Many answers to why horse rolls in mud. It is below 20 degrees, freezing rain. Dont think he is cooling off..?

Answer 1

Rolling in the mud during the summer helps to keep flying/biting insects off by creating a "blanket" on them.
I have never heard or known mud to act as an insulator during winter time to keep a horse warm. The snow or ice can until it melts, creating a wet coat that can cause chill.

The act of rolling by a horse is to scratch mostly. Sweat, insects, loose hairs, etc cause that itchy feeling relieved by rolling since most horses can't lift a hoof to reach those itchy places!!

Rubbing against other horses, fences/posts, barn, etc is also relieving that itch. Horses are very resilient animals that find ways to get done what they need doing.

Answer 2

Many horses will roll to keep cool in the summer. In the winter on the other hand the mud acts like a blanket and helps keep in their body heat. It also help with dry itchy skin they get this time of year just like us humans do.

Answer 3

Rolling is usually to adjust the back, esp after a hard ride or a long play/run session. Some horses do it frequently, others less. I know a couple horses that do it after being cooped up in a stall all night-they roll and then raise hell bucking and running in the pasture.
I have never heard of horses rolling to cool off. Ours just sit therein the shade if they are warm.

Answer 4

mud keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.......... it also helps there skin it alleviates itchy dry skin, funny how us humans will spend hundreds of dollars to go to some fancy spa for a mud bath when the horses do the same for free

Answer 5

It just feels good-- he is giving himself a good rubdown, and rubbing off any loose hair.