Horse glossary
Sweat Scraper
A tool that removes water/sweat from the coat.
In Spanish: Raspador
What it means
A sweat scraper is a curved blade of metal or plastic, sometimes with a rubber edge, that you pull along the horse's coat to squeeze out water or sweat. It is used after bathing or hosing a hot horse so the coat doesn't stay soaked.
Why it matters
Scraping off extra water helps a horse dry much faster after a bath or rinse. A soaked coat can leave a horse chilled once it stops moving or the weather cools, and a dry coat is easier to check for rubs and scrapes.
Example
Use a sweat scraper after rinsing.
Try this
Pull the scraper in long strokes in the direction of the hair over the big muscular areas: neck, shoulders, barrel, and hindquarters. Then walk the horse or let it stand in the shade or sun until it is dry.
Common mistake
Pressing a hard scraper over bony places like the legs, hips, or face is uncomfortable for the horse. Use a towel or a sponge on those areas instead.