In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s been a bit warm outside recently. Therefore we thought we would re-share our top tips to keep your horses cool in this weather:

• Try to ride very early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst of the heat
• The average horse will not lose much fitness from a day or two off, so if they’re struggling in the heat give them a rest day
• If your stables are cooler than outside, consider turning out overnight and bringing in during the day
• Similarly,  if your stables are like a sauna, consider leaving horses out 24/7 if appropriate
• Always have multiple sources of water available so that if one gets knocked over there is still some left
• If competing,  ensure you pack plenty of water (for drinking and washing off), try to park in the shade, create as much airflow in your lorry/trailer as possible, and be sensible about how many classes you do, or whether you go at all
• If your horse is a ‘fussy drinker’ away from home try adding some pony cubes, sugarbeet or grated fruit and veg to your water to encourage them to drink
• Electrolytes can be added to feed to encourage drinking and replace those lost in sweat
• If washing your horse off with the hosepipe, check the water is running cool first. It can heat up in the hosepipe and be almost boiling if left in the sun
• Use copious amounts of cool water for washing hot horses off with, and do not panic about scraping it off
• Apply lots of sunblock to delicate pink noses, or use a fly mask with a nose net
• Avoid oily grooming lotions and potions as these can heat up and cause burns
• Consider clipping any hairy Cushing’s patients who are still holding onto their coats
• Agree to never moan about our normal Lancashire weather again!

If you have any concerns at all, please contact us on 01772 861300.