1. Organise all the equipment you will need before you start your XC, as this will save time on your return; this should include, water buckets, sponges, sweat scrapers, hoof pick and sweat rug.

2. After finishing the XC ,dismount, loosen girth and walk pony back to your box or if he is blowing hard, walk until he has stopped blowing.

3. If weather is very hot, you must concentrate on cooling pony down with lots of warm water under the throat ,under tail and between legs. N.B: DO NOT use cold water alone his back, loins or quarters until he has cooled down, as this can put his muscles in spasm.

4. Check for cuts or any other injuries whilst sponging down. pick out feet.

5. Sponge down. Use plenty of water and scrape off straight away. A layer of waste sitting on the pony's back will actually heat him up.

6. Offer small amounts of water.

7. Check for signs of dehydration by pinching the skin on his neck. If the skin stays pinched after you have released it your pony is dehydrated and you need to make sure he drinks; offer small amounts ( half a bucket) at regular intervals.

8. Rug accordingly.

9. Walk pony until he has fully recovered i.e. he has cooled down, dried off and is not blowing

Updated : Monday, 30 July 2007