Keeping Horses Healthy in Hot Weather

Horses can lose large amounts of water and salts through sweat in hot weather. Dehydration and heat stress can lead to colic and other serious problems.

Water and salt

• Clean, cool water must always be available. Horses drink considerably more in hot weather and during work.
• Check troughs and buckets several times a day - water left in the sun can become too warm or dirty for a horse to want to drink.
• Provide a salt source. Ask your vet whether electrolytes are appropriate for your horse's workload; they should not replace free access to plain water.

Timing and shelter

• Work horses in the early morning or evening, not in the midday heat.
• Provide shade and good air flow in stables and paddocks.
• Hose down hot horses with cool water after work, then scrape off excess water and repeat, so the water can carry heat away.

Watch for heat stress

• Fast breathing that doesn't settle after rest.
• Weakness, stumbling or reluctance to move.
• Very high body temperature.
• Not sweating despite the heat - some horses lose the ability to sweat normally in hot climates (anhidrosis). A horse that stays dry and pants after exercise needs a vet's assessment.

Colic warning signs

Pawing, looking at or kicking the belly, repeated lying down and rolling, sweating, reduced or absent droppings, or loss of appetite. Colic is an emergency - call your vet straight away and follow their advice while you wait.

Routine care

Regular dental checks, a parasite control plan from your vet, and hoof care all help a horse cope better with demanding conditions.