As we settle into the hottest months of the year, it is important to remember that your horse can suffer from heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration. These conditions can be easily avoided if you have a plan of action and are fully equipped to help prevent them from taking hold.
We have put together a quick guide that can assist you in being prepared for the heat, with simple solutions on how to make sure your horse is kept safe and well in the summer heat.
Heat stroke
If not spotted in time this can be lethal for horses. They are unable to lose body heat quickly, meaning their temperature will only continue to rise unless stopped.
Symptoms
Heavy breathing
Fast pulse
Restlessness
Lethargy
Increased salivation
Muscle spasms
Higher body temperature
Collapse
Solutions
Don’t expose your horse to the hottest time of the day
Ensure that water is available at all times of the day
Clip their coat
Do not travel with your horse if it can be avoided
Dampen your horse with cool water
Remove tack as soon as it is not needed
Assist with cooling after exercise by walking lightly
Sunburn
Horses are just as at risk from sunburn as we are. It can range from a slight discomfort with some redness and peeling, to more severe blisters which can be very painful
Symptoms
Redness of the skin
Peeling
Blisters and sores
Solutions
Cover your horse in a summer sheet or fly rug to help protect the skin
Masks and hoods can help to protect the head and face
Apply animal safe sunscreen to any exposed areas of the body
Keep your horse in a stable during daytime hours
Dehydration
If your horse is dehydrated they will perform less well than normal, but more than that, it can cause a risk to their life if not spotted quickly. A horse can sweat profusely during exercise which can speed up the process of dehydration, so it is important to know what to do to fix this as soon as they start to cool down.