08/31/2026
โ๏ธ๐ด HELP YOUR HORSES BEAT THE HEAT! ๐ดโ๏ธ
The summer temperatures are soaring, and our equine companions feel the heat just as much as we do! Extreme heat and humidity put horses at a high risk for heat stress.
Here are essential summer horse care tips to keep your herd cool, safe, and comfortable:
๐ง Hydration is Key: A horse can drink over 30 gallons of water daily in the heat. Keep water troughs clean and filled with fresh, cool water. Consider checking water levels multiple times a day.๐ณ Provide Plenty of Shade: Ensure your horses have access to a run-in shelter, a well-ventilated barn, or large shade trees throughout the day.
๐จ Keep the Air Moving: Use fans in the barn to improve ventilation and prevent stagnant heat buildup. Just make sure all cords and plugs are completely out of your horse's reach!
๐ง Replenish Electrolytes: Horses lose vital salts when they sweat. Offer a free-choice salt block or add electrolyte supplements to their feed to replace lost minerals and encourage them to drink more water.
๐ฟ Cool Down Baths: If your horse is hot or sweating excessively, hose them down with continuous cool water. Focus on the chest, neck, and the large blood vessels inside the legs and under the belly. (Pro tip: Don't waste time sweat scrapingโallowing the water to evaporate naturally actually draws more heat away from the horse!)
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Adjust Your Riding Schedule: Limit heavy exercise and trail riding to the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
๐งด Don't Forget Sunscreen: Just like us, horses with pink skin can get sunburned! Apply a pet-safe, waterproof sunblock to white noses and heels.
โ ๏ธ Watch for Signs of Heat Stress: Keep a close eye on your horses for heavy blowing/rapid breathing, a racing pulse, excessive sweating (or a complete stop in sweating), lethargy, dry gums, or a body temperature over 103ยฐF. If you notice these symptoms, stop all activity, move them to the shade, hose them down, and call your vet immediately.
Stay safe and stay cool out there! ๐ง๐ What are your go-to tricks for keeping your horses cool in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!