A severe heatwave is forecast by the meteorological office. So now is the time to plan how you are going to keep your horse or pony cool in the exceptionally high temperatures this summer. Be aware of the early signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in your horse or pony as, just like us, horses are much healthier in cool shade than being out, unprotected in full sun.
Keeping your horse cool in a heatwave
A generally hot climate typically presents less of a health risk to horses than sudden and severe spikes in temperature, particularly immediately before or during competition. Horses can acclimatise to different weather conditions and horses living in hot climates are comfortable competing in hotter weather. But in the UK a horse which undergoes training in the cooler parts of the day is likely to be at risk if it is then competed during a heatwave.
Sweating and dehydration
A horse or pony is a large animal with a correspondingly large skin surface area. A horse can sweat faster than most other animals and, in the UK, where we tend to have relatively moderate humidity, this helps a horse keep cool. However, excessive sweating may give rise to dehydration, which in turn raises the risk of colic and respiratory disease. The process of sweating can also lead to electrolyte imbalance and an increased risk of problems such as reduced performance, tying-up, and “thumps” (synchronous diaphragmatic flutter) which whilst most common in endurance horses, can also occur in racehorses and eventers. In these conditions, a salt block is unlikely to provide sufficient remedy and appropriate feed supplements and electrolytes will prove beneficial.
Monitor the consumption of plentiful fresh, clean drinking water
Water intake is critical and whilst automatic stable drinking systems are great, they do not allow for the measurement of how much water a horse is taking. Horses can easily drink 55 litres of water a day, even more in hot weather. Turned out horses and ponies must have access to automatically-filling, algae-free troughs. Good shade is important throughout the day as the sun moves round from East to West. In hot weather it is best to turn horses out in the coolness of early mornings and evenings, whilst keeping them stabled during the hottest part of the day. Brick stables tend to be cooler than wooden ones. Spraying fly repellent around doors and windows will help provide some relief from the irritation of winged insects.
Weight loss
Remember, hot weather can degrade feeds, especially those containing oil, which will go off more quickly, resulting in horses rejecting the spoiled feed, just at the time when they are using more energy, even at rest, to control their own body temperature. This may lead to weight loss.
Horses’ and ponies’ capacity for exercise is likely to be reduced in hot weather and they may tire earlier than usual in training and competition. Heavier breeds, overweight horses and those with black coats tend to suffer most in the hot sun. Horses and ponies with pink areas of skin can be prone to sunburn and daily application of a factor 50 sunblock or fitting a flymask will help reduce this risk.
Travelling and competing your horse
If you are traveling to an event, ensure you travel with sufficient forage and plenty of water – particularly if the weather forecast is for a warm, sunny day. Aim to be self-sufficient. Have plenty of electrolytes to hand and if your horse or pony gets hot, be ready to it cool down quickly with plenty of water.
Do not park your horsebox or trailer in direct sun and remember to ensure through-ventilation throughout the journey. The ventilation is most effective for your horse when your vehicle is moving, as opposed to being stuck in traffic, so avoid travelling at peak times in summer. More information about travelling your horse or pony is available here.
If competing, ensure you take proper time to warm your pony up gradually and afterwards, to cool down, aided with repeated dousings of the whole horse with copious amounts of cold water.
Remember hot, dry weather can also mean hard ground, so do not feel pressured to compete and be ready to withdraw if the conditions are not right for you and your horse.
What to look out for in hot weather
Signs that your horse may be suffering from the heat include:
- Lethargy
- Panting (faster, shallow breathing)
- Nostril flaring
- Increased rectal temperature
- Elevated heart rate
- Decreased appetite and thirst
- Dark urine
- Reduced urination
- Reduced performance
- Dark mucous membranes
- Muscle spasms
- Slow recovery after exercise
The above is often referred to as heat exhaustion but if not properly and quickly managed can progress to heat stroke. This may result in ataxia (being unsteady on the feet) and/or collapse.
If you are concerned that your horse or pony may be suffering discomfort from the heat seek advice from your veterinary surgeon immediately. Move your horse into the shade and pour copious amounts of water all over the neck and body and quietly walk in hand. If you have a hosepipe, use that. Don’t worry about scraping the water off, it will evaporate, cooling the horse or pony down quickly.
Remember, severe heat stroke or heat exhaustion is serious and can lead to renal failure, muscle damage, laminitis and liver failure. It may prove fatal if urgent veterinary intervention and advice is not sought.
