Keeping your horse cool in the heat.

Very often, during the summer months many of us like to take part in competitions with our horses, often resulting in large amounts of time performing at high energy levels when exposed to peak sunshine hours within the day, and higher temperatures. The ability your horse has to withstand the rigors of high temperatures when performing at these levels will depend on his overall physical fitness and ability to acclimatise to the heat.

Most horses in the UK will not be used to high levels of exercise in high temperatures, and as the competition season begins after what have been some of the coldest winters in years, it is safe to say that our horses are not accustomed to performing in high temperatures after having been trained in colder weathers in the months preceding the season.

Horses do however have the benefit of 4 different kinds of thermoregulation.
1. Such a large surface area of skin allows for more blood flow to the skin, transferring heat away from the body. As the blood reaches nearer the surface of the skin it cools and as it continues to circulate brings the cooler temperature back into their body.

2. The ability to take your horse for a walk in the shade will assist in circulation of cooler air around the horse.

3. Preventing the amount of direct radiation from the sun onto the horse will reduce the chance of your horse overheating.

4. The evaporation of heat will also prove to be a great method of cooling down. Again, due to the large surface area their skin has, they are able to sweat across this, cooling them more quickly. Unfortunately in areas of high humidity, this is the least efficient method of cooling due to the heat in the air.

It is important to remember that when traveling to and working at events you must be aware of the humidity as well as the heat. These are two different heating mediums that will require different methods of control from you in order to assist your horse in keeping cool, and therefore able to perform. Sponging off your horse at events whilst in between classes etc. is a fantastic method of cooling your horse. It helps with temperature increase as well as the evaporation of heat away from the horse's body.

The horses' hindgut produces heat as it ferments. This should be noted when thinking about feeding your horse in hotter conditions. A lighter diet with the addition of electrolytes may be necessary in these conditions.

It is wise to give horses about a week to acclimatise to conditions like this if they are to work to a high level. Gradually increase the workload until it reaches the desired level. Keep a close eye on respiration, water intake, heart rate and recovery rate. Use your common sense, and remember, If you are feeling uncomfortable in the heat, so is your horse.


Tammy is a avid horse rider who trys to advertise the best ways to be treating horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in horse http://www.anythingequine.co.uk/Rider/Hats-and-Accessories/Hats riding hats as well as equestrian waterproof clothing & jack murphy waterproof coats in the UK. For more info, please visit http://www.anythingequine.co.uk/Equine-Articles/ Anything Equine for equestrian articles and resources and a range of equestrian clearance products.