Like us, our horses can easily become overwhelmed by the heat during the warmer months. However, unlike us, they cannot jump in the nearest swimming pool, so it’s important to know how to keep your horse cool and protected from heat stress.
Water consumption
On average, horses require 20-25 litres of water per day to maintain a neutral hydration status and to not become dehydrated. Horses that have been exercised will obviously need much more water, depending on the extent of the exercise. Water requirements will also vary depending on pasture, supplements and feed intake.
It may also be useful to find out if your horse will easily drink unfamiliar-tasting water if you are traveling or exercising in an unfamiliar environment. Adding electrolytes can also encourage water consumption, as well as replacing salts lost through sweating. After strenuous exercise offer water in smaller amounts (e.g. five litres) every 10 to 15 minutes. Some horses may prefer 'tasty' water when travelling, when molasses or other sweeteners are added.
Exercise management
When horses compete in events involving exercise, particularly endurance events, there are recognised safeguards that should be considered to avoid the life-threatening effects of heat stress. These safeguards should include the appropriate protocols and resources for cooling horses after exercise, the monitoring of environmental conditions, the routine and vigorous assessment of equine athletes, guidelines for when to reduce exercise, as well advice on when events should be cancelled due to heat conditions.
Experienced veterinarians should be available to assess horses at events, particularly after exercise, to monitor, prevent and treat any cases of heat stress.
The risk of heat stress depends on the amount of exertion, duration of exercise and the environmental conditions of recovery. A minute of exercise can increase a horse’s body temperature by about one degree Celsius. Signs of heat stress can include raised rectal temperature, depression, dehydration, rapid respiratory rate, a slow return to pink after pressure on gums, weaker pulse, slow gut sounds, colicky signs, muscle spasms and cramps. This can progress to muscle breakdown and resultant kidney failure, liver dysfunction and laminitis if not given immediate and appropriate treatment, including cooling, muscle relaxants, and oral or IV fluid therapy.
If you find your horse with signs of heat stress, call your veterinarian for further advice. In the mean time, position your horse in shade, ideally with a breeze or industrial fan to have air moving by. Use tap water (not ice water) to apply LOTS of water and it is CRITICAL to use a water scraper to move water off the horse. Leaving warm water on your heat fatigued horse is counter productive and will cause more problems down the track- it becomes like wearing a wet suit in the ocean and will keep warmth in.
With hotter days in Orange this week, it is NOT the time to embark on a new exercise program for your equine friends. Continue regular exercise plans, and reschedule exercise times to the cool of the morning or evening.
Sun protection
Horses should be provided with appropriate shade, particularly during summer months. Shade will improve the comfort of your horse as well as protect them from the damaging effects of intense summer sunlight. Being shaded allows horses to regulate their body temperature, breathing rate and skin temperature more easily.
Horses with unpigmented or pink skin can be more susceptible to sunburn. The skin on these horses should be protected with an appropriate sunscreen like FiltaBac, or a physical barrier such as face masks that exclude UV light. This unpigmented skin is also prone to skin cancer if exposed to UV sunlight over long periods.
Ask our team for more information on preventing heat stress in your horse. |