Summer Horse Care, Feeding and Health Tips for Hot, Humid Weather
As temperatures soar and humidity rises, it’s essential to adjust how we care for our horses to keep them healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best. From optimising nutrition to managing hydration and monitoring health, here are key considerations for horse owners during the summer months.
Feeding Adjustments for Hot Weather
Provide Adequate Electrolytes
In hot, humid conditions, horses lose significant electrolytes through sweat. These are essential for maintaining hydration, muscle function, and overall health. Adding a quality electrolyte supplement to your horse’s diet. Many popular brands have Electrolyte option either in powdered form or a paste, either will work well on a hot day and especially before or after anything strenuous like travel or competition.Don’t Forget the Salt
Salt is the cornerstone of hydration. Ensure your horse has access to a plain salt block or add a high-quality product to their daily feed. A lack of salt can reduce water intake, leading to dehydration. I tend to lean on the CEN salt as it is unprocessed, unrefined, and unbleached, preserving its natural balance of minerals and trace elements, and this just aligns well with how I like to feed my horses.Adjust Energy Levels
Reduce high-energy feeds, particularly grains, for horses in light work during summer. Focus on cool-energy sources like quality forage and fats to prevent overheating and digestive upset. A great option is ground flacseed or oil, it has a great omega balance and the horses love it! It also proves some extra calories which might be needed in the warmer weather depending on the horse.
Key Health Tips for the Heat
Ensure Fresh, Clean Water
Hydration starts with access to cool, clean water at all times. Horses can drink up to 50 liters a day in extreme heat, so check and refill troughs regularly. Refillling at least once a day is great for water troughs that aren’t on an auto filler, the water can get pretty warm in this hot weather so make sure you freshen it up daily.Manage Pasture Access
Hot, humid conditions can lead to an abundance of lush grass, which may increase the risk of laminitis or weight gain. Monitor pasture turnout and use grazing muzzles or strip grazing if necessary. Anyone else feel the grass growing under their feet at the moment? It is indeed the weather for growing (and mowing 🥴)!Monitor Sweat Patterns
Horses that sweat excessively—or not enough—may be at risk for dehydration or anhidrosis (inability to sweat). Keep an eye on sweat patterns, particularly during exercise, and adjust workloads if needed.
Riding and Training in the Heat
Work During Cooler Hours
Ride early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid working horses during the peak heat of the day.Plan for Recovery
After exercise, hose your horse down with cool water to lower their body temperature. Focus on large muscle groups like the chest, neck, and hindquarters and don’t scrape them off! Letting the water evaporate is actually a natural cooling mechanism so let them drip dry if you can!
Traveling in Summer Conditions
Ventilation is Key
Ensure your float or truck is well-ventilated to avoid heat build-up. Always travel during cooler parts of the day if possible. Pre-load them with electrolytes before the trip and after. A paste can be great for this.Pack Hydration Supplies
Bring water from home (as horses may reject unfamiliar water) and carry electrolyte pastes or powders for long journeys.
Stay Ahead of Summer Challenges
Keeping your horse healthy and comfortable in hot, humid weather requires a proactive approach. From feeding adjustments to monitoring hydration and performance, these steps will help your equine partner thrive through the summer months.
Need tailored advice? Book an online nutritional consultation with Statera Equine for just $99 and receive a personalised feeding and care plan, we are here to help your horses thrive all year round!
