10 Ways to Keep your Horse Healthy in the Summer
- Appropriate Feed. Your horse’s feed needs change during the summer. ...
- Water. Your horse will obviously need plenty of H2O during the hot summer months. ...
- Salt/Electrolytes. Salt licks and electrolytes are a great addition to your horse’s regular diet, especially in the summer.
- Shade. ...
- Cooling System. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Less Tack. ...
- Extra Bedding. ...
- Fly Control. ...
- Sunscreen. ...
What should I Feed my horse in hot weather?
This is important during hot weather because reducing the heat load of the horse will reduce the energy needed to lower the body temperature, which may reduce calorie and water needs. There are two Legends Performance horse feeds with 10% fat and Legends Race & Complete has 8% fat.
Should I Feed my horse hay?
“Feeding hay can also help horses who suffer from digestive disturbance on too much or rich grass. These horses can be better off with restricted grass and being fed hay instead.” If grass is grazed down short, do they need hay? Or are they getting enough by eating the fresh shoots of grass as they are coming up?
Should I Feed my Horse Grass in the spring?
The big message is that while spring and summer horse feeding on grass might provide calories in abundance and boost protein levels, it is not more or less balanced from a mineral point of view than any other type of forage so it doesn’t make sense to rely on just calories to maintain optimum health in horses.
Should I Feed my horse grain?
Many pleasure and trail horses don’t need grain: good-quality hay or pasture is sufficient. If hay isn’t enough, grain can be added, but the bulk of a horse’s calories should always come from roughage. Horses are meant to eat roughage, and their digestive system is designed to use the nutrition in grassy stalks.
Do you need to feed horses in the summer?
Most horses' work levels increase during the summer but if your horse is out 24/7 on good grazing the energy from grass alongside micronutrients from a balancer should easily support this. However, if your horse is working harder, additional feed may be needed to meet increased energy demands.
What is the best feed for a hot horse?
The best hay source for providing plenty of fiber without much sugar is grass hay. If the horse is unable to maintain body weight on a straight grass hay diet, grain, fortified with vitamins and minerals, can be added gradually to satisfy his energy requirements.
What can you give a horse on a hot day?
In addition to shade, masks can help protect your horse from sunburns. Consider providing electrolytes to horses that have been sweating heavily or you expect to do so. If you add electrolytes to drinking water, also offer plain water. Some horses don't like the taste of electrolytes and will drink less.
What is the best feeding schedule for horses?
Horses should be fed a minimum of twice a day. Three or four times a day would be better. Feed horses according to their work schedule. If a horse is worked in the morning, feed it one-third of the concentrate and a small portion of hay in the morning and a larger portion of hay with the grain at the noon feeding.
Does alfalfa make horses hot?
Alfalfa hay will make a horse hot, or crazy. Not so, if fed appropriately. Alfalfa provides a significant amount of calories; however, an excess of calories in any form, whether from alfalfa, grain or oil, without the exercise to burn them, can result in an excessively energetic horse.
Which is better for horses rolled oats or whole oats?
Rolled oats have been completely flattened and are considered easier for horses to eat. Hulled oats have been removed from the husks and are the most nutritious option because everything you're feeding is pure oat seed.
How do horses stay cool in summer?
Turn horses out during late evening, night, and early morning hours to avoid the hottest part of the day. Provide shade with trees or run-in sheds. During the day, keep horses stalled and use fans, misting equipment, or natural breeze patterns to keep air moving and temperatures bearable.
How do horses stay cool in the summer?
Horse care in summerPlenty of water. It's really important to give your horses plenty of water all year round, especially in warmer weather. ... Shade. ... Prevent sunburn. ... Ride and travel during cooler times of the day.
What temperature is too hot for a horse?
When the temperature reaches 95◦ with 90% humidity (not uncommon in summer), the heat index is 185. This is too hot and it's dangerous for your horse to physically exert himself. Help your horse stay cool by keeping him in shade and keep the air moving.
Is it OK to feed horse grain once a day?
