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As the temperature inches close to 25 degrees, our horses struggle to keep their body temperature down. During these exceptionally hot days, our horses are at risk of overheating, and it's our duty to help them avoid that. Hence, we have found 5 alternative tricks that can cool down your horse in the summer heat, all backed by scientific research.
According to agronomist and researcher Karin Morgan, particularly known for her research in equine thermoregulation at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, horses maintain a healthy body temperature most easily when the temperature is between 5 and 25 degrees (1). This range is referred to as the horse's thermoneutral zone and, of course, it only applies when the horse is neither clipped nor wearing a rug.
However, no two horses are alike, and therefore some horses have a broader thermoneutral zone than others. Some horses can handle temperatures up to 30 degrees, while others find it very critical. This is stated by Karin in her research article Thermoneutral zone and critical temperatures of horses.
Also check out: Veterinarian Michael Sinding: Riders should be better at compromise
Sources: Karin Morgan, Swedish University of Agricultural Science: Thermoneutral zone and critical temperatures of horses & Agria: How heat and cold affect the horse.
So, what can you do to cool down your horse in the heat? Here are 5 somewhat alternative - and some of them possibly surprising - suggestions. Four of our tips are directly based on research, while the last one is a pleasant suggestion.
We have no doubt that you're diligent in turning on the water hose and giving your horse a cool bath on hot days. It is probably one of the best things you can do, so keep doing it.
A sweat scraper is good when you want to remove the excess water to dry your horse. But when it's hot, there's no need to use it. It removes some of the water that should cool down the horse, so it's actually best to leave as much water as possible on the horse. An expert shared this with Horse & Hound (2). Instead, put your horse directly out to pasture after its bath - this is the best thing you can do!
Many mistakenly believe that the excess water on the horse will make it even hotter when put out in the sun after a bath. But that's incorrect.
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After a ride, or if you have trained your horse strenuously in another way, it's especially important to cool its tendons and joints down. You can, of course, use water for this, but cooling gel or clay often work for a longer time. You can also opt for cooling boots or cooling shampoo.
To avoid overheating of joints and tendons in the heat, you should also consider what type of bandages or boots you put on your horse - if it needs them at all.
In Malgré Tout's online magazine No. 35, you will find the article "Boots and Bandages: What Does the Research Say?". Here you can read about the consequences of using leg protection in relation to temperature regulation in a horse's legs. Among other things, we report on a study showing that the skin temperature of the horse increases drastically when using bandages or boots compared to not using them. And, of course, the temperature increase is only stronger in hot weather. In fact, the temperature on a horse's legs increases by 30% when using certain types of leg protection during training - in regular weather. Imagine how hot it gets for the horse's legs when they have to work in summer heat.
Read also: Do you need a loading rope?
Salt is important for the horse's ability to bind fluid to the body. Without enough salt, the horse can dehydrate, even if it drinks a lot of water. Many horse owners are good at giving their horses salt in the form of electrolytes or a mineral stone, but one must also be careful not to give the horse too much of it. Too much salt can cause fluid retention, elevated blood pressure and, in the worst case, salt poisoning.
Some horses love the taste of salt, while others are less enthusiastic about it. Therefore, most horses cannot dose the right amount of salt when using a regular mineral stone.
When it's hot, the temperature in the horses' water tubs in the pastures naturally increases. This can cause algae growth and increase the content of bacteria in the water. Therefore, for health promotion, it should be replaced at least once a day, and preferably more when it's hot.
Moreover, it is also more inviting for the horse to drink fresh water. According to the same expert who commented to Horse & Hound about the use of sweat scrapers in hot weather, horses prefer to drink water that is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (2). This is shown by a now often cited study called "Drinking water temperature affects consumption of water during cold weather in ponies" (3).
However, one should not fear filling cold water in the horse's tub when the weather is hot, he believes. Firstly, it quickly heats up from the sun anyway, and secondly, it's a myth that horses don't like to drink cold water at all. Karin Morgan's study shows that in hot weather, there is no difference whether horses prefer tempered versus cold water.
Read also: What importance does stable design have for a horse’s welfare?
Based on Karin Morgan's conclusion, it's also a good idea to give the horse a cold and refreshing snack. For example, you can make a large ice cube filled with delicious apples and carrots. Such a snack also keeps your horse a bit occupied in the pasture.
In the video below, you can see and hear a woman explain how she makes these delicious summer snacks for her horses.
