Beating The Heat! 

As we see the arrival of true British Summertime weather, the temperature has began to rise and in recent weeks we are regularly seeing numbers in the high twenties. I am never one to complain about the weather, for me it is a waste of energy, so I always enjoy what we are given, rain or shine!

Though when it comes to our equines and a warning of extreme heat, there are some adaptations we need to consider for the welfare of our horses, and all our animals. Remember, missing a ride won’t kill your horse, just like missing a walk will not kill your dog. Below are a few key considerations to help you beat the heat this Summer!

• Ensure equines have access to clean, fresh water at home at all times, and if you are travelling.
  

• If travelling, take your own water with you; horses can be sensitive to the change in water PH and taste.
  
  
• Provide optional electrolytes and salt alongside clean fresh water to aid rehydration; some horses don’t like the taste so always give them an option.
  
  
• Cooling down your horse by soaking them with water will not fry them as myths may say, it will actually help them!
  
  
• If you must travel, ensure the box is well ventilated, ideally kept in the shade and allowed to air with the doors open before any loading; asking your horse to walk in to a furnace as soon as the doors are open is not best practise.
  
  
• In high temperatures and extreme heat, I would advise not to travel at all, I put welfare over competition every single time. If you must travel, be aware the temperature within the box can increase rapidly, even with good ventilation.
  
  
• Make sure your horse always access to shade and shelter; this is a must year round, but more important in the sun and hotter weather, as this is prime time horses tend to seek the shade.
  
  
• It takes horses approximately two weeks to adapt to a 10 degree drastic change in temperature, therefore ensure you adapt your horses exercise and management routine to reflect this.
  
  
• Include the cooler times of the day, if they are not acclimatised, when exercising your horse, and accommodate a reduction and adaptation to the training programme.
  
  
• Avoid using oil-based products in the sunlight
  
  
• Protect those little pink noses using a UV fly mask and sun-cream.
  
  
• Be aware horses are individuals, so do what is right for your horse.
  
  
• Sometimes keeping your horse in a stable with no air flow is worse than allowing them to find a breeze and comfortable place to rest in the paddock.
  
  
• Continuously check in that your horse is hydrated using the skin pinch test around the shoulder; the skin should be elastic and snap back; the more this response is delayed, the more dehydrated your horse is.
  
  
• Signs of the onset of dehydration and heatstroke include; lethargy, nostril flaring, increased breathing and pulse rate, excessive sweating, raised temperature, dark urine, red mucous membranes and thick saliva. If you are concerned your horse is starting to suffer from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian immediately.
  
  Please do not let your horse get to this stage.
  
  Most importantly, be sensible, keep hydrated and enjoy the Summer!