Helping Your Horse Survive Another Arizona Summer
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Article courtesy of: Dr. Conaway/Reata Equine Veterinary Group, www.reataequine.com
ummer in Arizona brings triple digit temperatures.
Not only is it hot for us, it is hot for our horses. Horses
are actually better suited for cold weather than hot
and our summer high temperatures in Tucson, especially
when combined with strenuous work, can quickly lead
to dehydration, heatstroke, colic or other problems. Like
us, our horses mainly regulate their body temperature by
sweating. They can lose between 2 and 4 gallons of water
per hour if they are working hard in hot summer weather.
With a few simple management changes we can help our
four footed friends survive the summer in Tucson without
swamp cooler or air conditioners.
Water: Studies have shown that horses will drink more
water when the water is cool (<70degrees). Having several
water troughs placed in the corral or stall so that one is
always in the shade during the day will encourage water
drinking and prevent dehydration.
Fresh clean water is a must, prevent small animals
from drowning and fouling the water by placing a wood
block in the trough that they can climb onto. Frequent tank
cleanings and contamination removal will help encourage
water drinking. Do not use chemicals when cleaning
the troughs.
In general, Arizona horses need about one gallon
of drinking water for every pound of feed during the
hotter months.
Never allow your horse to pass up a chance to drink,
only horses that have been denied water for many hours or
days should have water restricted to small amounts over
time. Allow your horse to drink on the trail or after a ride.
Some horses will not drink without eating first, so provide
a small amount of hay and your horse may more readily
drink water. Horses may more readily rehydrate if allowed
access to water when they are still hot rather than waiting
and providing water after they are cooled out. A good rule
of thumb is to allow 10 swallows of water and then remove
the water, wait 5 minutes and repeat the process until the
horse stops drinking.
Salt & Electrolytes: Free access to salt, loose salt is
preferred over salt blocks. Allow access to electrolytes for
horses that have been sweating heavily or are expected
to do so. If electrolytes are added to drinking water, also
provide water that does not have electrolytes because
many horses will not drink water treated with electrolytes
and it may decrease the overall intake of water. Only use
electrolytes that are formulated for horses.
Feeding: Like us, heat stress has a negative impact on feed
intake, and most horses will not voluntary consume as
much hay when the temperature is hot. Horses commonly
lose weight for this reason during the summer months.
Shade: Make sure there is a place your horse can avoid the sun
during the hottest parts of the day. A large mesquite tree works
well. Constructed shade is needed if trees are not available. The
higher the roof, the better the air circulation will be.
Horses that are confined to solid walled stalls during
the summer should have access to a box fan to help move
the air and provide cooling. Make sure the cord is not
accessible to the horse and use a ground fault interrupter.
Some horses love to chew on electric cords.
Skin Protection: Non pigmented skin: protect pink skin
from damaging uv light. Like humans, horses in Arizona
have a high rate of skin cancer from sun exposure. Protect
non pigmented skin with daily application of human sun
screen. The areas that are most at risk are the hairless
areas of the muzzle and lips and the external genitalia.
Avoid putting sun screen around the eyes as it can be very
irritating if it runs into the eye. Fly masks are helpful in
protecting the eyes from the harsh desert sun.
Exercise: A horse’s exercise tolerance can decrease by 25%
in hot dry weather and up to 50% in hot humid weather.
It is safe to assume that if you would be fatigued working
in the summer weather conditions in Tucson, so will your
horse. When a horse is pushed beyond his capacity to adapt
to heat buildup then he is at risk of heat stroke and collapse.
Stick to the cooler periods of the day to ride or exercise
your horse.
Go slower and provide frequent breaks, if your horse
becomes hot or overheated, stop riding, dismount in the
shade, loosen the saddle girth and allow the horse to rest. If
a halter is available, remove his bridle. Let him have sips of
water until he has cooled down again.
Most horses appreciate being hosed down after a
workout in the summer.
Over heating: Overheating can become serious. It involves
prolonged elevated body temperature and increases your
horse’s risk of dehydration and other serious problems.
Overheating can happen quickly and unexpectedly,
especially if your horse is in an enclosed or sunny space
with minimal air movement. Horses that must work during
hot weather and newborn foals are also at high risk.
Constant access to clean cool drinking water is a
must. Also provide constant access to loose or block salt to
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