Caring for your horse during hot weather

Quick facts

• Provide shade, airflow (use fans) and free access to clean water during hot weather.

• Avoid riding your horse when the combined air temperature (F) and relative humidity is over 150, especially if the horse is not acclimated to the heat.

• To cool an overheated horse, sponge it with cool water. Repeat this until the horse is cool.

• If near a water source, use a hose to spray the horse continuously with cool water.

• Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your horse is having a heat stroke.

You must provide extra care to your horse during hot weather to reduce their stress and maintain their health and well-being.

Sweating is natural cooling

Horses normally cool themselves by sweating. The sweat evaporates from the skin surface and causes a cooling effect. Less sweat evaporates during times of high humidity. A horse that is working hard in a hot environment can lose 2 to 4 gallons of sweat per hour.

Horses can acclimate to hot and humid weather conditions. Air temperature and relative humidity affect the horse’s ability to cool itself.