Depending on where you live, you’re likely facing some of the year’s first warm days, which means we can say goodbye to winter for a while. Spring and summer can be a great time on the farm, but there are a few things you should be aware of. Chief among these is the health and comfort of your horse. While not extremely common, horses can suffer from heat stroke, just like people. Take advantage of the following tips to keep your horse cool when the weather heats up.
Of course, making sure your horses have a constant supply of water is a must, regardless of the temperature. But this is especially true on hot days when they can become more easily dehydrated. Did you know that the average horse can drink more than 25 gallons of water each day? Horses drink more in warmer weather, so make sure you pay special attention to their water supply.
Making sure your horses have plenty of option for shade is also a good idea. Whether this means going into the shed or hanging out under a tree, you should have at least a few options available so they aren’t constantly out in the open. You wouldn’t want to stand directly under the hot sun all day, so why would your horse?
Taking care of your horses’ coats is also a great way to help them keep cool. Trim their manes and tails on a regular basis, and you can even apply a zinc oxide based sunscreen to their noses. There are even specialized horse shampoos that offer protection from the sun.
Follow these tips and you should be able to keep your horse cool and comfortable during even the hottest days of the year.