Feeding a horse grain once a day is fine, but horses need a steady supply of forage throughout the day to maintain their health. If your horse is kept in a stall, it's best to feed it hay twice a day in a slow feeder.
Should a horse be fed at the same time everyday?
While it's true that horses fed at regular times are conditioned to expect meals at certain times, it's a myth that horses need to eat at the same time every day. Research suggests that there's no physiological reason to stick to a strict feeding schedule.
Are slow feeders good for horses?
As their name suggests, they slow down the rate of consumption by providing hay through small openings. When slow feeders are kept full, they allow the horse to graze whenever he wants, thereby encouraging the horse to eat less and still have free access to forage."
What to feed a horse in hot weather?
Following are some feeding tips that can help to decrease the horse's heat load and increase the stamina and health of the show and performance horse during hot weather. Supplement electrolytes to hard-working horses: When horses sweat, the minerals they lose in the greatest amounts are sodium and chloride (commonly known as salt) and potassium. ...
What temperature should a horse be fed in the summer?
Most show and racing seasons occur during the summer season when we experience the hottest weather of the year. The horse has a thermal neutral zone of 68° F, which means that above or below this temperature he has to expend additional energy to warm or cool his body. The major means that the horse uses ...
Why is my horse tired?
One of the most common causes of fatigue in the performance horse is overheating. Keeping the horse well hydrated will insure an adequate amount of water in the horse's body to maintain normal sweating rates to maintain normal body temperature and prevent fatigue. Switch to a high-fat feed or add a high-fat supplement.
How much protein is in alfalfa hay?
Good quality alfalfa hay will contain 17% to over 20% crude protein, so limit the amount of alfalfa hay fed to a maximum of ten pounds daily, or use a good quality grass hay that tests 8 to 10% crude protein for total hay needs, or provide a mixed hay such as timothy/alfalfa or orchard grass/alfalfa that has an intermediate protein level. ...
Why is fat important for horses?
This is important during hot weather because reducing the heat load of the horse will reduce the energy needed to lower the body temperature, ...
How does a horse cool his body?
The major means that the horse uses to cool his body is accomplished by sweating. During hot weather and muscular activity, the horse's body temperature increases and he must increase his sweating rate and respiratory rate to decrease the heat load.
What is the BCS score for a horse?
A proper body condition score (BCS) for a performance or show horse is 4.5 to 5.5 on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0.
How long should horses be stabled?
Clare adds: “If stabled for more than four hours, they will need some forage provided, even if they are overweight, in order to avoid stomach problems. Use the ‘four hour fast’ rule as a guide. “Feeding hay can also help horses who suffer from digestive disturbance on too much or rich grass.
What happens if a horse's pasture is poor?
“If the pasture is poor quality, the horses on the pasture don’t appear to be thriving, include a mare supporting a foal, non-native breeds, equines in hard work, or the weather conditions are particularly ...
Can grass be eaten off in summer?
A paddock can look very short but in summer weather, the grass will still grow and be eaten off as it grows up,” says Kirsten. “This means that the newest shoots of grass, which are the most nutritious, are constantly being eaten.
Can a horse eat hay?
If they are overweight then only a small amount of hay should be fed, haynets can be doubled up so it takes a longer time for the horse to eat the hay and hay can also be soaked to reduce the sugar content,” explains Kirsten. “Ideally, hay should have a sugar content of 11% or less, and if a horse is overweight it should be fed no more than 1.5% ...
When is summer care for horses?
Summer Care For Horses. June 2020. Many horses will find hot weather uncomfortable, but the good news is there is plenty we can do to help keep them cool and reduce the risk of dehydration and colic.
How long does it take for a horse to acclimate to hot weather?
It takes 2-3 weeks of regular daily exercise in hot weather for a horse to acclimatise. Be mindful of your horse’s weight as overweight horses are ...
What causes a horse to scratch in hot weather?
