08/19/2026
☀️Tips for beating the heat with your horse!☀️
💧 Keep water available
Fresh, clean water should always be accessible. Horses can dramatically increase their water intake during hot weather.
🌳 Give them shade
Trees, run-in sheds, and covered areas provide relief from direct sunlight. Make sure shaded areas have good airflow.
💨 Keep air moving
Good ventilation helps horses cool themselves, especially in barns. Fans can help but keep cords safely out of reach.
🐎 Adjust your riding schedule
Aim for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. Shorten workouts and take plenty of breaks.
🚿 Cool down after exercise
A full-body rinse with cool water can help bring body temperature down quickly. Focus on areas like the neck, chest, and large muscle groups.
🧂 Replace lost electrolytes
Horses that sweat heavily lose electrolytes. If you use supplements, make sure your horse continues drinking plenty of plain, fresh water.
👀 Watch their behavior
Heavy or prolonged breathing, unusual lethargy, weakness, dry gums, or difficulty recovering after exercise can be signs that a horse is struggling with the heat.
🕐 Know when to call it
Sometimes the best workout is no workout. If conditions are especially hot or humid, giving your horse a rest day may be the smartest choice.
A little planning goes a long way when temperatures climb. Keep them hydrated, cool, comfortable, and give them plenty of opportunities to escape the heat.💛🐎
