As this spring has already brought some early summer days, at Ovohorse we’ve decided to get ahead and prepare this article with some tips to take care of your horse during the hot season. In general, horses have a naturally high body temperature (around 37ºC), so it’s important to follow these recommendations to keep them hydrated and healthy during the upcoming summer months.
Keep Your Horse Hydrated Daily
Hydration is essential all year round, but in summer, it becomes absolutely crucial. It’s very important for your horse to always have access to clean, fresh water. If kept in a stall, ensure it is well-ventilated. If your horse sweats excessively, high temperatures can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration may include lethargy or skin that doesn’t quickly return to shape when pinched on the neck. To help combat dehydration, electrolytes support quick rehydration and recovery. They are especially recommended for sport horses prone to heavy sweating, particularly in eventing, endurance, driving, dressage, show jumping, and racing.
Keep Your Horse Away from Insects
As in many warm and humid environments, insects like mosquitoes and flies can cause bites, welts, or discomfort in daily routines. Consider using a natural insect repellent, such as sprays against mosquitoes, flies, or ticks. If your horse experiences a rash or bite, hemp oil can nourish and protect the skin, even leaving the coat shiny.
Style Their Mane with a Summer Look
You’ve probably seen a horse with a ponytail or braids at some point. While long, thick manes may look stunning, they can become bothersome in hot weather, as sweat can accumulate beneath the hair. Use a few hair ties and a comb to create a cool summer hairstyle and help keep your equine friend refreshed.
Clean the Stall More Frequently
Daily stall maintenance is one of the basic care routines to ensure your horse’s comfort. A dirty stall can attract insects, which in turn can make the horse nervous and cause sweating even while standing still. Ideally, you should clean the stall daily using a long-handled rake and scoop to remove waste and dirt. Especially during the hottest seasons of the year, change the water frequently and keep the area well-ventilated so the horse stays cool.
Reduce Physical Activity
Heat significantly affects the performance of any horse. During the summer, they tire more easily and take longer to recover their energy. One great tip for external hydration is giving them a shower once they have stopped sweating after exercise or training.
At Ovohorse, specialists in equine reproduction, we have a farm with horses of various breeds and a dedicated space for performing OPU (ovum pick-up)—the extraction of oocytes from mares to maximize the number of embryos per year.
Do you own a stud farm or a valuable stallion and want to produce offspring? Get in touch with us!
