Horse Care in the Heat of Summer

The Importance of Horse Care in the Heat of Summer

Summer is a magical time for horse enthusiasts. The long days and warm nights provide ample opportunities for riding, training, and enjoying the outdoors with our equine friends. However, when temperatures soar above 95°F and the humidity pushes the heat index over 110°F, it’s crucial to prioritize your horse's health and well-being. Horses, like humans, can suffer from heat stress, dehydration, and other heat-related issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your horse safe, healthy, and happy during the scorching summer months.

Why Summer Heat is a Concern for Horses

Horses are naturally resilient animals, but extreme heat can pose significant risks. Unlike humans, horses cannot sweat efficiently enough to cool down quickly, making them more susceptible to overheating. Key issues include:

• Dehydration: Horses can lose up to 4 gallons of sweat per hour in extreme heat.
• Heat Stress/Heat Stroke: High temperatures can overwhelm a horse’s cooling mechanisms.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Excessive sweating can lead to a loss of essential minerals.
• Respiratory Issues: Hot, humid air can exacerbate breathing problems.

Understanding these risks helps underscore the importance of diligent summer care. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to protect your horse when the mercury rises.

Essential Summer Horse Care Tips

1. Hydration is Key

• Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your horse has access to clean, cool water at all times. A horse typically drinks 5-10 gallons a day, but in extreme heat, this can double.
• Electrolyte Supplements: Add electrolytes to your horse’s water or feed to replace minerals lost through sweating. This is especially important in hot and humid conditions.
• Monitor Water Intake: Check that your horse is drinking enough. Decreased water consumption can be a sign of dehydration or illness.

2. Shade and Shelter

• Create Shaded Areas: Ensure your horse has access to shade, whether it’s from trees, a run-in shed, or a barn.
• Proper Ventilation: If your horse is stabled, ensure the barn is well-ventilated to allow for airflow. Fans can be beneficial, but ensure they are safe and positioned correctly.

3. Adjust Workload and Schedule

• Ride Early or Late: Schedule rides during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
• Shorter Sessions: Reduce the intensity and duration of workouts. Give your horse frequent breaks and allow them to cool down.
• Monitor for Signs of Heat Stress: Be vigilant for signs such as heavy sweating, rapid breathing, lethargy, or an elevated heart rate.

4. Cool Down Properly

• Hose Down: After exercise, hose your horse down with cool water. Focus on areas with large blood vessels, like the neck, chest, and legs.
• Sweat Scrapers: Use a sweat scraper to remove excess water, as water left on the coat can trap heat.
• Cool, Not Cold: Ensure the water used for hosing is cool but not ice-cold, as extreme temperature changes can cause shock.

5. Monitor Diet and Nutrition

• Adjust Feed: In extreme heat, reduce grain intake if your horse is not working hard, as digestion generates heat. Instead, provide high-quality forage.
• Salt Blocks: Ensure your horse has access to a salt block to encourage drinking and replenish lost sodium.
• Pasture Management: In hot, sunny climates, consider providing hay instead of relying solely on pasture, which can become dry and less nutritious.

6. Grooming and Skin Care

• Regular Grooming: Brush your horse daily to remove sweat, dirt, and loose hair. This helps keep the coat and skin healthy.
• Fly Protection: Use fly sprays and masks to protect against flies, which are more prevalent in summer.
• Check for Sunburn: Horses with white or light-colored coats are prone to sunburn. Apply sunscreen or use fly sheets with UV protection if necessary.

7. Emergency Preparedness

• Know the Signs of Heat Stroke: Symptoms include elevated heart rate, heavy panting, weakness, confusion, and collapse. If you suspect heat stroke, move your horse to a cool area immediately, hose them down, and call a vet.
• Have a Plan: Ensure you have a plan for extreme heat days, including access to shaded areas, water, and emergency contacts.

Fun Ways To Keep Horse Cool:

Taking care of horses in the summer heat doesn’t have to be all serious business. Here are some light-hearted tips to make the process enjoyable for both you and your horse:

• Popsicles for Horses: Freeze apple juice or water with apple slices in ice cube trays. Your horse will love these refreshing treats!
• Pool Time: If your horse enjoys water, consider letting them splash in a shallow pool or hose them down with a sprinkler. It’s a fun way to cool off!
• Equine Spa Day: Turn grooming into a pampering session with a gentle massage, cool baths, and plenty of treats. Your horse will appreciate the extra attention.

Traveling To Horse Shows

When traveling to a horse show it is so important to be aware of the temperatures that you will be traveling in, and eventually be in for the duration of the horse show.  From my own personal experience, I definitely messed this up and didn’t realize what I was traveling in or putting my horses in.  I think it is also important that you also know your horses and what they are like traveling and in different environments.  For my experience I had traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma many times with the same horses in August.  Well, June was little different and my mare did not travel well there or move in well and it resulted in her spending 3 days in a vet hospital and then scratching the show to get them home because if she was going to die it was going to be at home not at a horse show.  Let’s just say it was a HUGE learning experience and one that I will never forget.  If I can help others not go through that then I want to provide that information.  So these last items are personal and will definitely help you prevent vet bills when traveling to horse shows in these extreme summer heats.

• Before and while traveling: I think it is worth your time to give each a horse a tube of electrolytes right before you load them into the trailer. It gives you a chance and especially if you have to travel during the day in the heat.  If you can travel and leave middle of the night when cooler that is ideal so you’re not in the heat of the day, but not everyone can so set yourself up right.
• Stopping on the drive: Whenever you stop if you can I highly recommend that you take the time to see if any of the horses drink water. I always do this and unfortunately, my mare never drinks but the boys always want a drink.
• Arriving at the Show: Once you arrive, if any of your horses are sweating when you unload them get them water immediately. Once you get moved in go hose them off to help them and get a fan on them.  I also suggest give them another tube of electrolytes.  If you have a horse that travels rough pushing electrolytes are only going to help them bounce back faster and be ready for the show.

Caring for your horse during the heat of summer requires diligence, knowledge, and a bit of creativity. By ensuring they have plenty of water, shade, and proper nutrition, adjusting their workload, and providing effective cooling methods, you can help your horse beat the heat and enjoy the summer months safely. When going to horse shows, make sure you know your horses and how the travel and deal with humidity and heat.  Remember to keep an eye out for signs of heat stress and always have a plan in place for extreme weather. With these tips, you and your horse can have a fun, safe, and memorable summer together.  By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can ensure your horse remains healthy and happy throughout the summer heat. So, saddle up, stay cool, and enjoy the sunny days with your equine companion!