9 Best Horse Care Tips During Hot Weather

Horse Care Tips During Hot Weather

This week has been hot, hot hot! Sadly our beloved 4 legged friends can and do suffer from heatstroke. We have some tips on how to look after horses during this weather, please read and share..you could save a horses life 😊

• Firstly, we think it is really important to know the signs of heat stroke: Heatstroke can happen if exercising in hot conditions but be aware that it can also happen if standing in a hot stall or trailer. Signs of heat stroke can include: An elevated heart rate that does not return to normal in a reasonable period of time, excessive sweating or lack of sweating. Temperature that persists above 103°F, depression and/or lethargy, dry mucous membranes, poor capillary refill, and poor skin turgor. If you are concerned that your horse is suffering from heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately and get your horse into a cooler environment.

• Provide shade. If your horse lives outdoors or must be outside during the day, provide relief from the sun. A run-in shed is a great idea. Trees are a  natural source of shade, but as the sun moves, so will the shade; ensure that, regardless of the time of day, the trees are offering shade.

•  Move the air. Fans are a great way to help keep the air moving in the barn, but use them wisely, some horses are cheeky and would get hold of cords and plugs! Always ensure that your horse can’t get a hold of these.

• Cooler turnout times. If your horse has a stall, but is turned out for part of the day, provide turnout during the cooler hours. Remember, the summer heat can also take a toll on the quality of your pasture. You might need to provide additional feed as the grass becomes sparse to maintain proper body condition and energy.

• Provide fresh, cool water and an electrolyte source. Make sure your horse has plenty of fresh, cool water. A bucket hanging on a pasture fence will get warm and the water will no longer be appealing. If you are providing clean, cool water and your horse doesn’t seem to be drinking, then encourage it by providing a salt block, or even by misting hay with salt water. If your horse is sweating a great deal, water laced with electrolytes can help keep its body in balance. Whenever you offer electrolytes, however, be sure to offer a second source of fresh water, as well.

• Mist your horse. If you are fortunate enough to have a misting system for your horse, use it. As moisture is absorbed from your horse’s skin, it will take away some of the heat. Frequent mistings are far more effective than a single dousing with a hose.

• Slow down the work. Don’t think that because your horse has been working intensely every day that it can take a rise in heat. If you have to work your horse in the heat, lighten the work or spread it out over a couple of short sessions. This is especially important when the humidity is high. Cool your horse down slowly, and offer frequent sips of cool water. Take the tack off as soon as you’re done and sponge the horse off again with cool water.

• Avoiding sunburn. Horses, especially white horses, can suffer from sunburn. Even those with white socks and blazes, pink noses, or hairless patches from scarring can be susceptible. Applying sunblock to small, particularly vulnerable areas can be effective. Staying out of the sun’s harmful rays will, of course, be best.

• Clip horses with longer hair coats. Clipping is important. While some coat can provide protection from the sun and insulation, a long, thick coat tends to hold heat and makes it difficult for the horse to cool down. Be careful not to clip the hair too close, however, as it provides some protection from damaging rays.

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