Beat the Heat this summer!
Thursday 15 June 2023
With the warm weather looking set to stay for a while, we ask that our members take extra care of their horses in the heat.
Many horses will find hot weather uncomfortable, but the good news is there is plenty we can do to help keep them cool and reduce the risk of dehydration and colic. We have put together this quick guide on how you can beat the heat this summer.
- Make a constant supply of clean and fresh water available.
- Have more than one water source available in the field to avoid guarding.
- Soak or steam your horse’s hay to increase water intake.
- Add a flavouring of mint or apple juice to your horse’s water to encourage them to drink.
- Make sure shade or shelter is available in the field to provide protection from the sun.
- Consider stabling horses through the hottest parts of the day, providing their stable remains cool.
- Using thin fly sheets and masks, and fly spray can help greatly to protect against flies.
- Exercise either in the early morning or late evening when it is coolest.
- Adapt your riding into shorter periods and allow a break for your horse to cool down in between. E.g. 2-3 x 15 min instead of 45min constant.
- Allowing your horse to drink immediately after exercise does not increase the risk of colic and should be encouraged.
- After riding make sure you cool a hot horse down by continuously pouring cold water all over the horse’s body.
- Using sun cream is highly recommended, especially on pink noses and grey hair.
- Add salt or electrolytes to your horse's diet to replace those lost through sweat.
- If travelling your horse, do so in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat.
- You should also take more water than you think you will need when travelling in case you break down.
Dehydration
Dehydration can occur when a horse loses more water (for example lost in sweat, breath, urine and droppings) than it takes in. Knowing what is normal for your horse is important so you know when your horse isn’t right. Signs of dehydration include:
- Dark urine/reduced urination
- Reduced amount of droppings
- Lethargy and/or depression
- Dry skin and mouth
- Dull eyes
- Gums that are dark in colour
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can be a very serious condition and can occur if the horse is exposed/exercised in very hot or humid conditions and is often also suffering from dehydration. Signs of heat exhaustion may include the signs of dehydration above and potentially:
- Fast, shallow breathing (panting)
- Nostril flaring
- Increased rectal temperature
- An irregular heartbeat
- Decreased appetite and thirst
- Slow recovery after exercise
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced performance
If your horse is showing signs of heat related illness contact your vet immediately, move them into the shade and start to cool the horse by continuously applying cold water all over the horse’s body until help arrives.
If not quickly and carefully managed, a horse suffering with heat exhaustion can progress to develop life threatening heat stroke. This may lead to the horse becoming unsteady on their feet (ataxia) and/or collapsing.
Find out more about how to keep your horse safe in the heat by clicking here.
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