04/03/2024
Heat Stress in Horses and Ponies 🥵
While many of you may be out enjoying competing at the moment, you may not appreciate the heat and humidity, it can also be an issue for some horses and ponies. Heat stress occurs when the horse's body is unable to cool. It's important to be aware of the effect of high temperatures on them, particularly when they are working hard. Overheating can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
❗️Check out the tips below to help your horse through the hot weather:
đź“ŤSigns of heat stress:
•Excessive sweating
•Rapid breathing
•Increased heart rate
•Lethargy
•Muscle tremors
•Reluctance to move or work
đź“ŤPrevention:
•Access to shade
•Fresh water at all times
•Ride early or late to avoid exercising or working horses during the hottest part of the day
•Use cold water hosing or sponging to cool your horse after exercise
•Allow your horse to drink during and after exercise
•If your horse is working regularly during hot weather consider using an electrolyte supplement.
•After exercise, ensure you have an adequate cool down period of walking before stopping work.
•Access to a salt block
If your horse is showing signs of heat stress, move them to a shaded area, offering them cool water to drink, and cool water or ice packs to wet their body. It is important to monitor the horse closely and call our team on 09 2382471 if the symptoms worsen or do not improve.
www.franklinvets.co.nz
