As well as producing premium dust-extracted horse bedding, Bed-Down are happy to offer free advice on caring for your horse – for example during heatwaves.
Long, sunny days make summer a wonderful time to enjoy riding and spending time with your horse, but warmer weather also brings challenges that every owner should be prepared for. High temperatures and humidity can place horses under considerable stress, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. By taking a few sensible precautions, you can help your horse stay comfortable throughout the summer months. As always, if you have any concerns about your horse’s health, seek advice from your vet without delay.
Hydration should always be a priority. Horses can consume surprisingly large amounts of water during hot weather, often well over 50 litres a day. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times, with larger troughs or automatic drinkers often proving more practical than buckets. As horses cool themselves by sweating, they also lose important salts and minerals, so providing a salt lick can help replace essential electrolytes.
Protection from the sun is equally important. Horses should always have access to shade, whether that comes from mature trees or a well-positioned field shelter. Young horses, senior horses and those with existing health issues can be particularly vulnerable when temperatures climb. Horses with pink or lightly pigmented skin are also susceptible to sunburn, so applying a high-factor, horse-safe sunscreen to exposed areas such as the muzzle can help protect sensitive skin.
It’s also worth adjusting your routine during periods of extreme heat. Riding, schooling and transporting horses are best planned for early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Reducing strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day can significantly lower the risk of heat stress.
Keep a close eye on your horse for signs that they might be struggling. Excessive panting, unusual tiredness, reduced appetite, muscle tremors or dark-coloured urine all require prompt attention. You can also carry out a simple hydration check by examining your horse’s gums, which should appear pink and moist. If the colour takes more than a couple of seconds to return after gentle pressure, dehydration could be developing.
A comfortable stable environment also plays an important role during the summer. Clean, well-ventilated stables and premium dust-extracted horse bedding help promote good air quality and provide a comfortable place for horses to rest during the hottest days. At Bed-Down, we’re always happy to offer free, no-obligation advice on stable management, bedding and horse care, including complimentary yard visits. Helping horses stay healthy and comfortable really is important to us.
Contact us today on 01986 785278 or at info@bed-down.co.uk
