Intro
As the temperatures rise and the sun beats down, it’s important to consider how the summer heat affects our equine friends. Horse behaviour can change drastically during the hot Australian summer, and as responsible horse owners, it is our duty to ensure their comfort and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks for keeping your horse happy and healthy while exercising during the scorching summer months. With a little extra care and attention, you and your horse can still enjoy quality time together while staying cool and comfortable.
Importance of Adequate Hydration
During the scorching summer months, the importance of adequate hydration cannot be overstated when it comes to your horse’s well-being. As responsible horse owners, it is crucial that we understand the significance of keeping our equine friends properly hydrated.
Horses, donkeys, and mules are some of the most commonly kept equines around the world. These animals have evolved to thrive in temperte and cooler climates. Australian summers are particular hard on their bodies. The average horse’s body is composed of approximately 70% water. For the average 500kg horse, the daily water requirement is 25-30L. Healty adult horses can maintain their body temperature between 37.5 and 38.5 C when they are in their thermoneutral zone (5 to 25C).
Horse management starts with ensuring that your horse has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Horses require a significant amount of water to stay hydrated, especially when the temperatures soar. A lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can have serious health consequences for your horse. Dehydration can result in a weakened immune system, digestive issues such as diarrhea and frequent urination, and even gastric ulcers.
But how do you know if your horse is getting enough water? Pay close attention to their urine color and frequency. If their urine is dark and infrequent, it could be a sign of dehydration. Additionally, monitor their water intake by keeping track of how much they drink on a daily basis.
Another key aspect of horse management during the summer is understanding how hot is too hot for your horse. Horses can overheat quickly in extreme temperatures, especially during exercise. Some signs that your horse may be overheating include excessive sweating, heavy breathing, and a rapid heart rate. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to stop the exercise and provide your horse with a cool, shady area to rest.
Offering Appropriate Shelter and Shade
As the summer heat bears down on us and our equine companions, it’s crucial to provide them with appropriate shelter and shade. Horses, like humans, can suffer from heatstroke and sunburn if exposed to prolonged periods of direct sunlight. Not only can this lead to discomfort and pain for our horses, but it can also have serious health consequences. So, how can we offer the right shelter and shade to keep our horses cool and protected?
First and foremost, it’s essential to provide a sheltered area where your horse can take refuge from the blazing sun. A well-ventilated barn or shed can provide relief from the heat and protect them from harmful UV rays. If a shelter is not available, consider using portable shade structures, such as canopies or umbrellas, to create a shaded area in the pasture.
In addition to providing physical shelter, it’s crucial to understand your horse’s behavior when stressed. Horses can show signs of stress and anxiety, such as excessive sweating, pawing at the ground, or restlessness when they are uncomfortable. By recognizing these signs, you can take action to reduce their stress levels and provide a more comfortable environment.
Another important aspect of offering appropriate shelter and shade is considering the type of ground surface your horse spends time on. Hard surfaces, like concrete or compacted dirt, can become extremely hot and uncomfortable for your horse’s hooves. Providing soft footing, such as straw or rubber mats, can help keep their hooves cool and prevent any discomfort.
Proper nutrition is of utmost importance when it comes to keeping your horse happy and healthy during the scorching Australian summer. A well-balanced diet not only provides the necessary nutrients for your horse’s overall well-being but also plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and supporting the immune system.
One key aspect of horse management during the summer is understanding the impact of the summer grass. As the temperatures rise, the nutrient content of grass can change, potentially leading to imbalances in your horse’s diet. It’s important to monitor the quality of the grass and adjust your horse’s diet accordingly. Additionally, offering additional hay or forage can help ensure that your horse is receiving a balanced diet.
Another factor to consider is the increased risk of weakened immune systems during hot weather. Heat and humidity can put stress on your horse’s body, making them more susceptible to illnesses. To support their immune system, consider adding supplements or feeds that contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Horse stress signs should also be taken into account when it comes to nutrition. Horses can experience increased stress and anxiety during the summer, which can impact their appetite. By providing a quiet and calm feeding environment and ensuring they have access to fresh water at all times, you can help reduce their stress and anxiety levels.
Remember, horse nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each horse is unique, and their nutritional needs may vary. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help ensure that your horse is receiving the proper nutrition for their individual needs.
Regular Health Checks are Essential
Regular health checks are an essential part of responsible horse ownership, especially during the scorching Australian summer. Just like humans, horses can experience health issues that may go unnoticed without regular monitoring. By prioritizing regular health checks, you can ensure that your equine friend stays happy and healthy throughout the summer months.
One aspect of regular health checks is monitoring your horse’s weight and body condition. During the summer, horses may lose weight due to increased sweating and higher activity levels.
Regularly assessing their body condition can help you adjust their diet and ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
Another important aspect of health checks is checking for any signs of illness or injury. This includes inspecting your horse’s skin for any signs of sunburn, irritations, or wounds. Additionally, checking their eyes, nose, and ears for any discharge or abnormalities can help identify potential health issues early on.
