[2] Hot walking allows the horse to cool down after hard exercise,[3] which helps the horse's pulse and respiration return to normal, reduces stiffness, and minimizes the risk of health issues such as influenza, colic or equine exertional rhabdomyolysis.
Mechanical hot walkers cost several thousand dollars, and prices varying widely depending on size and construction.
Management techniques vary widely, but typically following a workout, a horse is hosed or sponged off to remove sweat and sometimes liniment is applied.
The most common design in the United States consists of four arms of heavy gauge steel radiating off from a central pivot point containing a motor to move the arms at various speeds, most often set to have horses walk.
Minimum wage is usually paid to most hot walkers, but at the track, employees can receive bonuses if a horse under their care wins a race.
[10] The job may can be expose workers to extreme climate conditions and some may work 6 days a week.