Horse Cooling Guide: Preventing Overheating and Heat Stress After Exercise
Horse Cooling Guide: Preventing Overheating and Heat Stress After Exercise
Exercising horses in the Australian summer brings unique challenges. Horses generate significant heat during work, and when temperatures soar, their natural cooling systems can struggle to cope. If not managed properly, this can quickly escalate into heat stress or even heatstroke. This guide will walk you through how to prevent overheating, how to cool your horse effectively after exercise, and what to do if things go wrong. Along the way, we’ll show you how the right products—from fly mesh rugs to grooming brushes—can make a real difference in summer horse care.
Why Horses Struggle in the Heat
Horses are efficient athletes, but this comes at a cost: they produce enormous amounts of heat during exercise. Sweating and evaporation are their main cooling mechanisms, but in hot, humid, or windless conditions, sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly enough to be effective. Horses with darker coats, extra weight, or poor fitness are even more at risk. Understanding these challenges is the first step in protecting your horse during summer rides.
Smart Prevention Before You Ride
The easiest way to avoid heat stress is by planning ahead. Riding early in the morning or late in the evening gives your horse the benefit of cooler air and reduced sun exposure. On extreme days, consider replacing fast, demanding gallops with lighter schooling or trail rides. Water should always be available before, during, and after work—preferably cool but not icy. Finally, think about what your horse is wearing. Heavy covers trap heat, while lightweight summer rugs or breathable fly rugs protect against sun and insects without causing overheating.
Cooling Your Horse After Exercise
When the ride is over, take 5–10 minutes to let your horse walk down quietly. This simple step reduces heart rate and starts the cooling process naturally. Once you’ve untacked, use cool water to hose your horse, beginning at the legs and gradually moving upward to the chest, shoulders, and hindquarters. Always scrape excess water away if the air is still and hot, otherwise it acts like insulation and traps heat. In breezy conditions, leaving water to evaporate can help. Alternate between hosing and scraping until your horse feels noticeably cooler.
Once cooled, move your horse to a shady area or a well-ventilated stable. A commercial fan can help if conditions are humid. Always provide fresh, clean water, and if your horse has sweated heavily, electrolytes can be added to their feed or water to replace lost salts and support faster recovery.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Heat Stress
Even the best-prepared horse can overheat, which is why it’s important to know what to look for. Common signs of heat stress include heavy, prolonged sweating, rapid breathing above 20 breaths per minute, and an elevated heart rate over 50 beats per minute. Horses may appear lethargic, stumble, or show obvious distress. In severe cases, they may stop sweating altogether, which is a very serious warning sign. If the skin feels hot and dry, or doesn’t spring back quickly when pinched, dehydration is likely. A rectal temperature above 38°C confirms overheating and should be treated as urgent.
What To Do If Your Horse Overheats
If your horse is showing signs of heat stress, act immediately. Move them into shade and begin applying cool water to the underside, neck, and hindquarters. Scrape and repeat until the temperature begins to drop. Offer small amounts of tepid water frequently rather than a single large drink. If you have access to a fan, position it at a safe distance to improve airflow and evaporation. Monitor their heart rate, respiration, and temperature closely, and if there’s no improvement within 10 minutes, contact a veterinarian without delay. Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Supporting Summer Recovery with the Right Gear
Alongside careful management, the right equipment helps horses cope better in summer. Lightweight summer rugs and fly mesh rugs protect from the sun and insects without trapping heat. Fly masks reduce irritation and stress, while quality grooming brushes help remove sweat and encourage circulation after rides. Adding insect protection sprays also prevents restless behaviour that increases heat build-up.
Final Word
Keeping horses safe in summer heat comes down to prevention, observation, and quick action when needed. Plan rides for cooler hours, use effective cooling techniques, and stay alert to the signs of heat stress. With the right care—and the right gear from Delzani—you can keep your horse comfortable, safe, and happy throughout Australia’s hottest months.
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