Flies are another hot weather menace. If you can keep your horse in during the day and out at night then their exposure to flies can be reduced. Thin fly sheets and masks can help greatly. The saliva from the bite of Culicoides midges and potentially the black fly can cause an allergic reaction in some horses resulting in the condition known as Sweet Itch (also known as Insect Bite Hypersensitivity). Intense scratching can ensue to the extent that some horses will rub themselves raw.
What happens when a horse loses water?
Dehydration can occur when a horse loses more water (for example lost in sweat, breath, urine and droppings) than it takes in. Knowing what is normal for your horse is important so you know when your horse isn’t right. Signs of dehydration include:
What is the best way to keep midges from biting horses?
There are many fly repellent sprays and insecticides available but some are more effective than others. Products containing pyrethroid or permethrin are generally more effective in helping deter midges from biting.
How to reduce colic in horses?
Remember to introduce soaked/steamed hay into the diet gradually to reduce the risk of colic. Feed the hay as soon possible after soaking/steaming and dispose of any left by the horse. Avoid soaking hay in direct sunlight and for long periods of time in warm weather as it can encourage bacteria to grow.
Why do you need a clip for a horse?
If your horse has a thick coat (for example if suffering with Cushing’s Disease) then they may need a clip to prevent them from becoming too uncomfortable. Don’t forget to wear hi-viz if you are riding out. Even in bright sunshine, patches of shade can make it difficult for drivers to spot horses on the road.
Can horses eat human food?
While the nutritional needs of a horse are dependant on things like their age and workload some foods can be consumed by all horses regardless of any particular needs they have, whether as part of their daily diet or as occasional treats. There are so many ‘human’ foods that can help your horse which is why I thought I’d write this article.
Do watermelons help horses?
They have vitamin A that can help with eyesight (not that horses need much help with that ), vitamin C that can not only help to improve your horse’s immune system but also speed up the healing of wounds, and vitamin B1 and B6 that can help to give your horse ‘cool’ energy.
How to feed a horse grain?
Feed grain in small amounts and often 1 Every horse has different needs. Consider both their size and the amount of work they do when deciding how much they need to eat. 2 Consider the amount of hay or pasture your horse gets: Horses who are grazing on good pasture the majority of the day don’t need much hay, if any. Horses who don’t get much turnout or aren't on good pasture will need more hay, whether they are inside or out. 3 During winter or drought, supplement pasture grazing with hay. When the grass is thick and lush, you can cut back or eliminate hay rations completely, depending on available pasture. 4 With grain, less is always more, so start with a minimal amount and adjust as necessary. You’ll find the right balance of pasture, hay, and grain for your particular horse’s needs. 5 If the amount of work your horse is doing changes, be sure to adjust their food ration.
How much should a horse eat?
A horse should eat one to two percent of their body weight in roughage every day. Horses who spend much of their time in stalls aren’t doing much grazing, but their natural feeding patterns can be replicated by keeping hay in front of them for most of the day.
How long should you wait to feed a horse?
Ideally, you should wait an hour or so after your horse has finished a meal before riding them. If you’re going to do something really strenuous, it should be closer to three hours. A full digestive system gives the horse’s lungs less room to work, and makes exercise much harder on them. In addition, blood flow is diverted away from the digestive organs during periods of exertion, so gut movement slows and colic may be a real danger. When feeding a horse after work, let them cool down completely—their breathing rate should be back to normal, and their skin should not feel hot or sweaty.
What happens if a horse eats too much?
When a horse is fed too much at once, the food isn't digested as effectively . Every horse has different needs. Consider both their size and the amount of work they do when deciding how much they need to eat. Consider the amount of hay or pasture your horse gets: Horses who are grazing on good pasture the majority of the day don’t need much hay, ...
Why is it bad for horses to eat after work?
When feeding a horse after work, let them cool down completely—the ir breathing rate should be back to normal, and their skin should not feel hot or sweaty.
Do horses need grain?
Many pleasure and trail horses don’t need grain: good-quality hay or pasture is sufficient. If hay isn’t enough, grain can be added, but the bulk of a horse’s calories should always come from roughage. Horses are meant to eat roughage, and their digestive system is designed to use the nutrition in grassy stalks.
