Guide to managing your horse’s temperature and avoiding heatstroke in the summer

To keep your horse cool during the summer and prevent heatstroke, it's essential to consider a combination of strategies to reduce heat exposure and maintain hydration. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the following top tips:

• Provide constant access to water
• Clip thick coats
• Avoid riding during peak heat
• Replace lost electrolytes
• Turn out during cooler times
• Use fans in stables
• Cool your horse with showers
• Give your horse shelter while traveling
• Monitor for heatstroke symptoms

Plus, we’ll explain what heatstroke in horses is, how to keep track of your horse’s temperature, and share additional expert advice.

What is heatstroke in horses?

Heatstroke occurs when a horse’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in hot conditions.

Horses can suffer from heatstroke when their body is unable to cool itself efficiently, either from insufficient hydration, excessive exercise, or a lack of shade or ventilation.

When a horse’s body temperature rises above 106°F (41°C), it can lead to serious health problems such as organ failure, colic, and even death. The symptoms of heatstroke in horses can include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, disorientation, lethargy, and unsteadiness.

If left untreated, heatstroke can be fatal, so it’s crucial for horse owners to be vigilant in recognising the signs and to take preventive measures during hot weather.

To help prevent heatstroke and keep your horse safe during the summer, here are several effective ways to manage their temperature and ensure they stay cool and comfortable.

Provide constant access to water

Always ensure your horse has access to fresh, cool water at all times. Horses can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather, so it's important to monitor their water intake and replace water frequently to keep it cool and appetising.

Clip thick coats

Horses with thick coats can struggle in the heat, particularly those suffering from conditions like Cushing’s disease, which leads to excessive hair growth. Regularly clipping your horse’s coat will help them stay cooler. However, after clipping, ensure they have sun protection, as their newly exposed skin can burn more easily.

Avoid riding during peak heat

If you plan to ride, avoid the hottest times of day, typically between noon and 4 p.m. Instead, ride early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. If you must exercise your horse during the day, try to keep the intensity low to prevent excessive sweating.

Replace lost electrolytes

Sweating leads to a loss of vital electrolytes. To help your horse recover, offer electrolyte supplements in their feed or water to replenish what they have lost. Ensure that fresh water is also available, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-supplementation.

Turn out during cooler times

During the summer, consider turning your horse out in the early mornings or evenings when the temperature is lower. If they must be outside during the day, make sure they have access to plenty of shade, whether from trees, hedges, or a field shelter. This will help keep them cooler during the heat.

Use fans in stables

If you stable your horse during the day to avoid the heat, ensure the stable is well-ventilated. Use fans to circulate air, ensuring they are safely positioned out of reach. This can make a significant difference in keeping the environment cooler and more comfortable for your horse.

Cool your horse with showers

If your horse is sweating heavily, a cold shower can help bring down their body temperature. After showering, use a sweat scraper to remove excess water, as remaining water can heat up and reverse the cooling effect.

Give your horse shelter while traveling

If you’re traveling with your horse, leave early to avoid the midday heat. Ensure that your horse's transport has proper ventilation and airflow. You can also open windows to keep the air circulating, which will help maintain a cooler environment inside the transport.

Monitor for heatstroke symptoms

Heatstroke is a serious concern in hot weather. Symptoms to watch for include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, lethargy, unsteadiness, and disorientation. If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to call a vet immediately. 

To treat heatstroke, move your horse to a shaded, cool area, provide them with water (but don’t allow them to drink too quickly), and apply cold water to their body until help arrives.

By following these steps, you can help prevent heatstroke and ensure your horse remains healthy and comfortable throughout the summer months.

A guide to your horse's temperature

Just like humans, a horse's body temperature can vary slightly from individual to individual, but it generally falls within a specific range that helps indicate their health. For most horses, a healthy temperature typically ranges from 36.0°C to 38.0°C.

It’s important to note that a temperature above 38.0°C may indicate a health concern, while a temperature below 37.0°C can still be normal for some horses. By keeping track of your horse’s temperature, you’ll be better equipped to spot potential issues early and ensure they stay in good health.

Know your horse's normal temperature

One of the best ways to monitor your horse’s health is to get familiar with what’s normal for them. For instance, a temperature of 37.8°C might be typical for one horse, but not for a horse whose usual temperature is closer to 36.9°C.

By routinely checking your horse’s temperature, you’ll become more attuned to what is normal for them, making it easier to identify any changes. Even small shifts within the healthy range could indicate a problem, so it’s important to keep an eye on your horse’s temperature regularly.

Understanding and monitoring your horse’s temperature is a simple yet effective way to stay on top of their health and ensure they remain comfortable, especially during the summer months.

How to keep your horse cool in hot weather

Horse owners face unique challenges in trying to keep horses cool in the summer. In addition to our advice on avoiding heatstroke, we've put together some helpful tips to ensure your horse stays extra comfortable and safe in the heat. 

Wet fly rugs for extra cooling

Wetting a white fly rug in the morning, then refreshing it at lunchtime and in the evening, can help cool down your horse. However, a fly rug dries quickly, so it may need wetting more than three times a day, depending on how hot it is. This method can provide shade and cooling all day long, but it's no substitute for physical shade from a field shelter or tree.

Hydration is key

Keeping your horse hydrated is vital in the heat. Using products designed to replenish electrolytes and optimise water absorption will increase the chances of your horse maintaining good hydration and keeping their own body temperature regulated.

Managing stable temperature

In the summer months, stables with skylights can become unbearably hot. To keep the temperature down, cover the skylights with dark mesh or other materials that block sunlight and keep the inside cooler for your horse.

Cooling their feet

To prevent your horse’s hooves from drying out and their shoes from loosening, consider putting their feet in water. Adding a good moisture balm can help maintain hoof health during the warmer months.

Encourage drinking with apple juice

To encourage your horse to drink more water, try adding a splash of apple juice to their water bucket. This can be a great way to boost their water intake, but always be mindful of their health conditions, especially if they are prone to laminitis.

Fun and cooling treats

A fun way to keep your horse cool while encouraging hydration is by freezing carrots in small tubs of water. These carrot ice blocks provide a cool, entertaining treat and can help increase their water intake, all while keeping them refreshed during hot days.