Keeping Your Horse Cool and Safe in Midsouth Heat

As the temperatures soar in Memphis, it is essential to know how to keep horses cool in summer as part of summer horse care. At Full Circle Equine, we understand the unique challenges the summer heat and unpredictable summer storms present. Therefore, we have compiled some essential tips to help you with keeping your horses cool, comfortable, and healthy during these sweltering days.

Tips for Keeping Horses Cool

1. Provide Plenty of Water: Hydration is essential. Ensure your horses have constant access to clean, cool water. Consider using automatic waterers or large, shaded troughs to keep the water from getting too warm.
2. Offer Electrolytes: Electrolyte supplements can help replenish the minerals lost through sweating. These can be added to your horse’s water or feed, especially if they have been doing any strenuous exercise.
3. Shelter and Shade: Ensure your horses can access shaded areas during incredibly sunny days. Even trees, run-in sheds, or a specially designed shade structure help with keeping horses cool.
4. Adjust Turnout Times: Turn your horses out during the cooler parts of the day. In Memphis, this means early morning or late evening. This act of summer horse care will help you minimize their exposure to the hottest midday temperature.
5. Misting Systems and Fans: At Full Circle Equine, we highly recommend utilizing fans in horse barns and stalls to improve air circulation. These misting systems also help lower the temperature in the barn and stalls, resulting in a cooling effect for your horses.
6. Cooling Baths: When trying to determine how to keep horses cool in summer, one of the most effective ways is to regularly hose them down with cool water, focusing on large blood vessels under their neck, legs, and belly. This will help dissipate heat quickly.

Heat-Related Illnesses to Watch Out For

1. Heat Stroke and Heat Stress: Symptoms include rapid breathing, lethargy, heavy sweating, and an increased heart rate. If not addressed right away, heat stroke can be fatal for horses. Be sure to move the horse to a shaded area and give them cool water, and then contact Full Circle Equine immediately.
2. Dehydration: Dehydration is just as dangerous for horses as it is for humans. Signs of dehydration in your horse include dry mucous membranes, prolonged skin tenting, and sunken eyes. If you suspect your horse may be dehydrated, give them an electrolyte supplement right away and make sure they drink plenty of water.
3. Anhidrosis: The condition of Anhidrosis is when your horse is not able to sweat, resulting in overheating. Symptoms include a high body temperature, lethargy, and a dry coat despite hot weather. Once again, in this scenario, it is best you contact us at Full Circle Equine immediately so we can ensure your horse returns to their usual and healthy temperament.

Additional Summer Horse Care Tips

During the summer months in Memphis, severe storms can appear suddenly. Beyond ensuring you are keeping your horses cool in summer, you should also have a plan in place in case a storm starts to brew. Here are some additional tips Full Circle Equine has compiled to ensure your horses stay safe during Memphis summers.

1. Secure Loose Objects: Secure or store away any loose objects that could become projectiles during strong winds. This includes tools, feed buckets, and other equipment.
2. Ensure Your Stable is Secure: Your barns and shelters need to be sturdy and capable of withstanding heavy rain and high winds. It is a good idea to regularly check the integrity of your structure and make repairs when needed.
3. Have an Emergency Plan in Place: Know where you will move your horses if their current shelter becomes unsafe, and ensure you have access to transportation for the horses and yourself if evacuation is necessary.
4. Lightning Safety: During thunderstorms, lightning can strike at any time. The best thing you can do is bring horses into a well-grounded shelter or barn. Avoid open fields as they are more susceptible to lightning strikes if left out.

By implementing these high temperate horse care tips, you can rest assured that your horses will likely remain safe and healthy. At Full Circle Equine, we are committed to supporting you in providing the best care for your equine companions. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer with your horses!