How To Cool Your Horse Down

Below, we’ll share some of the best strategies to keep your horse feeling his best this summer. 

Signs of Heat Stroke In Horses 

One of the main reasons why you’ll need to pay special attention to your horse during the hotter months is that overheating can lead to heat stroke. Unfortunately, a horse’s natural cooling system is somewhat ineffective in temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your horse isn’t over exerting himself.  

Signs of heatstroke in horses include the following: 

Rapid breathing

Increased heart rate

Temperatures between 105 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit

Lethargy

Dry skin

Dehydration

Lack of coordination

In the event that your horse is showcasing signs of heat stroke, remove him from the hot environment immediately, provide plenty of fresh cool water, and call an emergency animal hospital at once for further assistance. 

Moving forward, take rides slow and easy throughout the warm season. Note that darker colored horses overheat easier than those with lighter colored hair. It’s also important to keep your horse at a healthy weight as obesity can contribute to a horse’s tendency to overheat. 

How To Keep Your Horse Cool 

Here are some of the key ways to cool down your loyal companion. Remember that foals cannot take as much heat as adult horses, so be especially cautious when it’s hot outside. 

Provide plenty of water. Water can be one of the best ways to help your horse effectively regulate his body temperature. Provide access to plenty of cool drinking water so that your horse can stay hydrated. There’s no such thing as giving your horse “too much” water so don’t be shy on this account. 

Take time to cool down. After exercising, make sure your horse has adequate time to simmer down to alleviate unnecessary stress on the body. Make sure your horse has access to a cool area with plenty of cool water. 

Monitor your horse. Keep an eye on your horse especially while exercising. If you note any signs of heat exhaustion or fatigue, it’s time to head inside. 

Offer up electrolytes. While exercising, your horse loses vital electrolytes along with water. Electrolytes can help your horse hold on to water for longer, and encourage further hydration. This can be added directly to your horse’s feed or in supplements or treats. 

Hose him down. After you’ve provided your horse with drinking water, hose him down with cool water. Focus on spraying your horse’s head, neck, back, and legs. You can also sponge cool water onto your horse’s body for a gentler approach. 

Use misting fans. Setting up misting fans where you walk your horse can be a great way to help keep him cool. Even regular fans can provide a satisfying breeze for your steeds. Make sure your barn has plenty of ventilation so that your horse has a nice cool place to recover after spending time out in the sun. 

Seek out some shade. Whenever you’re outside, seek out an area that has access to shade. Even if your horse isn’t constantly out in the shade, this will help ensure that your magnificent mare has a place to retreat to when temperatures ramp up. 

Keeping your horse cool throughout the summer is a vital duty as a responsible owner. Remember to implement these strategies throughout the summer to help your horse feel his best throughout any season. To learn more, click HERE.