Summer Care

Summer is a common time for heat-related issues, but unexpected warm weather can add to overheating, especially if horses are out of shape and have long, thick coats.

Here are some tips to keep your horse cool and comfortable during hot weather:

• Provide free access to clean water

• Reduce ride time and intensity

• Provide relief from the sun

• Consider electrolytes

Horses normally cool themselves by sweating. The sweat evaporates from the skin surface and causes a cooling effect. Less sweat evaporates during times of high humidity. A horse that is working hard in a hot environment can lose 2 to 4 gallons of sweat per hour.