Is Your Horse Getting Too Much Sun?

That being said, it’s important to be armed with the information necessary to determine whether or not your horse has spent too much time in the heat. Below, we’ll dive into how you can determine whether or not your horse is spending too much time out in the heat. 

Overheating can lead to heat stroke, so it’s vital to keep an eye out for critical signs of this condition. Generally speaking, horses shouldn’t be in weather that’s hotter than 90 Fahrenheit. This threshold is lower especially if there’s a lot of humidity present. Signs that your horse may be experiencing heat stroke include:

• Discolored gums 

• Rapid breathing or increased heart rate

• Body Temperatures between 105 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit

• Lethargy

• Dry skin

• Dehydration

• Lack of coordination

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Horses experiencing any of the above symptoms should be removed from the hot environment immediately, and provided fresh drinking water and electrolytes. From there, call an emergency animal hospital for further assistance. 

Don’t forget that dark colored horses overheat faster than other coat types, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant with these equine friends. When in doubt, it’s best to go back inside to a well-ventilated area and postpone riding or outdoor sessions to a safer time. It’s certainly not worth risking your horse if you’re on the fence about whether or not it’s safe for your furry friend to spend time outdoors. 

Some dark-colored horses may experience coat fading or bleaching, but note that this isn’t necessarily indicative of a health issue. 

Stay Strategic About Outdoor Sessions

When riding in the warm summer months, it’s wise to plan your riding times strategically. One of the easiest ways to protect your horse is to schedule rides during the coolest hours of the day. Typically, this is in the early morning or just after the sun has set. Note that blocks of time between 12:00-3:00 PM should be avoided as these are usually the hottest hours of the day. You’ll also want to limit these periods to light exercise. 

Protecting Light-Colored Horses

Light-colored horses can be susceptible to sunburn just like humans. In order to keep them protected while outdoors, it’s essential to pick up a horse-friendly sunscreen. Effective sunscreens often contain zinc oxide, which helps keep out harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s also helpful to find a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, as many horses can be sensitive to strong smells. 

Common burn sites are typically near the muzzle of the horse, though any exposed pink skin or patch is susceptible to damage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding reapplication periods to ensure that your four-legged friend is safe. 

If your horse does become sunburnt, you can use a soothing ointment containing aloe vera to help ease the burn. Avoid using fly masks on your affected horse until the burn site has fully healed. You should give your veterinarian a call if the sunburn site isn’t clearing up after a few days. 

Sun After-Care

After spending time in the sun, your horse should have a cool, ventilated area to retreat to. Make sure your steed has access to plenty of water and electrolytes. For some extra hydration, you can even add a little bit of water to your horse’s food. You can even sponge down your horse with some water to help cool him down on a particularly hot day. 

Prevention Is Key 

To keep your horse safe, it’s essential to take these summer tips into consideration to proactively protect your trusty steed. Remember, when in doubt, stay inside to protect your horse. 

With a few lifestyle adjustments, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your horse safe throughout the summer season and beyond. Enjoying spending time with these majestic four-legged friends.