It’s hot.
And we’re not just talking about the competition this summer. After a hard schooling session or a long ride, one of the last things you want to do is stay out in the heat. But, before you can cool off yourself, you have to cool off your horse.
Horses handle cold weather much better than hot weather, so cooling down in the summer months is extremely important. A normal temperature for an adult horse can range from 98° to 101.5° Fahrenheit. It's not uncommon for a horse to have a body temperature of 105° Fahrenheit, and it’s up to you, as a responsible rider, to bring those temperatures down in a healthy manner.
Many experts advise using the following formula for determining whether it is too hot to ride:
Add the temperature in Fahrenheit with the percentage of relative humidity. For example, if it is 80° and the humidity is 60%, your number will be 140.
Less than 130: Green light – go ahead and ride.
130-170: Yellow light – be careful. The heat and humidity will compromise your horse’s ability to cool itself.
170 or above: Red light – don’t ride. It only takes about 15 minutes of moderate exercise to raise your horse’s temperature to a dangerous level.
(You can find a "Heat Index Calculator" online.)
Dry versus Humid Air?
Hot air is difficult for horses to manage, regardless of whether the air is humid or dry. Horses have more difficulty coping with heat and humidity because the humid air combined with sweat acts as an insulator, making your horse hotter. In arid air, horses can cool off through the evaporation of their sweat.
Cool Down and Wind Down
Use your cooldown time as a way to reconnect with your horse on a quieter level—don’t think of it as just one more thing you have to do. Be sure to always leave plenty of time at the end of your ride to properly cool down your horse, as cooldown periods can vary depending on a few variables.
How fit is your horse? A more fit horse will cool more quickly than one that is just starting to get in shape. Also, what is the ambient temperature? The cooler the air temperature is, the faster your horse will cool. "Typically, a horse should be at a comfortable temperature within an hour after exercise," says Adam Cayot, DVM, with Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fla.
Cayot points out some signs that your horse has adequately cooled out:
- Decreased respiration rate (8 to 16 breaths per minute);
- Your horse should feel normal—not hot—to the touch;
- If you are comfortable with judging this, you can always take a rectal temperature. A normal temperature is 98-101° Fahrenheit in a horse.
"As far as feeding and watering the hot horse, I typically recommend that feed be withheld until he is cooled down," explains Cayot. "Water can be given as he is cooling, but in small amounts (a few swallows at a time), followed by several minutes of walking."
Seven Cooling Tips:
- Start with a fit horse. A more prepared athlete is ready for the work and will recover much faster.
- Plan on making mini breaks during long workouts routine to allow for you and your horse to drink some water, catch your breath and cool off in the shade.
- A typical cooldown can simply be easy walking for approximately 15 minutes, with periodic small drinks.
- Find an area that is as cool as possible to walk in, in the shade or barn aisle, if possible.
- Give your horse a cool water bath. Start with the legs and work up—you’ll want to run the water between the hind legs under the tail and over the poll. If the weather, and your horse, is very hot, an alcohol bath may be warranted for a cooldown.
- If you have them available, ice boots/wraps for the legs can help your horse cooldown and while minimizing swelling after a strenuous training session.
- Keep your horse cool with a fan, which will provide air circulation if you're in a barn.
Of course, this formula might not fit for your region or your horselife. As always, speak with your veterinarian and experts in your area to plan to best way to tackle your summer riding plans and listen to your body and pay attention to your horse's health to keep everyone happy and healthy this summer!
