Don't let your horse suffer through summer! Follow these 10 tips from The Horse of Course to make your horse's summer a healthier, more active and better time.
Special attention for horses during summer weather
Summer weather can have serious effects on horses, so be prepared to follow these 10 tips to help keep your horse comfortable and healthy as the days grow hotter.
1. Choose cooler turnout times.
If your horse has a stall, but is turned out for part of the day, provide turnout during the cooler hours. Overnight is ideal, but if thatâs not possible, have the horse go outside as early as possible during the day. 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.
2. Provide shade.
If your horse lives outdoors or if he must be outside during the day, provide relief from the sun. A run-in shed is best. Trees are a 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.
3. Move the air.
Fans are a great way to help keep the air moving in the barn, but use them wisely. Always ensure that your horse can't get a hold of cords and plugs.
4. Mist your horse.
If you are fortunate enough to have a misting system for your horse, use it. As moisture is absorbed from your horseâs skin, it will take away some of the heat. Frequent mistings are far more effective than a single dousing with a hose.
5. 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. Left long enough, the water will also become stagnant and unhealthy. If you are providing clean, cool water and your horse doesnât 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. Not all horses will drink electrolyte-laced water, so providing a source of water without them will ensure your horse keeps drinking. Also, too many electrolytes can be harmful.
6. Slow down the work.
Donât think that because your horse has been working intensely at 1:00 p.m. every day that it can take the heat when the temperature tops 90°F. 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, contributing to the poor quality of the air your horse is breathing. Cool your horse down slowly, and offer frequent sips of cool water. Take the tack off as soon as youâre done and sponge the horse off again with cool water.
7. Stick to a schedule.
Within the parameters of keeping him cool, try to stay as close as possible to his normal schedule. Too much change at one time can be an invitation for colic.
8. Clip horses with longer hair coats.
Clipping is important, especially for those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, or Cushing's disease). 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.
9. Avoid 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. Using a fly scrim can help. In addition, applying sunblock to small, particularly vulnerable areas can be effective. Staying out of the sunâs harmful rays will, of course, be best.
10. Know your horse and signs of heat stroke.
Heat stroke can happen anytime your horse is exposed to excessive heat that his body cannot handle. Heatstroke can happen if exercising in hot conditions, but be aware that it can also happen if standing in a hot stall or trailer.
About The Horse of Course
Almost two decades ago we responded to a growing need in Oklahoma which resulted in the creation of a full-service tack shop with great depth in dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines, providing top quality, fairly priced merchandise. We have specialized in offering these products and services to those who need it at the events where they gather as well.
We have a complete selection of tack and apparel for the English rider: show clothing, stable accessories, tack, gifts, books, and equestrian sportswear. We have continued to innovate, resulting in our own leading-edge design saddles and clothing. Our knowledgeable sales staff can help you find what you need quickly so you can spend more time in the saddle. Shop online at The Horse of Course .