As horse owners, we love the arrival of summer. Drier fields mean less mud, we can ride in sunshine instead of rain, and competition season is in full swing.
However, when temperatures soar, it isn’t fun for our horses. So, here at Discount Equestrian, we have compiled our top tips for beating the heat, so you and your horse can enjoy the summer safely…
* Keep The Horse Hydrated!
Perhaps the most critical aspect of staying safe in the sun, keeping yourself and your horse hydrated at all times is imperative. You can avoid dehydration by always carrying a cold drink with you to sip at regular intervals, and by ensuring your horse has constant access to cool, fresh water.
* Avoid riding in the heat of the day.
Midday tends to be when temperatures hit their peak, though this can vary from day to day. Early morning or late evening hacking or schooling sessions are more pleasant for both you and your horse. Not only will there be fewer flies, but you’re minimising the risk of heats stroke and other heat-related health issues.
* Keep them cool.
When you have to travel, we suggest taking lots of extra water for your horse (to cool them down as well as to offer them plenty to drink) and checking traffic conditions to plan your journey for the quietest times – you definitely don’t want your horse stuck in a scorching metal trailer or box for hours!
If your horse hasn’t yet let go of their winter coat (veterans and those suffering Cushing’s Disease often don’t), we advise clipping them to keep them cool.
Turnout could be scheduled for cooler periods, to limit your horse’s exposure to the heat.
Regularly run a cold hose over your horse or wash them with cool water using a sponge. The debate surrounding instant removal of excess water from a horse’s coat after washing them in hot weather continues, though the following article sheds some light on that subject, here.
* Stay in the shade.
We advise staying in the shade as much as possible to limit exposure to high temperatures in direct sunlight. If they are turned out, ensure your horse’s field has adequate areas of shade. Should your horse be stabled during the day, you can help keep their environment cool by maintaining air flow – which can be achieved by installing a fan if air flow is limited.
UV rays can be harmful to your skin as well as your horse’s. Therefore, since you and your horse can’t stay in the shade at all times, we advise applying sun cream to your horse’s sunburn hot-spots such as their muzzle – we also suggest using Factor 50+ sun cream yourself.
Our favourite sun creams for horses include Groom Away® Sun Protection Cream, Lincoln® Sun Bloc, Equimins® Sunscreen Lotion and BioBarrier® Summer Spray.
Alternatively, if your horse hates sun cream, you could use a specially designed mask or muzzle protector. Our extensive range includes the Equilibrium® Field Relief Muzzle Protector, Hy® Fly Mask with Sunshield & Ears, Bucas® Buzz Off Zebra Full Face Fly Mask, LeMieux® Gladiator Full Mask, and the WeatherBeeta® Buzz Away Fly Mask with Nose.
However, if the sun does get the better of your horse, our go-to sunburn soothing formulations are IV Horse Dermalogic 4-in-1 Antiseptic Gel with Fly Protection, Barrier® Sunburn Soother, and Lincoln® Aloe Vera Gel.
Heat stroke can have fatal consequences. Whilst the symptoms of heat stroke depend entirely on the individual, to help you recognise it in yourself, your horse, and your dog (mustn’t forget our trusty stable yard companions), please check our list as follows…
If you suspect your horse or dog has heat stroke, call your vet immediately!
Humans:
* Headache.
* Dizziness and confusion.
* Nausea.
* Excessive sweating.
* Fast breathing.
* Extreme thirst.
Please visit the NHS website for further details of how to deal with heat stroke in humans.
Contact your local emergency health service if you think you have heat stroke!
Horses:
* Heavy, rapid, laboured breathing.
* Elevated heart rate – this can be checked by watching your horse’s flanks rise and fall (Exhale + Inhale = One Breath), normal breaths-per-minute for a healthy horse at rest should be 8 to 16. Or, you can check your horse’s pulse in a variety of ways.
The British Horse Society (BHS) has a useful video on how to monitor your horse’s pulse and respiration rate, available here.
* Excessive sweating – just as we do, most horses sweat after strenuous exercise. However, excessive sweating that causes their coats to become saturated (especially in areas your horse doesn’t usually sweat) and their skin to feel hot to touch can suggest something is wrong and can lead to dehydration.
* Sudden lethargy or signs of distress.
Further advice about keeping your horse hydrated in the heat can be found by visiting the World Horse Welfare website.
Dogs:
Please note that flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dog breeds (such as French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, and Pugs) are more susceptible to heat stroke due to being at a higher risk of developing breathing difficulties!
* Excessive panting.
* Lethargy.
* Confusion.
More information about dealing with heat stroke in dogs can be found on the PDSA website.
