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Hydration, shade, and the right summer horse care products can keep your buddy safe during the hot weather.
- Knowledge of heat stress symptoms is crucial to avoid any mishappenings.
- Putting money on the best horse supplies, like cooling gear and vitamins, gives summer protection.
Summer sunshine makes everyone feel so good! All animals, including horses, also enjoy the weather a lot after the wet season. However, sometimes the heat becomes too uncomfortable. It can pose serious health risks if we are not careful.
Horses are large animals and are very muscular. Therefore, they generate and retain a lot of body heat. Combine that with rising temperatures, does not sound good, right?
Heat stress in horses is not a minor issue. It can lead to a lot of health issues if not addressed. That’s why summer horse care is absolutely a must-have for all horse owners.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
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What heat stress in horses looks like
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Why horses are uniquely vulnerable
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How to prevent it
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And most importantly, the best horse supplies and products you can use to keep your equine friend safe and cool
1. Understanding Heat Stress in Horses
What is heat stress and heat stroke in horses?
The beginning of heat stress happens when the body of a horse cannot effectively cool itself. It starts with excessive sweating. However, it can escalate quickly into heat stroke. You must know that heat stroke is life-threatening. Therefore, you need to immediately bring this matter to the veterinarian's attention.
How heat affects horses differently from humans
Unlike humans, horses rely heavily on sweating and respiration to cool down. However, they’re not as efficient as us.
Common causes and risk factors:
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High humidity: Lessens the capacity of effective evaporation of sweat.
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Intense physical activity: Makes the internal body temperature very high.
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Dark coat colors: These colors tend to absorb more heat from sunlight than lighter ones.
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Young, old, or overweight horses: They are more prone to getting a heat stroke due to slower heat regulation.
Signs and symptoms to watch for:
Having knowledge of these signs can be a lot of help to you. This will allow you to act quickly without wasting too much time.
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Profuse or reduced sweating (anhidrosis).
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Rapid breathing or panting.
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Elevated heart rate (above 60 BPM at rest).
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Lethargy or unwillingness to move.
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Staggering, muscle tremors, or collapse.
2. Preventive Measures to Keep Your Horse Cool
👉🏻 Shade and shelter
A shaded area in the paddock or pasture can work wonders. Trees, run-in sheds, and portable shade structures can offer relief from direct sun.
- Hydration: Nothing can beat water. For all animals, water is the first solution to heat-related problems.
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Daily water needs: The water requirement is basically 5–15 gallons per day. However, this amount tends to increase more in summer.
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Water should always be available as and when horses need them. Use automatic waterers to ensure a consistent supply.
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Add electrolytes to help with water retention. This will also give your horse an energy boost.
Tip: Encourage drinking by offering flavored water. You can give a try to the apple or peppermint flavors!
👉🏻 Exercise timing
Avoid riding during peak heat (12 PM to 4 PM). This particular time period is a big no for any kind of activity. Schedule activities in the early morning or after sunset.
👉🏻 Cooling techniques
Go for these techniques to lower the temperature of your horse's body.
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Cool water baths and hose-downs.
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Use cooling sheets post-workout.
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Set up stall fans or portable misting systems.
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Apply cold towels to the neck and flanks during breaks.
👉🏻 Pasture and turnout management
Here are some of the other techniques that you can go for:
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Mow pastures to reduce insects and allow better airflow.
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Rotate turnouts to avoid overgrazed, heat-absorbing dry soil.
Provide fly masks with UV protection.
3. Essential Summer Products to Protect Your Horse
Keeping all the necessary items ready before the summer season arrives can be a lot of help. Here are the must-have items for your summer horse care toolkit:
A. Cooling Products
Nowadays, a lot of cooling products are available in the market that can provide instant relief to your horse. You can give a try to:
|
Product |
Benefits |
Best For |
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Cooling Sheets |
Made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics |
Post-exercise recovery |
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Fly Sheets with UV |
Protect against flies and sunburn |
Daytime turnout |
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Cooling Leg Wraps |
Reduce inflammation and heat in limbs |
After intense rides |
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Misting Systems |
Lower ambient temperature in stalls |
Barn use |
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Portable Fans |
Improve airflow in stables |
Indoor horses |
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Cooling Sprays & Gels |
Quick relief from overheating |
Hot weather trail rides |
B. Hydration Aids
Always provide some hydrating supplements along with normal water. Keep this within their reach to combat the effects of heat stress. Offer plain water as well.
