We're Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!

Summer is in full swing here at our office in Michigan.  Today's high is supposed to hit a balmy 101 degrees, which is a whopping one degree cooler than what they predicted yesterday.  With all of the sunshine and humidity hanging around, the topic of keeping horse and human cool while riding during heat waves came up in conversation.  We may not be veterinarians, but we soon realized that it may be a good idea to extend our discussion, and our discoveries, to include our clients. So, without further adieu, here are some ideas for keeping your horse cool during the dog days of summer:

• Turn out overnight instead of during the day.  If you have limited options for turnout times and hours, see if you can adjust the schedule so horses are going out early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid the hottest times.
• If horses must go out during the day make sure they have plenty of cool, fresh water, and a good shady place where they can go to get out of the direct sun. 
• Ride in the morning, or later in the evening.  If you have to ride in the middle of the day try to ride inside, or limit the length of your workout and make sure you take plenty of breaks.
• Fans can be set up in your barn, either at/on each stall or in the aisles to help keep the air moving.  Stagnant air is much more stifling than moving air, even if it's still hot.  As always, use caution and make sure all plugs and electrical cords are out of reach so the more curious members of your herd won't accidentally chew on them.
• If you have it, go ahead and use a misting system.  Horses, like humans, sweat to cool off, and assisting them won't hurt.  If you don't have a misting system then hose them off once in awhile, or use a sponge for a quick once-over.  Spraying a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water on them will also provide a cooling effect.
• Provide plenty of salt/mineral blocks and/or electrolytes.  Horses lose electrolytes when they're sweating, and replacing those is essential to their health.   

There are plenty of other small tips out there, but these seem to be the basics.  Keep an eye on your four-legged charges to make sure no one is suffering from heat stroke, or on the verge of overheating.  If you do have a horse that's a likely candidate then contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

The heat will pass, and we're not complaining too much because we'll return to the doldrums of winter soon enough.  So use caution, but go on out and have some fun in the sun while you can!


"When I can’t ride anymore, I shall still keep horses as long as I can hobble about with a bucket and wheelbarrow. When I can’t hobble , I shall roll my wheelchair out to the fence of the field where my horses graze and watch them."
~ Monica Dickens