Story and photos by Ashley Daily
Oklahoma and other central states are known for hot temperatures, which often arrive before the summer solstice. When temperatures rise, horse owners are tasked with helping their horses beat the heat. Owners need to be aware of the differences between a horse who is simply hot and one that is approaching heat stress to act quickly to prevent it from progressing into dangerous heat stroke.
Horses don’t tolerate high temperatures very well, and some breeds, such as heavy draft breeds, can be even more sensitive to the heat. Seniors and very young horses might also have more trouble with higher temperatures.
Seek Immediate Help for Heat Stress
A horse who is simply hot will still show excitement when a grain bucket is shaken, but a horse that is uninterested in his surroundings needs immediate help. Other signs of heat stress include profuse sweating, a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and muscle tremors.
If your horse is showing signs of becoming overheated, it’s best to call your veterinarian for advice. While waiting for the vet’s arrival, move your horse to an area with shade and ventilation, in the path of a fan if possible. Keep in mind that box fans intended for home use should never be used in a barn because dust collected in the motor can make the fan overheat, possibly causing a fire. Use only fans that are labeled for agricultural use.
Use a sponge or hose to put cool water on your horse, scraping the water off to help with evaporation. Repeat until the horse’s body temperature has returned to normal, 98 to 100 degrees. Don’t worry about muscle cramping induced by cold water. The idea that putting cold water on a hot horse can cause “tying up” has been disproved, and it is common to sponge endurance horses with cold water at checkpoints. Focus on areas of the body with large blood vessels such as the throatlatch.
Dehydration often accompanies heat stress. Horses can lose as much as three gallons of sweat per hour or one gallon every 15 minutes if the horse is being worked in hot weather. Most horses that are provided with clean drinking water will keep themselves hydrated, often consuming as much as 12 gallons per day. Providing a salt block will encourage horses to drink more and give them much-needed minerals to replace what is lost in sweat.
Travel with Care
For many horses and owners, summer is show season, with long hours on the road to reach arenas and show grounds. Owners should use caution when hauling horses in the summer. It’s advised to avoid hauling horses if possible during the heat of the day because the inside of a trailer can heat up very quickly. All windows should be opened to allow airflow into the trailer, but keep screens or bars closed to prevent horses from sticking their heads out during travel.
During rest stops, park the trailer in a shaded area and offer horses water to drink. Avoid putting tack on a horse before loading into the trailer; the equipment can trap heat and make the horse more uncomfortable.
Avoid Riding on Hottest Days
Summer is a favorite riding season, with more daylight and a break from school, but owners should stay aware of how the heat affects their horses. Aim to ride during the cooler parts of the day, and skip riding completely on days that are too hot. The National Weather Service advises using caution when the heat index reaches 90 degrees.
With a little “horse sense” and proper management, you can help your horses stay comfortable during Oklahoma’s signature summer weather.
For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov.
