Sweat scrapers are used when washing a horse to remove residual water from their coats so they are able to dry quicker. After hosing, the sweat scraper is used so remove the majority of the water and then use a chamois (pronounced: shammy) to absorb all excess water before placing a blanket/cooler/anti sweat sheet on the horse. They also help remove cold water from their coats so they don't get cold.

Sweat scrapers are also used when a horse has been working hard and is very sweaty and/or foamy. When horse's are extremely hot and steaming, cooling down too fast can cause muscle aches and a chill. A sweat scraper is used to remove the sweat from the horse's neck and body so they do not catch cold. Then your horse is either sponged off with warm water (water dries faster than sweat) or a body brace. The horse is then rubbed down firmly with a wisp or cloth and walked to cool them down slowly with a cooler or anti sweat sheet on.