Here in Australia most parts of the country undergo scorching temperatures that animals can suffer from if they are unable to cope with the heat. Horses can become unwell if they are not cared for appropriately in hot weather. We have made a list of tips to help keep your horse healthy and happy throughout this summer.
Adequate Hydration
Hydration is essential in ensuring a horse stays healthy in the hot. At all times your horse should access to a sufficient water supply. If your horse is reluctant to drink you can soak hay in water for them to provide additional hydration.
Minerals
Horses loose minerals from sweating in the heat. Make sure you are helping replace these by giving them a good quality electrolyte formula.
Temperature
Try to avoid working your horse when the outside temperature exceeds the horses body temperature. For a horse this is about 37.5 degrees Celsius.
Flyveils
Flyveils provide protection from flies and and can also keep the sun off. Just remember that they do restrict vision at night so remember to remove it overnight.
Fans
Having fans in the stable is a good way to keep the air moving in the stables. This also helps to keep flies from settling.
What Time to Ride
Try to ride in the evenings or early in the morning as the temperatures will be the lowest at these times of the day.
Sunburn
Horses can get sunburnt badly in hot weather. They can even receive scars from the burning. To avoid this apply sunscreen or zinc to all white areas on the nose, or use a flymask with a protective nose flap.
Cool Down
Hose your horse down with water to help him cool down quickly when it is hot.
Heat Stress
Being a horse owner, you need to know the signs of heat stress and how to avoid it. Heat stress is a serious condition that begins with dehydration and can result in a heat stroke if the horse is not treated and cared for appropriately.