Tips to Protect from Supply Chain Interruptions
April 17, 2022
Are you and your horse melting this summer?
As the summer sun blazes down and temperatures soar, your horse relies on you to keep them cool in the summer heat. Equine Simplified explores effective strategies for keeping your horses cool during the hot summer months, ensuring their health, happiness, and peak performance.
From horses that don’t sweat well to those that appear to be melting in the heat, we hope these tips give you alternatives to battle this summer hot weather.
1. Prioritize hydration
Just like humans, horses can quickly become dehydrated in the scorching heat. Proper hydration is essential for regulating their body temperature and preventing heat-related issues.
- Make sure clean, fresh water is always available.
- You can use automatic waterers or shaded buckets to keep water cool.
- Encourage your horses to drink frequently and monitor their water intake to prevent dehydration.
- Check the temperature of the water and refresh if it becomes warm.
2. Ensure shade and shelter
In addition, offering adequate shade and shelter is vital to shield your horses from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Ensure your horse’s pasture or paddock has access to natural shade from trees or structures. If natural shade is limited, consider setting up temporary shade structures.
Also, during summery months, you may consider an additional fan if one fan doesn’t do the trick.
3. Adjust turnout times strategically
Further, modifying your horse’s turnout schedule can significantly impact their comfort during hot summer days. Aim to turn out your horses during cooler times like early morning, evening or at night. This reduces their exposure to the midday sun and minimizes the risk of overheating.
And, as an added benefit, the sugar content in grasses increases as the temperature rises, so shifting their turnout time also helps minimize sugar intake. To learn more, see my blog post on grasses.
4. Practice proper grooming and coat care
Particularly in the summer, regular grooming promotes better air circulation by removing excess dirt, sweat, and loose hair. Also, a light-weight fly sheet may help maintain your horse’s coat. However, be careful not to overdo it, as excessive grooming or bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils that help regulate body temperature.
In addition for the older horse that may still hold onto that thicker coat in the summer, consider body clipping to aide in his comfort.
5. Use water to cool them
Hosing horses can help horses cool and lower their body temperature. Use a sweat scraper to remove excess water and prevent prolonged wetness that could lead to skin issues. Applying water to the neck and chest area can be especially effective, as these areas have blood vessels closer to the surface, aiding the cooling process.
Additionally, if your horse is in a pasture and likes to play in water, consider using a sprinkler on a timer to allow him to self-cool.
6. Balance nutrition and electrolytes
Sometimes in the hot weather, horses need additional support to maintain their electrolyte balance. Electrolyte supplements help replace vital minerals lost through sweating, promoting hydration and overall health. That said, follow recommended dosages and guidelines to avoid over-supplementation. Veterinarians or equine nutritionists can help you identify if your horse’s diet suits the season.
7. Manage exercise and workload
Finally, for both you and your horse’s well being, adapt your horse’s exercise routine to prevent overexertion during the summer.
- Plan rides and exercise during cooler parts of the day and avoid intense activities during peak heat hours.
- Pay close attention to your horse’s breathing rate and overall demeanor. If they seem fatigued or excessively sweaty, give them a break to cool down.
- Walk between training activities, to give them a break.
- Track vitals and cool down times in Equine Simplified to help you highlight any changes in fitness or your horse’s ability to cool in extreme heat. Learn more about recording observations by visiting our YouTube channel.
Ensuring your horse remains cool during scorching summer months requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By implementing these practical strategies, from ensuring proper hydration and shade to incorporating effective cooling techniques, you can safeguard your horses’ well-being and ensure they enjoy a comfortable summer. A well-cared-for horse is a happy and healthy companion, prepared for any equestrian adventure that comes their way.
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