| DO | DON'T |
| DO use cold water (even ice water) over skin to sponge off | DON'T give ice cold water for horse to drink |
DO allow horse to drink plenty of water - before, during, and after work out
(with intervals of drinking, not likely to "overstretch" in one long drinking period) | DON'T let horse stand still for long periods during cool down |
| DO warm up horse before exercise (you can reduce the time in warmer temperatures) | DON'T put ice bags on surface of skin to cool down (slows circulation in that area -
not helping the rest of the body to get rid of heat |
| DO provide "hard feed and hay up to 4 hours before exercise | DON'T put ice in rectum - it merely masks the accurate temperature reading, an important vital sign when cooling the horse |
| DO clip your horse for greater surface exposure | DON'T place cold, wet towels on nec or other parts - though cool at first, will immediately warm and insulate, hindering the cooling process |
| DO turn your horse out in shady pastures or at night | DON'T ride or work your horse when the heat index is over 180 |
| DO travel in cooler hours - morning, evening, or night | |
| DO allow plenty of time for your horse to acclimate to a warmer region |
