Summer is a wonderful time for those of us who love horses – with long rides in nature, green pastures, and sunny mornings in the stable. But with the heat come new challenges. High temperatures can negatively affect the horse's well-being and, in the worst case, lead to overheating, dehydration, and stress.
Therefore, it is important that you as a horse owner or rider know how to help your horse feel good even during the hottest summer days. Here you will find a complete guide with answers to common questions and practical tips to keep your horse cool, healthy, and happy in the summer heat.
Can you recognize the signs of an overheated horse?
A first step in preventing problems is to be able to recognize signs of heat stress in horses. Common symptoms include:
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Rapid or heavy breathing
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High pulse
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Lethargy or unwillingness to move
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Excessive or absent sweating
A simple tip to check if your horse is dehydrated is to pinch the skin slightly and then release. On a horse that has enough water in its body, the skin bounces back immediately; if it goes slowly, it's a first sign of dehydration.
If you suspect your horse is overheated: move it immediately to shade, offer water, and start cooling. Contact a veterinarian for severe symptoms.
How much water does a horse need per day?
A horse normally needs between 30–50 liters of water every day, but in hot weather, physical activity, or high sweat loss, the need can increase significantly. Make sure water is available around the clock – in both the stable and pasture – and that it is cool and fresh. Dirty or lukewarm water can cause the horse to drink too little.
Tip: Supplement with a salt block or electrolytes on hot days to help the horse restore the balance of fluids and minerals in the body.
Is it okay to ride in the heat?
Many wonder if it's dangerous to ride when it's really hot – and it absolutely can be if you don't adapt to the weather conditions. Avoid riding in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest, and instead choose to ride early in the morning or later in the evening.
Keep sessions short, choose a calm pace, and prioritize recovery. If the temperature approaches or exceeds 28 °C, you should consider resting the horse or just walking.
How to cool down a horse after riding?
After a ride in the heat, it's important to cool down the horse properly:
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Rinse the legs with cold water and continue up over the chest, neck, and belly.
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Always use a sweat scraper to remove excess water – otherwise, the heat is insulated instead of cooled away.
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Supplement with cooling products
A common mistake is to let the water sit without removing it – but it can actually worsen the heat situation.
Fly sheet, sunscreen, and shade – important protection in summer
Should horses wear a sheet in summer? Yes, but it should be the right kind of sheet. A fly sheet with UV protection protects against both the sun's rays and annoying insects. It is especially important for horses with light coats or sensitive skin.
Many horses also get sunburn, especially on pink skin – such as on the muzzle, around the eyes, or white legs. There you can use sunscreen adapted for horses, or put on a fly mask with nose protection.
Shade & coolness in the pasture
Ensure your horse has access to shade in the pasture throughout the day. It can be natural shade from trees, a wind shelter, or a simple sun sail. Horses standing in direct sun for several hours risk both overheating and skin problems.
If you want to go a step further, you can place a fan in the stable to create air circulation and keep both heat and flies away.
Protect against insects – for the horse's sake
Summer is high season for flies, horseflies, and other insects that can make your horse both irritated and stressed. Protect it with:
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Fly sheet and fly hood
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Fly repellent (on muzzle, ears, and chest)
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Fan in the stable
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Cleaning of manure and waste in the pasture to reduce insect attraction
