.
