How to Keep Your Horse Hydrated and Healthy in a Heatwave

1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water

• Check water buckets and troughs regularly: Horses drink more in hot weather, so refill and clean water sources at least twice a day.
• Keep water cool: Position troughs in shaded areas if possible, and top up with fresh, cool water.
• Encourage drinking: Some horses are fussy—try adding a splash of apple juice or an electrolyte supplement to tempt them.

2. Offer Electrolytes

• Why electrolytes matter: Horses lose essential salts through sweat, which can lead to imbalances.
• How to use: Add a horse-safe electrolyte supplement to their feed or water as directed, especially if your horse is working or sweating heavily.
• Tip: Always provide plain water alongside electrolyte water, so your horse can choose.

3. Adjust Feeding Routines

• Soaked feeds: Add water to hard feed or offer soaked hay to boost moisture intake.
• Wet forage: Consider feeding haylage or grass, which naturally contain more water than dry hay.
• Salt licks: Place a salt lick in the stable or field to encourage natural water intake.

4. Provide Ample Shade and Ventilation

• Shelter in the field: Make sure your horse has access to shade, whether from trees, hedges, or a field shelter.
• Stable ventilation: If stabled, keep windows and doors open for airflow, and use fans if safe and practical.

5. Adjust Exercise and Turnout

• Ride early or late: Avoid the midday sun—exercise your horse in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
• Shorten sessions: Keep work light and allow plenty of breaks for water.
• Monitor closely: Watch for signs of overheating—excessive sweating, rapid breathing, or lethargy mean it’s time to stop and cool down.

6. Cool Down Safely

• Hose down: After exercise, cool your horse with tepid water, focusing on large muscle groups. Scrape off excess water to help heat evaporate.
• Provide shade: Let your horse recover in a cool, shaded spot.
• Scraper: For effective cooling, use a scraper to remove excess water after hosing.

7. Watch for Signs of Dehydration & Heat Stress

• Dehydration signs: Sunken eyes, dry gums, tucked-up flanks, loss of skin elasticity (pinch test).
• Heat stress signs: Heavy sweating, rapid breathing, high temperature, weakness, or collapse.
• Act fast: If you suspect dehydration or heat stress, move your horse to shade, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.

8. Handy Products for Hot Weather

• Electrolyte supplements for rapid rehydration
• Salt licks and mineral blocks
• Soaking buckets for travel or shows
• Fly sheets for comfortable turnout