by Holle Abee

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

Many people, including horse owners, have more free time in the summer than at any other time of the year. This equals more riding time, which can be great, but remember: your horse suffers from the heat just like any other mammal. There are several things you need to consider to ensure that your equine stays healthy.

Make sure your horse has somewhere to escape the rays of the sun. This might be a run-in shelter, shade trees, or a barn. If he's in a barn, however, make sure it's properly ventilated.

On really hot days, try to plan your rides for early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are not so stifling. Night rides during the summer can be loads of fun, but always ride with a friend or two, and make sure you and your horse know the trail well. It's also a good idea to take along a cell phone and a flashlight. Make sure someone knows where you're going and what time you should return.

Be careful not to over-exert your mount in hot weather. After a ride, cool your horse down until his breathing returns to normal. After you've removed the saddle and the saddle pad, use cool, but not cold, water to rinse your animal off. Pay special attention to large blood vessels in the neck, legs, and belly. Prevent getting water in your horse's ears. Use a sweat scraper to remove the water, along with any sweat that has accumulated on the horse's coat.

Make sure your horse has plenty of clean, fresh water at all times, except for when he's extra heated from working. Wait until he cools down before offering him water. Follow this same advice for food.

Horses that perspire profusely are not only losing fluids; they're also losing salt. Make sure your horse has access to a salt and mineral block. Important electrolytes can also be added to his feed. Just be sure to purchase the ones especially for horses.

Horses with pink or mottled skin, like Appaloosas, can get sunburned. If your horse is going to be out in bright sunlight, rub some sunscreen or zinc oxide on your horse's nose.

Biting insects can also be a big problem in the summer months. Spray some repellent on a cloth and rub it over your horse, paying special attention to the eye area. You might want to spray some on a dryer sheet and slip it under the bridle at the poll.

Pay close attention to your horse. Look for signs of heat stroke. If his respiration is over 15 breaths per minute while he's at rest, he might be dangerously overheated. Check for dehydration by pinching the skin on his neck between your thumb and forefinger. If it snaps back quickly, he's well hydrated. If, however, it returns slowly to its original position, chances are that your animal is dehydrated. If his temperature is over 103, call the vet.

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