Dental health is also crucial, as proper dental care ensures your horse can effectively chew and digest their food. Regular dental check-ups can prevent issues such as sharp or broken teeth, which can cause discomfort and impact their ability to eat properly.
Lastly, regular health checks should include a visit from your veterinarian to assess overall health and administer necessary vaccinations and deworming treatments. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on specific health needs based on your horse’s individual circumstances.
Importance of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is not only important for humans, but it is also crucial for our equine friends. Exercise helps to maintain their physical fitness, improve muscle strength, and promote overall well-being. During the scorching Australian summer, it’s especially vital to understand the significance of regular exercise for your horse.
Engaging in regular exercise helps to keep your horse’s weight in check, as it can prevent weight gain and obesity. It also helps to regulate their metabolism, ensuring that they are burning off excess calories. Additionally, exercise promotes good cardiovascular health, as it strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation.
Exercise also plays a role in reducing stress and anxiety in horses. Just like humans, horses can experience stress, especially during hot weather or when their routine is disrupted. Regular exercise can help to release endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” hormones. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, keeping your horse calm and content.
Horse management during exercise is essential to ensure their comfort and safety. Pay attention to your horse’s signs of fatigue or overheating, and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Provide regular breaks in a shaded area, and make sure to offer water to keep them hydrated. Change the exercise program and adjust it to the hotter months of the year. 
Exercise Tips:
-
- Ground work
- Liberty work
- Trail rides through forests (out of the sun)
- Swimming in safe creeks/dams
*Check out my video library for some simple low impact exercises that are perfect to keep your horses body and mind active and fit.
Utilizing Cooling Techniques
When the summer heat hits, it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help keep your horse cool and comfortable during exercise. Utilizing cooling techniques can make a big difference in your horse’s overall well-being and performance.
One effective cooling technique is to hose down your horse with cool water before and after exercise. This helps to lower their body temperature and provides instant relief from the heat. Pay extra attention to areas where heat tends to accumulate, such as their chest, neck, and under their saddle. If you don’t have access to a hose, you can also use a wet towel to wipe down these areas.
Another way to keep your horse cool is to use fans in their stalls or in the areas where they rest. Fans help to circulate the air and provide a cooling breeze. Make sure to position the fans at a safe distance from your horse and ensure they have a sturdy base to prevent any accidents.
Using cooling vests or blankets can also be beneficial during hot summer days. These specially designed garments are made from lightweight, breathable materials that help to regulate your horse’s body temperature. Soak the vest or blanket in cool water before putting it on your horse, and the evaporation process will help keep them cool throughout their exercise session.
If you’re working your horse in an arena or on a hot surface, consider using cooling boots or wraps. These wraps are filled with gel beads or ice packs that provide cooling relief to your horse’s legs. Not only do they help prevent overheating, but they also provide support and reduce the risk of injury.
Another important cooling technique to remember is to give your horse plenty of breaks during exercise. Allow them to rest in a shaded area, and offer them small sips of water to help them stay hydrated. Taking regular breaks not only allows your horse to catch their breath but also helps prevent them from overheating.
Lastly, don’t forget about electrolytes. Adding electrolytes to your horse’s water or feed can help replenish the minerals lost through sweat and promote better hydration. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of electrolytes for your horse based on their individual needs.
Fostering Mental Wellbeing
As responsible horse owners, it’s not only our duty to take care of our horse’s physical needs during the scorching Australian summer but also their mental wellbeing. Horses, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety, especially during hot weather or when their routine is disrupted. Therefore, it’s essential to understand their behavior when stressed and take proactive steps to reduce their stress levels and foster a positive mental state.
-
- Horsemanagement: Establishing a consistent and structured routine can help reduce stress and anxiety in horses. By providing them with a predictable daily schedule, they can feel more secure and at ease.
- Horse signs: Recognizing the signs of stress and anxiety in horses is crucial. This can include excessive sweating, restlessness, pawing at the ground, or refusal to cooperate. By understanding these signs, we can intervene early and provide a more comfortable environment.
- Reduce stress and anxiety: There are several ways to destress your horse and promote their mental wellbeing. These can include a safe and spacious paddock, offering them opportunities for social interaction with other horses, and engaging in calming activities such as grooming or hand grazing.
- Horse feed: Proper nutrition plays a significant role in supporting a horse’s mental wellbeing. Ensure that your horse’s diet includes enough fiber and essential nutrients, as a weakened immune system can contribute to stress and anxiety.
- Regular exercise: As mentioned earlier in this blog post, regular exercise is vital for a horse’s overall well-being, including their mental health. Engaging in consistent exercise helpsrelease endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Provide mental stimulation: Keeping your horse mentally stimulated can prevent boredom and reduce stress levels. This can include incorporating various training exercises, introducing new obstacles or toys, or taking them on different trail rides to expose them to new environments.
- Create a calm environment: Establishing a quiet and peaceful environment for your horse can contribute to their mental wellbeing. Minimize loud noises, provide a comfortable and clean stall or paddock, and ensure they have access to fresh water and good ventilation.