Do horses have to be on a consistent feeding schedule?
Horses should be kept on a consistent feeding schedule, with meals arriving at the same time each day. Most horses aren’t harmed by an abrupt change in schedule, but for horses who are prone to colic, a sudden change in routine can be more than an annoyance and might be enough to trigger a colic episode.
When do horses need fresh air?
Fresh Air: When the heat is too high, horses need more fresh air than normal . The air in the barn must be moved during summer. You can use fans to move the air and fill your barn with fresh air. Just pay attention to the horses’ safety when using the fans.
What are the things that annoy horses during the summer?
If you cannot change the schedule, just lighten the work. Minerals: When they sweat more, horses need more minerals for their body maintenance. Don’t forget to provide them some salt blocks in the paddock. Bugs: Mosquitos and flies are everywhere and annoy horses during the summer season.
What type of padding should I use for my horse?
Tack safety: As horses sweat more while exercising during the summer, you should prefer high-quality saddle pads and leg protection boots or wraps for their health. Make sure the saddle pad you use is made of 100% cotton to absorb the sweat and make sure material of the boots you use is breathable.
How to keep flies out of horse water?
To keep the flies from bothering your horse, muck out regularly, and consider using a fly mask or a fly rug.
How much water should a horse drink?
Hydration: For body maintenance, an average horse needs at least 5 gallons of water a day. This can easily double or triple when they’re working hard in hot weather, so make sure your horse is hydrated throughout summer.
What to do if your horse is out for a long ride?
If you are going out for a longer ride, consider the water need of your horse . Shade: If the horse lives outdoors or if he/she must be outside during the day time, provide shelter to relieve them. A run-in shed is the best option but trees can also provide cool shelter in hot weather.
Why do we love summer?
We all love summer because we have more time to ride and care for our horses in long summer days, but as responsible equestrians, we should pay attention to our horses’ health during this season. Just like humans, horses are sensitive to heat.
What is the best food for horses with insulin resistance?
We know that for horses sensitive to sugar or carbohydrates (e.g., horses with insulin resistance, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, etc.), building a diet on a good foundation of forage is especially important—the oats, corn, and barley that make up many feeds are 55-75% carbohydrate. Some grass hays are also too high in sugar ...
How long before work can you give horses alfalfa?
You might offer performance horses alfalfa an hour or two before work or competition, during which acid can splash up into the nonglandular part of the stomach (where the cells of the lining do not produce protective mucus). The simple act of chewing creates more saliva, which also helps buffer stomach acid, says Lea.
What weeds grow in alfalfa?
Even after you’ve selected good hay, it pays to check it for dust, mold, weeds, foreign objects, blister beetles, and dead animals as you feed it. Poisonous weeds that sometimes grow in alfalfa fields include ragwort, groundsels, Johnson grass, Sudangrass, water hemlock, and hoary alyssum.
What insects kill horses?
These flying insects—dead or alive—contain the toxin cantharidin, which can kill a horse if consumed in large amounts. Blister beetles feed on alfalfa blossoms and might swarm fields during harvest. Beetles killed by the haying equipment can end up in the hay.
Why do horses have a high potassium level?
These horses are affected by hyperkalemia, or an excessive amount of potassium in the blood, which causes their muscles to contract more readily than normal and makes them susceptible to sporadic episodes of muscle tremors or paralysis. These horses are particularly sensitive to alfalfa’s high potassium content.
Why does my horse have a urine smell?
A horse eating more protein than the body can use will also drink more water (to help flush out the additional waste products). This creates more urine and, thus, more ammonia odor. “Ammonia in stalls can irritate airways and make horses susceptible to respiratory problems,” says Duren.
Is alfalfa good for horses?
In some areas of the country, alfalfa is a regular part of life. It’s readily available and commonly fed, so it’s a logical foundation for many horses’ diets. In other areas, it is a delicacy of sorts, shipped in from different regions and bought a bale at a time on a vet’s recommendation to help certain horses that need nutritional support. ...