As temperatures are rising (finally!) it is really important to keep your horse cool and comfortable. Summer can be a challenging time, as they are prone to heat stress and dehydration. Before we look at the best ways to keep your horse cool this summer, let’s explore how heat stress occurs in horses.
Horses create heat through their muscles during exercise, and when the temperatures rise it becomes harder for them to dissipate this heat. If not managed correctly, this can lead to heat stress or even heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Horses tend to rely on sweating to cool down, but in hot & humid conditions this natural method isn’t enough to cool them down.
It is important to understand the signs of heat stress, so you can step in and help your horse before things escalate. These include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, lethargy, and even collapse in severe cases. Taking prompt action if you notice any of these symptoms is crucial, and you must act quickly too.
Ways To Keep Your Horse Cool
1. Provide lots of water & add electrolytes
Hydration is key when trying to keep your horse cool, and they should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. On especially hot days you might need to offer water more frequently. Adding electrolytes to either water or feed can help replenish any salt lost through sweating, ensuring hydration levels are maintained.
2. Change their routine
During the peak heat of the day (11am-3pm), it is best for your horse to be either in a shaded area in a field or in their stable keeping cool. If you can adjust their exercise routine to early in the morning or late in the evening this will help them too. Exercising horses during high temperatures can significantly increase their risk of overheating.
3. Use cooling techniques
After exercise make sure that you cool your horse down with water, as this is the best way to bring their body temperature down. Focus on areas where there are large blood vessels, such as in between their front legs (where their heart is located), down their neck and legs. You could also add fans to your horse’s stable, or cover them with a wet cooling rug to help lower their temperature without making them go into shock.
4. Provide shade & shelter
Your horse should always have access to shade during the day, no matter where the sun is located in the sky. If there isn’t any natural shelter, such as trees, you may have to provide them with a field shelter where they can escape the sun. Inside a stable, ventilation is really important so keep doors and windows open where possible.
5. Groom them regularly
You may think grooming your horse is only going to make them hotter, but you will actually be removing loose hair and dirt which ultimately traps heat and sweat against your horse’s skin. Clipping your horse may be an idea during the summer months too, but be careful not to clip their coat too short as they will need some protection from the sun. Alternatively, a good UV fly rug can help with this.
6. Monitor their weight and condition
Overweight horses are more prone to heat stress as excess fat acts as another layer of insulation. Keeping your horse at a healthy weight is really important during the summer months, particularly as there will be lots more grass in their field too.
Emergency Action For Heatstroke
If you do suspect your horse is suffering from heatstroke, you must act quickly:
- Move them to the shade straight away, so they are not in direct contact with the sun. Ideally find a well-ventilated area to help with the natural cooling down process.
- Use cold water and either sponge or hose down your horse repeatedly (do not sweat scrape as this removes the layer of cool water from their body).
- Call a vet, as heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even if your horse looks like they are recovering, complications can still occur later on so get a vet to give them the once over.
Keeping your horse cool during summer is essential for their health and well-being. By understanding the risks of heat stroke and knowing how to manage this should the worst happen, you can make sure your horse is happy during the summer months.