07/09/2026
☀️ Is Your Horse Struggling in the Summer Heat?
Not every horse that struggles in the heat is simply "out of shape."
Some horses develop anhidrosis, a condition where they are unable to sweat normally. Because sweating is the horse's primary way of cooling itself, these horses can become overheated quickly, leading to decreased performance, exercise intolerance, elevated respiratory rates, prolonged recovery, and increased risk of heat-related illness.
At Southern Performance, every horse is evaluated as an individual. Managing anhidrosis often requires more than simply reducing exercise.
An integrative treatment plan may include:
• Acupuncture to support normal physiologic function and thermoregulation
• Careful review of nutrition and electrolyte balance
• Environmental and management modifications to reduce heat stress
• Adjustments to training schedules and workload
• Ongoing monitoring to help horses remain comfortable and perform safely throughout the summer
There is no single solution that works for every horse. Finding the right combination of therapies and management strategies can help many horses cope more effectively with Florida's challenging climate.
If your horse isn't sweating normally, seems unusually fatigued during exercise, or is taking longer than expected to recover after work, don't assume it's just the heat. An evaluation may help identify underlying issues and develop a plan tailored specifically to your horse.
To schedule an appointment, contact Southern Performance by:
📞 Phone: (803) 673-3039
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit the website for additional information https://www.southernperformancevet.com