In summer, horses are at risk of heat stress, especially when temperatures exceed 25 degrees. Especially with climate change causing average temperatures to slowly rise and summers to become longer, drier and hotter, it is important to take measures to keep horses cool.
The ideal temperature for horses is between 5 and 25°C. In the stable, the optimal temperature for adult horses is between 10 and 15°C, while for a foal it is between 15 and 20°C. When the temperature exceeds 25°C, a horse experiences heat stress. Normally, a horse can adapt to heat, but with a combination of labour, low wind and high humidity, body temperature can rise rapidly. In such cases, apply the following tips to keep horses cool.
1. Provide plenty of fresh drinking water. Horses already sweat about 15 litres a day in normal conditions and in hot temperatures, water requirements can rise to as much as 50 litres a day. Also feed water-rich food, such as mash, so the horse gets extra fluids.
2. Give the horse electrolytes. Sweating causes a horse to lose electrolytes, which are important for various bodily processes. Supplement this loss with, for example, the Excellent Horse Electrolytes Powder or Pellets or use the Gel for a quick boost. You can also use a salt lick to provide the horse with electrolytes, such as the Himalayan Salt Lick or the Natural Salt Lick.
3. Provide plenty of shaded areas. If there is not enough shade, hang a shade cloth, for example.
4. Prevent sunburn by rubbing the horse's sensitive parts (such as pink nose) with, for example, Equi Sunblock or Equi Sunblock Lotion.
5. Adjust grazing times. Leave the horse in the stable during the hottest part of the day and let the horse out to pasture when it is cooler.
6. Provide adequate ventilation when the horse is stabled.
7. Try to schedule rides in the trailer only outside busy times. A ride in the trailer is hard work for a horse, as continuous balancing requires a lot of muscle work. If you get stuck in traffic jams, the temperature in the trailer can rise considerably. Therefore, preferably ride at quiet times. When driving, there is sufficient ventilation if the ventilation opening at the front is open and the rear is not closed. On long rides (over 2 hours), it is a good idea to take a break and give the horse water and wet hay.
8. Cool the horse when the horse is feeling too hot. Cool the horse with water for 30 seconds and then step around for 30 seconds. Repeat these steps until the horse indicates it no longer likes it (this is a more reliable method than measuring rectal temperature).
9. Protect horses from horseflies and houseflies. From as early as spring onwards, horseflies and houseflies can reappear. These insects can cause considerable nuisance and extra stress. A product such as KerbEX forms an effective protection on the horse's skin and coat and thus repels them.
