Keeping Cool in the Heat: How to Manage Horses in Hot Weather

As temperatures climb, here in the UAE horse owners face the challenge of keeping their equine partners healthy, happy, and safe in the heat. If not managed well horses can be particularly vulnerable to heat stress, dehydration, and related complications. Whether you're preparing for summer competitions or simply maintaining your horse’s fitness, managing hot weather wisely is critical. Here's how to navigate summer care, from strategic exercise timing to essential after-work recovery and beyond.

Time Your Rides Right: Early Mornings and Late Evenings

When it comes to exercising your horse in hot weather, timing is everything. The coolest parts of the day are early morning (typically between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.) and late evening (after 6 p.m.). During these times, the sun is lower in the sky, ambient temperatures are reduced, and humidity often drops.

Tips:

• Stick to light work on particularly hot or humid days; consider substituting intense schooling with groundwork or trail riding in shaded areas.

• Acclimate gradually: If your horse isn’t used to working in the heat, build their tolerance over time.

• Monitor heat and humidity

Hydration is Everything

Water is the most crucial nutrient your horse needs during summer. A 500 kg horse can drink between 25–50 litres of water per day, and more when sweating heavily.

Hydration tips:

• Provide constant access to clean, fresh water.

• Offer electrolytes. Either in feed, via paste, or dissolved in water, especially after heavy work or significant sweating.

• Soaking hay or feeding soaked beet pulp can add moisture to their diet.

• Encourage drinking post-work with slightly salty water, then offer plain water after.

Post-Exercise Cool Down

Helping your horse recover after work in hot weather is crucial for preventing overheating and promoting comfort.

Best practices for cooling down:

1. Walk your horse in the shade after exercise to allow gradual heart rate recovery.

2. Cold hosing is one of the most effective ways to reduce body temperature. Target large muscle groups: neck, chest, and hindquarters.

3. Scrape water immediately after hosing. Leaving water on can trap heat instead of dissipating it.

4. Place fans in shaded areas or stable aisles to help with airflow and evaporative cooling.

Electrolytes and Nutrition

When horses sweat, they lose not just water but also essential minerals like sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium.

Supplement tips:

• Add a balanced electrolyte supplement during hot weather or periods of regular work.

• Free-choice access to a salt block or loose salt can help meet daily sodium needs.

• Avoid feeding large amounts of grain in the heat; instead, offer smaller, more frequent meals and focus on high-fiber, forage-based diets.

Shelter and Stable Management

Even when not working, your horse needs relief from the sun and heat.

Stabling tips:

• Ensure adequate shade in paddocks, whether from trees or shelters.

• Use fans in stalls or aisles to promote airflow.

• Keep stalls clean and dry to prevent flies and ammonia build-up, which worsens respiratory stress.

• If turnout is essential during the day, provide fly sheets with UV protection and use fly masks 

Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Even with the best care, it's essential to watch for signs that your horse may be overheating:

• Rapid breathing or panting

• Profuse sweating or lack of sweat (anhidrosis)

• Elevated heart rate

• Weakness or stumbling

• Dullness or lethargy

• Dark or reduced urine

If in doubt, contact your veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency.

Final Thoughts

Managing horses in hot weather is about being proactive, attentive, and flexible. By adjusting your schedule, prioritizing hydration, and providing thoughtful aftercare, you can keep your horse comfortable and safe all summer long. Remember: sometimes the best thing you can do is give your horse the day off and enjoy a quiet moment under a shady tree.