Horse Talk: What’s with all this heat?
How to care for your equine friend in the summer months
I moved to the High Desert from the northern San Joaquin Valley in July 1998 and became acquainted with the phrase “a dry heat.” The wind was more of a problem than humidity then, which was most notable in August.
My, how times have changed.
I can say without hesitation that this current summer is the most unpleasant one I’ve experienced here in all of those 23 years, mainly due to overcast skies in summer. But, with that said, my animals and I are coping well.
An article written by a Floridian discusses four very important health issues every horse owner must look for and safeguard against. The writer is Laura Hutton, MVB, of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington. She received her degree in Ireland. Her article appears is in the summer 2021 issue of Practical Horseman’s "Vet On Call" series.
Here are four considerations for our horses each summer:
A dull, lethargic horse with poor skin elasticity and red, dry mucous membranes usually means that the horse is not drinking enough water. On average, a horse at rest drinks six to 10 gallons a day, but under exercise, and on especially hot days, the amount can be as much as 30 gallons.
Unlimited access to water between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If the horse has been without water for a long period of time — long enough to show signs of dehydration — limit his access to water to every 10 minutes or so, until he has had his fill.
Keep the water fresh and palatable by making certain buckets are cleaned daily, troughs are cleaned weekly and automatic watering systems are checked daily. Adequate and fresh water must be available to horses at all times.
A condition marked by reduced or inadequate amounts of sweat, anhidrosis can allow the horse’s body temperature to rise well above normal. If your horse’s temperature is 105 degrees or higher, and his coat is dry even after work in warm weather, you may need to contact your veterinarian for medication or begin adding electrolytes to its diet.
To avoid creating anhidrosis, you should ride during the cooler part of the day. With the High Desert's current weather in mind, early morning or evening rides are recommended.
While horses with dark skin and coats are somewhat protected from sunburn, a horse with white or pink around its facial markings, muzzle, ears or legs can become sunburned.
Protection is relatively simple: Make a shelter or shade available; turnout in the early morning, evening and/or overnight; and provide sun-block protection via wearable items or sunscreen.
If your horse does get sunburned, treat the area the same way you would treat your own sunburn: Keep the area clean, apply soothing products like aloe and keep your horse out of the sun.
Horse Talk has discussed control of insects in the past, but summer bugs are the worst. They can transmit disease, trigger allergic reactions and deposit infectious organisms where they feed. Summer sores and rain rot are two conditions caused by worms and fungi, respectively, and are carried by flies to moist skin and wounds.
In addition, if the insects are especially pesky, horses can injure themselves by stomping, head-tossing or fidgeting to get away from them.
Control of flies involves more than just keeping the stall or pen clean. Moving your horse to cleaner areas when the flies are active, using fans to blow them away from the horse, and using long-lasting repellents and protective clothing are all viable ways to keep flies to a minimum.
Fly traps or tapes, composting manure or using fly predators are effective strategies to control insects, too.