|
Product |
Type |
Benefit |
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Electrolyte Powders |
Sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium |
Replenishes lost minerals through sweat |
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Water Troughs |
Insulated or shaded designs |
Keeps water cool and clean |
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Salt Blocks |
Trace mineral blocks or plain salt |
Encourages drinking |
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Flavored Electrolytes |
Apple or mint |
Increases palatability |
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Vitamin Water Additives |
Vitamin C, B-complex |
Boosts recovery and immune support |
Top Pick: Kwik Pets’ electrolyte horse supplement—easy to mix, highly effective, and palatable.
C. Sun Protection
Protect your horse from getting those harsh sunburns with these amazing products:
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Product |
Description |
Use |
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Fly Masks with UV |
Mesh masks that block sunlight |
Prevent sunburn and eye damage |
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Equine Sunscreen |
Zinc-based, non-toxic |
Apply to pink noses and exposed areas |
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Portable Shade Tents |
Easy to install in any pasture |
Great for shows or temporary relief |
D. Grooming & Care Products
Along with the products mentioned above, there is a list of other horse grooming products that can enhance cooling among your horses.
|
Product |
Why You Need It |
Bonus Tip |
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Sweat Scrapers |
Removes excess water post-bath |
Helps body cool faster |
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Summer Shampoo |
Controls sweat, dirt, and skin irritations |
Look for aloe and tea tree oils |
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Hoof Moisturizers |
Prevents cracking in dry heat |
Apply during evening turnout |
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Sponges & Towels |
For gentle wiping and cooling |
Use cold water-soaked towels |
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Coat Conditioners |
Prevent sun bleaching and dryness |
Spray daily before turnout |
Pro Tip: Keep a summer grooming kit ready near your barn door!
4. Tips for Monitoring and Responding to Heat Stress
What to do in a heat stress event? First and foremost thing to do is not to panic. Then, in a calm mind, follow the steps given below:
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Move the horse to a shady, breezy area.
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Hose down with cool (not ice-cold) water.
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Offer small amounts of cool water.
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Apply cold towels to large blood vessels (neck, chest, legs).
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Call a vet if signs persist after 20 minutes.
Post-exercise cool-down routine:
When your horse completes exercise, you can try these steps:
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Walk the horse for 10–15 minutes.
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Use cooling sheets and sponging.
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Allow access to water gradually.
- Apply liniments if needed for muscle recovery.
5. Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Heat Stress Prevention
Case 1: Bella the Eventing Mare
Bella’s owner in Texas used to struggle a lot with heat-related fatigue during training. Therefore, her owner tried to follow a different routine in summer:
- Switch to early morning rides
- Using misting fans
- Feeding electrolytes with vitamin B
Bella now competes comfortably, even in July.
Case 2: Shadow’s Summer Turnout Plan
Shadow, a black gelding, experienced repeated overheating. His owner then started researching how to lessen this stress for his horse. After gathering a lot of information, he installed portable shade tents and switched to UV-protected fly masks. With consistent grooming and hydration, he achieved what he wanted. Shadow now enjoys a full-day turnout safely.
Case 3: Rocky’s Recovery
After a heat stroke, Rocky’s barn added cooling sprays and hoof balms and started tracking his vitals post-ride. They also incorporated online horse supplies, such as electrolyte paste. These additions have made sure that Rocky never has to go through the same experience again.
Conclusion
Health-related issues are very common in the warm season, but sometimes too much heat can create a lot of dangerous situations. Your horse’s comfort and safety during summer starts with awareness and the right summer horse care products. Heat stress can sneak up real quick and without any warning. However, with proper care, monitoring, and smart shopping, you can pass it. Keep a stock of:
- Cooling sheets
- Electrolyte supplements
- Fly masks with UV protection
Remember, the best horse supplies are all you need to keep your horse safe in these hot and humid conditions. Explore online horse supplies to stock up on everything your horse needs.
