Australia’s summer can be an extreme time for horses and their owners, with soaring temperatures, long days, and intense sun exposure. Ensuring your horse stays comfortable, hydrated, and safe during these hot months is key to maintaining their health and well-being. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential tips and practical strategies for caring for your horse in the Australian summer.
1. Hydration is Key
Water is the number one priority in summer care. Horses can drink between 20 to 45 liters of water a day, and even more when it’s hot, so make sure they always have access to clean, fresh water.
- Check water regularly: Troughs can heat up quickly in the sun, causing water to become lukewarm. Aim to refill or refresh water several times a day, particularly if you’re using metal troughs that can heat up fast.
- Add electrolytes if necessary: Horses lose salt through sweat, just as humans do. If your horse is sweating a lot, adding electrolytes to their water or feed can help replenish lost minerals and encourage them to drink more.
- Multiple water stations: If you have more than one horse, consider setting up multiple water stations to reduce competition and ensure each horse has enough access.
2. Provide Shade and Shelter
Offering adequate shade is crucial for horses during the summer months. Shade provides a safe place for horses to escape direct sunlight and stay cool.
- Natural shade: Trees can provide excellent natural shade. If you’re lucky enough to have trees in your paddock, ensure they’re in good health and won’t drop branches on your horses.
- Artificial shelter: If trees aren’t available, consider building a simple shelter, like a three-sided shed. Ensure it’s placed strategically so it catches the breeze but isn’t directly exposed to the sun.
- Rotating grazing paddocks: By rotating paddocks, you can give each grazing area time to recover, and horses can seek shade in a different area if they need it.
3. Cooling Methods
Keeping your horse cool can make a huge difference to their comfort and health in summer.
- Hose them down: A simple and effective way to cool your horse is to hose them down with cool water, especially after exercise. Focus on the large muscles like the neck, back, and hindquarters to help cool their core.
- Use ice packs and cooling rugs: On extremely hot days, ice packs can be placed under a lightweight, breathable cooling rug for short periods.
- Sprinklers and misters: Installing a sprinkler or mister in a shady area of your paddock can create a cool and fun activity for your horse to enjoy.
4. Fly and Insect Control
Flies, mosquitoes, and other insects can be a real annoyance for horses in summer, and they’re not just a nuisance; they can lead to infections, skin irritations, and stress.
- Fly masks and sheets: Lightweight fly masks and sheets can keep biting insects away from your horse’s eyes, face, and body. Look for breathable, UV-resistant materials to prevent overheating.
- Natural fly repellents: Chemical-based fly sprays are effective, but natural repellents made from essential oils (like eucalyptus or tea tree) are also popular. Remember to do a patch test first, as some horses may have sensitive skin.
- Cleanliness: Keep your horse’s environment as clean as possible by regularly removing manure and washing down areas where flies may gather. The Paddock Blade is perfect for making this a quick and easy task during the heat of Summer.
5. Adjusting Exercise Routines
Exercise is still important in summer, but adjusting the timing and intensity is essential to avoid overheating.
- Ride in the early morning or late evening: Plan rides for the coolest parts of the day to avoid the midday heat. Early morning is generally the best time, as temperatures are lower, and there’s less humidity.
- Monitor intensity: Consider reducing the intensity or length of your workouts during hot days. Heavy work can lead to dehydration and heat stress, so give your horse plenty of breaks and access to water during and after exercise.
- Listen to your horse: Watch for signs of fatigue, including heavy breathing, excessive sweating, and a lack of interest in work. If your horse shows any of these, stop immediately and give them time to cool down.
6. Check for Signs of Heat Stress
Heat stress in horses is a serious condition that can develop quickly, especially in extreme weather. Recognizing the symptoms early can help prevent serious health issues.
- Signs of heat stress: Watch out for heavy or labored breathing, excessive sweating (or the absence of sweating in a hot horse), an elevated heart rate, lethargy, or a glazed look in the eyes.
- Immediate actions: If your horse shows signs of heat stress, move them to a shaded area immediately. Hose them down with cool water, especially on the neck, chest, and hindquarters, and allow them to drink cool water in small amounts until they recover.
- Contact your vet: Heat stress can escalate quickly, so if symptoms persist or worsen, call your vet immediately for guidance.
7. Feeding Adjustments
Summer heat can affect your horse’s appetite and digestion, so some adjustments in diet may be beneficial.
- High-Fiber feeds: Fiber is essential for horse digestion, but it produces heat as it ferments in the gut. Consider feeding smaller meals more frequently to reduce digestive heat.
- Fresh forage: Horses that graze on pasture tend to stay cooler than those eating dry feeds, as fresh grass has a higher moisture content. If possible, allow your horse to graze in the early morning and evening when it’s cooler.
- Salt licks and mineral blocks: Salt encourages drinking, so adding a salt lick to your horse’s paddock or stall can help keep them hydrated and provide essential minerals lost in sweat.
8. Avoid Sunburn and UV Damage
Australian summers mean high UV, and horses with pink skin or light-colored coats are susceptible to sunburn.
- Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas: Areas like the nose, around the eyes, and ears can be vulnerable. Use an equine-safe sunscreen and apply it daily, especially on horses with pink skin.
- Use UV-Blocking rugs: UV-protective rugs can help protect your horse from sun exposure. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t cause your horse to overheat.
- Provide shade options for sensitive horses: Horses with grey coats or pink skin should have access to shade at all times, as they’re more susceptible to sunburn and skin issues.
9. Regular Health Checks
Summer can bring specific health risks, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your horse’s health with regular checks.
- Check for signs of dehydration: Pinch your horse’s skin on the neck or shoulder to check for dehydration. If the skin doesn’t snap back immediately, your horse may be dehydrated.
- Monitor weight and condition: Summer can bring weight changes, especially if grazing conditions change or if horses become less active. Keep track of your horse’s condition and adjust feed as needed.
- Parasite control: Warm weather can lead to an increase in parasites, so ensure your worming schedule is up-to-date and check for any signs of infestations, especially in pastured horses.
10. Plan for Bushfire Safety
In Australia, bushfires are a major concern during summer, so it’s essential to have a fire safety plan in place for your horses.
- Fire-Safe shelter and storage: Keep any flammable materials (like hay) stored in fire-safe locations, and have a clear evacuation route planned if a fire approaches.
- Identifiable tags or branding: Ensure your horses have clear identification, such as tags on halters, microchips, or branding, to help them be recognized if they need to be evacuated.
- Plan evacuation early: If a fire is nearby, evacuate sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last moment, as roads may be closed, and you may not be able to transport your horses out safely.
Caring for horses in the Australian summer requires diligence and a bit of creativity to keep them comfortable and healthy. By prioritizing hydration, providing shade, monitoring their health, and adjusting exercise routines, you can help your horse thrive despite the summer heat. Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress and make sure you’re prepared for bushfire risks in your area. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to ensure that your equine friend stays happy and healthy all summer long!
