10 Summer Tips for Keeping Horses Cool (Part 2)

July 19, 2023

Last week, we discussed the first five tips for helping horses stay cool in the summer heat, this time we have five more tips to help horses conquer the hottest days. Let's dive in!

Weather Watcher

Summer weather can be volatile. Make a habit of checking the weather every day and download a weather app on your phone so that you can get timely updates.  Keeping track of humidity and air quality gives a better indication of if a horse should be out or if they are better off in their stall for the day. Pay attention to wind, cloud cover, and be mindful of storms and severe weather that can pop up too. Every barn should have a plan in place for weather emergencies. 

Offer Protection

There are several wearable products on the market that can help keep your horse cooler, offer fly protection, and prevent coat bleaching. Horses with light skin tones on their face and body are at increased risk for sunburns and damage.  Using sunscreen on a horse’s face (especially around the nostrils) can help prevent painful burns.  While these products do not eliminate the need for shade and shelter, they can help to make your horse more comfortable when they are outside of the barn. 

Exercise in Moderation

When possible, ride in the cooler parts of the day and keep sessions short. Have a good understanding of how fit your horse is and don’t push them outside of their limits, especially on very hot days.  Work with them consistently, so that they have the endurance for the work you are asking them to do. If you must ride on hot days, make sure to provide frequent shaded breaks and offer water often.  Always cool your horse out thoroughly after you have worked them. 

Bath Time

After working with your horse and cooling them out, it’s a great refresher to hose them down. A good bath can help regulate body temperature.  While soaping them up may not be needed every day, a spray down to remove sweat and dirt from their skin can have its benefits. While bathing, it is a great time to examine your horse for cuts, abrasions, ticks or any other skin issues and treat accordingly. A designated wash bay stall (or multiple) in the barn can make this an easy part of everyday summer care. 

Vital Signs

It’s a good idea for every horse owner to understand how to read a horse’s vital signs and know when a horse is reacting in an abnormal way that could be cause for concern.

Consult your veterinarian to learn more about assessing vitals, so that you can determine if your horse is dehydrated with a simple pinch test or how to check their respiratory rate. Get your horse immediate attention if you suspect they are showing signs of heat stroke. 

Hopefully these tips will help you and your horse beat the heat while you enjoy a fun summer together!  Good barn design should provide the best shelter options for your horse throughout all the seasons.  If you would like more information on creating a space that functional for your horses without compromising on style, contact our American Stalls at sales@americanstalls.com or give us a call at (855) 957-8255. One of our team members look forward to helping you! 

Also in Blog