It is early September, and we are still dealing with hurricanes and heatwaves. Not surprisingly, it can be difficult and frustrating to find ways to keep your horse safe and happy amidst this weather.
Last time we discussed how to protect your horses during a hurricane. Now it’s time to talk about the heatwaves we are still experiencing and ways you can keep your horse safe in the suffocating Florida heat.
Why are Florida Summers So Hard?
Anyone living in Florida during the summer can tell you that heat is the least of your worries. Kris Peter at Sunlight Living explains:
“Florida is so hot for three reasons: its location, the water bordering it, and the resulting humidity. Florida is close to the equator and is also mostly surrounded by water, which creates high humidity and a tropical climate (or subtropical in northern parts).”
Unlike States dry heat, humidity prevents the sweat from drying from the skin. Our bodies sweat to cool us off, but when it can’t evaporate, our bodies continue to sweat, leading to dehydration.
The same things happen to horses. Here are three ways to help protect your horse during these hot Florida days.
1. Keep Hydrated
On any regular day, a horse requires at least five gallons of water. However, water becomes even more important during a heatwave.
Your horse may require 10-15 gallons of freshwater per day. Make sure it is clean and fresh, and avoid stale standing water.
Cold water helps regulate your horse’s internal and external body temperature, so add ice to the water trough or freeze a gallon of water to add to the trough.
Look into adding electrolytes to the water to help your horse keep vital minerals he loses as he sweats. This can come as electrolyte powder dissolved in the water or salt/mineral licks that will encourage your horse to drink.
2. Protect from Sunburns
Horses aren’t that different from humans. They can get painful sunburns and may even suffer heatstroke. It’s important to make sure they are properly protected.
Use paraben-free human sunscreen around the muzzles and eyes, to prevent sunburn and UV-blocking fly masks to help protect from damage.
3. Keeping Cool
Sometimes, no matter how you try, your horse may overheat, which is dangerous.
Spray him with cold water, continuously, until he is cool.
Avoid blankets or sheets when trying to cool down a horse. You don’t want to inhibit a horse’s ability for water to evaporate from the skin.
Work the horse during the coolest hours of the day (early morning, late night, or overnight)
Use fans to circulate air. Misting fans are great for this.
In barns, make sure the doors are open and plenty of fresh air circulates to prevent overheating.
Always Stay Alert
They key to all horse care is to stay alert. Keep on top of your local weather, look for any patterns of odd behavior in your horse, and administer aid if necessary. Make sure you connect with your horse's team, veterinarian, trainer, and bodywork specialists, to meet all your horse's needs.
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