Beat the Heat: 16 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Horse Cool in Summer

Here in Colorado, this summer hasn’t been too bad. In fact, I have ridden my new horse more this summer than I had been riding any of my other horses in the past combined. And though this is a little late to be talking about, I have been reading about how hot it has been this summer in many other places. And I wanted to share 16 essential tips for keeping your horse cool in the summer heat. Keeping horses cool during the summer heat is essential for their well-being.

And even though we are at the end of summer, it’s always good to be prepared for when the heat is here right? Right! So here are some affordable ways to help your horses stay cool in the summer or anytime really.

Shade

Provide ample shade in the pasture or turnout area. Natural shade from trees or man-made structures like run-in sheds can offer relief from the sun. If you don’t have a lot of trees, now would be a good time to plan for the future and plant some trees native to your area. Just be sure they are safe for horses.

Water

Ensure a consistent and clean water source is available at all times. Horses need to drink to regulate their body temperature. Clean water helps prevent dehydration.

16 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Horse Cool

Keeping the water source clean is super important, so be sure to clean your water tanks or buckets regularly. One great way to prevent algae from turning your water green is to clean it with a combination of dish soap (Dawn Platinum is my favorite dish soap for the barn) and apple cider vinegar. I have found it helps to keep my water tanks algae-free for two weeks!

Fans

If you have access to electricity, using fans in the barn or stable can help improve airflow and keep the air cooler for your horses.

And fans do make a HUGE difference in the air temperature of a stall. Just be sure to use fans that are safe to use in a stable or barn. The best type of fan for a horse stall is one that has a sealed housing unit so no dust or debris can get into the motor and start a fire.

Stay away from the inexpensive box fans. These are dangerous to use in a barn and have been responsible for fires. If you are planning on installing fans in your stalls, be sure they are meant for use in a barn.

Misting System

Misting systems can be set up using a garden hose and misting nozzles. These can help cool the air around your horse’s shelter or resting area.

Did you know you can DIY your own misting system for your barn? You can! And it isn’t that hard to do. All you need are a few things from the lawn section at a big box store, or you can even find the components online. With a little bit of sweat equity on your part, you can have a misting system in your barn on a weekend.

Wetting Your Horse

If you don’t have the ability to add a misting system to your barn, spraying your horse with cool water can provide immediate relief from the heat. Focus on their chest, neck, and legs, where major blood vessels are located. Be sure to scrape off excess water to avoid trapping heat.

Bath Time

Giving your horse a cool bath can be effective in reducing their body temperature. And it gives you the opportunity to hang out with your horse. Just be sure to use a sweat scraper to remove excess water after the bath.

Switching Up When You Ride

On extremely hot days, limit strenuous riding or exercise. If you do ride, do so during the cooler parts of the day.

This can be challenging, for sure. But if you want to enjoy your ride, you should do it when the temperature is comfortable for both you AND your horse. If you are doing training, be sure to keep an eye on your horse and limit strenuous work.

Ice Packs

Placing ice packs or frozen water bottles wrapped in towels in your horse’s stall or near their resting area can provide localized cooling. I know it sounds crazy. But the frozen water bottles really can help to cool an area. Don’t believe me? Try it out and see for yourself!

Avoid Riding on Hot Surfaces

Be mindful of the ground temperature when riding. Hot pavement or sand can burn your horse’s hooves.

Have you ever walked in your arena when it was really hot? If it’s hot, the sand will hold in the heat. If you can feel the heat through the bottom of your boots, think about what that feels like for your horse.

Fly Sheets

Lightweight, breathable fly sheets can provide sun protection and keep your horse cooler. Look for affordable options made from materials designed for hot weather.

There are many different styles and brands to choose from. And while fly sheets are helpful, they don’t seem to last a long time like blankets do. Just do your research, and find a sheet you can afford. I have been very happy with anything Horseware makes. They have an affordable Mio Fly Rug with an attached neck cover too. It’s lightweight too!

Fly Masks

Fly masks with UV protection can protect your horse’s eyes and face from both flies and the sun.

Just like fly sheets, there are many styles to choose from for fly masks.

Clipping Your Horse

If appropriate for your climate and horse’s workload, consider giving your horse a summer clip. This removes excess hair and helps them stay cooler.

16 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Horse Cool

This is a chore you can do yourself. But it does take a little bit of practice. And you will have to desensitize your horse to the clippers too.

Ventilation

Make sure there is adequate airflow in your horse’s stall or shelter. Keep barn doors open, as well as any vents or windows, if you have them in your barn, to allow for cross ventilation. It really does make a difference.

Feeding Schedule

If you can, try adjusting your horse’s feeding schedule. Try to avoid feeding during the hottest parts of the day. Feeding in the early morning and late evening can help reduce heat stress.

Electrolytes

Offer electrolyte supplements in your horse’s water, or feed to replace essential minerals lost through sweating. As well as encouraging them to continue drinking.

Let Your Horse Enjoy the Dirt

Did you know that some horses enjoy rolling in dry, cool dirt? Ok, who am I kidding? MOST horses seem to enjoy a good roll in the dirt, especially after you have just spent an hour giving them a bath and making them beautiful. But this actually helps them to cool down.

So maybe let them get dirty after a ride or even a bath. Rolling in the dirt is a natural way to cool down.

16 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Horse Cool

So there you have it! 16 tips that you can use to help your horse stay cool when it’s super hot out. This may not be the season of heat for you now, But you can be sure there will be hot days in the future. So plan ahead and be prepared for those days with the tips I shared with you.

Remember that every horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Monitor your horse’s behavior and condition closely during hot weather, and adapt your cooling strategies as needed to keep them comfortable and healthy. If you ever have questions, be sure to talk with your veterinarian for specific advice on caring for your horse in hot weather.