Ep 198: Caring for Horses in the Summer Heat
As outdoor temperatures rise, our horses begin to require a little extra care and attention to keep them at their peak performance level. In this episode, I'm sharing some maintenance shifts that we make during the summer months to keep our horses well-nourished, well-hydrated, and feeling their best.
Start Your Day Early
Begin your day's activities in the cool hours of the morning. Not only does this prevent the intense midday heat, but it also ensures your horse performs at their best before temperatures become too extreme.
Provide Adequate Cool-Down Time
After a workout, allocate sufficient time for your horse to cool down properly. Walking them out and allowing their breathing and heart rate to return to normal reduces the risk of overheating and muscle cramps.
Ensure Horses are Properly Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial during the hot months. Always provide access to clean, fresh water. To encourage drinking, consider adding a bit of salt to their diet. Electrolyte supplements can also be beneficial, especially after intense workouts.
Provide Shade When Possible
Ensure your horses have access to shade throughout the day. Whether it's trees, shelters, or covered areas, providing relief from direct sunlight helps prevent heat stress. If you are leaving a horse tied up for extended periods of time before or after a workout, make sure they have access to water and some sort of heat relief (e.g. shade, fan).
Make Free Choice Hay Available
Offering free choice hay throughout the day is an excellent way to maintain your horse's nutritional intake. High-protein hay varieties support their energy levels and aid in sustaining proper body weight, particularly when faced with the challenging climate. We like to use Hay Chix® Large Bale Nets for our round bale feeders to promote consistent consumption and minimal waste.
Emphasize the Release / Reward
Between training sets, give your horse adequate time to rest and process the exercises. This allows them to recover and maintain their optimal body temperature. Pay attention to signs of fatigue and adjust your training accordingly.
Preserve Their Energy
Rotate your riding days to prevent excessive fatigue. Keep your horse mentally and physically sharp without pushing them to the point of heat stress. Ensuring their overall well-being on a daily basis translates to exceptional performance during competitions.
The summer season poses unique challenges to our equine partners, but with a few thoughtful adjustments to our care routine, we can ensure their well-being and performance. From starting the day early to providing ample shade, prioritizing hydration, and managing energy levels, these maintenance shifts are essential in safeguarding your horse's health and keeping them at their best. By incorporating these strategies, you're not only preserving your horse's physical condition but also deepening the bond of trust and understanding between you and your horse.
“Be Your Best Horsemanship” is brought to you by Silver Lining Herbs, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery, Better Horses Network, Purina, Healthycoat, CINCH, Starbar, and Clarifly. These brands have been part of the Phil Haugen Horsemanship team for many years, and their products continue to play an integral role in the success of our performance horse training program. To support these brands, visit our Sponsors tab.
