It's Getting Hot out Here!

Helping Your Horse Cope with Heat: Cooling, Feeding, and Forage Tips

As temperatures rise, it is essential to adapt your horse’s management to keep them comfortable, healthy, and hydrated. Here are key considerations to support your horse in hot weather:

Cooling: Full Body Water Application is Optimum

When cooling horses, research shows that all-over body cooling with water is the most effective method. Applying cool water over the entire body and allowing it to run off efficiently reduces body temperature far better than targeting small areas or using only mist sprays. Ensure your horse is stood safely on a non-slip surface and continue until their breathing rate and skin temperature reduce.

Hydration: Fresh, Clean Water is Critical

Horses require continual access to fresh, clean water, especially in hot conditions. Dehydration risks increase as they sweat to regulate their temperature. Make sure water troughs are cleaned regularly to prevent algae and bacterial build-up, and monitor intake daily.

Feed Mashes to Increase Water Intake

Offering soaked feeds or mashes is an effective strategy to boost hydration. Mashes encourage voluntary water consumption and provide an easy-to-digest meal, particularly beneficial for older horses or those with dental issues. Always introduce mashes gradually if your horse is not accustomed to them.

Forage: Managing Reduced Grass Growth

Hot, dry weather often leads to poor pasture growth, limiting grazing opportunities. To ensure your horse continues to receive adequate forage intake:

Provide Additional Forage in Slow Feeders

Slow feeders prolong eating time, promote digestive health, and reduce boredom. Research by Ellis et al. concluded that ground-fed slow feeders increased consumption time and promoted a natural feeding position, which is biomechanically and behaviourally beneficial for horses.

Choosing The Best Slow Feeder

The HaySaver is an excellent example of a ground-fed slow feeder that provides the optimum natural grazing position. It allows your horse to eat in a head-down posture, encouraging better airway clearance, natural posture alignment, and healthy chewing behaviour, while slowing intake to support gut health and minimise wastage.

Key Takeaways for Managing Horses in Heat

✅ Cool horses with all-over body water application

✅ Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water

✅ Incorporate mashes to boost hydration

✅ Supplement forage with slow feeders like the HaySaver to promote natural feeding behaviour and maintain gut fill

Supporting your horse with thoughtful cooling, hydration, and forage management this summer ensures they remain happy, healthy, and comfortable – whatever the weather brings.