Horses Overheating - Caring for Horses in the Heat

The #1 Horse Information Resource
Contact Ann to include your company - About Us

Follow Like

The Horse Information Lives Here!

Extra Care for Horses in the Summer Heat

I usually feel if I am hot then so is my horse. If I am tired then so is my horse and if I am thirsty then so is my horse. Bob Pruitt

Know your Climate
There is a big difference in living in the dry high deserts of New Mexico or California and living in the humidity of Florida. Sweat doesn’t evaporate when the humidity is high. No evaporation - no cooling. Intense exercise will increase your horses heat production by 50% so in hot climates it might be a good idea to wet the horses chest and legs before you begin the exercise. If needed stop every 20 minutes or so and wet the chest and legs again.

Is your horse dehydrated?
To check just pinch some skin between your thumb and forefinger, if the skin snaps back right away then your horse is just fine but if the skin goes back to normal slowly or not at all your horse is dehydrated.

When it’s hot your horse really needs:
Access to plenty of fresh cool water just like you do and a place to get out of the direct sun.

Minerals and salt – Most horses that have good quality hay and or pasture will get enough minerals but salt will need to be available or added. Most horses will take salt if a salt block is handy but some won’t. Some reasons a horse might not take it is his teeth hurt or maybe it has been contaminated by urine or laying on the ground in manure.
Plain white salt can be added to feed. Normally 1 ounce in winter and 1.5 ounces in summer will keep the horse healthy.

Shade or shelter like a run in shed, a breeze or fan.
Like people a horse can sunburn and even heatstroke. Zinc oxide cream and other sunscreens can help.

Consider bringing your horse in during the hottest part of the day with a fan directed at your horse. A box fan on the stall door is a pretty common way to help your horse cool off.

Do a turn out after 3 PM to dark - Dusk is a great time for a ride or a little exercise in the arena.

If you exercise your horse don’t forget to do a cool down.
This starts before you unsaddle your horse by simply walking your horse. Ten or fifteen minutes will help your horse get back to a more normal resting heart rate and remove the built up lactic acid from his muscles to avoid cramping. This is something that should be done all year but it is even more important when the weather is hot or humid.

Cool your horse off with a bath.
Your horse will look forward to being cooled off by you if you go slowly. Start cooling the feet then work up to the legs; then the sides and then the top. The reason I cool my horse off this way is the same reason I go slow getting into a cold lake or pool. I know some people would just dive in to cold water but for me there is a little shock to the system when I just jump in and I think my horse might feel like I do about that experience. I go slowly because I want it to be a good experience for my horse and hopefully he will look forward to getting a bath this way. Be gentle washing the face and avoid water in the ears and eyes.

Don’t feed too soon after exercise. After you have watched your horse after cool down you should wait at least fifteen minutes for feeding hay and if you feed grain it may be better to wait an hour since grain is concentrated energy.

If you are worried, if you think you may have overheated your horse, Call the Vet! While waiting for the Vet- Run cool water on the big blood vessels on the inside of the legs and belly. Cool water soaked towels on the face. Keep offering small drinks of cool water.

To advertise your horse product or service, contact Ann

Articles, Academic Schools, Arena Maintenance, Animal Communicators, Barns, Barn and Accessories, Barn Equipment and Tractors, Breast Collars, Grooming Products for Horses, Hay Feeders, Horse Blankets, Horse Books, Horse Videos, Horse Breeders, Horse Camping Gear, Career Schools, Carts and Buggies, Horse Training Clinicians, Equestrian Clothing, Dogs and Puppies, Horse Fencing, Western Art & Furniture, Horse Property for Sale, Horse Products For Sale, Fly Control, Foal Care, Horse Footings, Horse Gifts, Horse Health and Nutrition, Hoof and Leg, Horse Insurance, John Lyons Certified Trainers, Equine Lawyers, Leather Care, Links, Horse Property, Horse Photography, Portable Horse Stalls, Arenas and Roundpens, Horse Riding Schools, Horse Schools, Safety Porducts, Services for Horses, Horse Trailers, Horse Shipping, Horse Skin Coat Care, Horse Software, Specialty Trainers, Horse Summer Camps, Tack, Horse Trainers, Treats and Snacks, Truck Accessories, Trucks, Horse Vacations, Western Lifestyle