Hot weather safety advice

BHS reminds horse owners to be extra vigilant during soaring temperatures

As temperatures soar across the UK, the leading equestrian charity, British Horse Society (BHS), is urging horse owners to take extra care to protect their horses during periods of hot weather.

The charity is highlighting the risks posed by high temperatures, including dehydration, heat stress, and reminding owners of the importance of providing plenty of cool, fresh water, shade and appropriate management to help horses stay comfortable.

Gemma Stanford, Director of Horse Care and Welfare at British Horse Society, says: “During hot weather, it is important that horse owners take proactive steps to keep their horses comfortable and healthy. Horses can be affected by heat in a number of ways, and poor management can lead to dehydration and severe lethargy.
“If we think about the steps we would take to protect ourselves in the heat – drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade and reducing strenuous activity – many of these principles apply to horses too.

“It is important to increase your horse’s access to clean, fresh water to help prevent dehydration. Horses may drink significantly more than usual in hot weather, particularly if they are sweating heavily.

“For horses that are losing a lot of fluid through sweating, electrolytes may be considered to help support replacement of essential salts. However, they should be introduced carefully and gradually, and if electrolytes are added to water, a separate supply of plain fresh water should always be available.”

BHS also advises that:

Horses should be cooled down regularly during hot weather. Washing or hosing can help reduce body temperature; if you are using water to cool a horse, there is no need to scrape the water off afterwards.
Exercise should be carried out during the cooler parts of the day where possible Consider reducing the intensity of work, allowing plenty of breaks, and avoiding unnecessary exertion during peak temperatures.
Horses should always have access to shade and shelter. Where facilities allow, horses may benefit from being stabled during the hottest parts of the day, provided the stable remains cool, well ventilated and comfortable.
Horses with thicker coats, particularly those with Cushing’s disease, may benefit from clipping to help them remain comfortable during warm weather. Clipping should be managed appropriately to suit the individual horse.
Sun cream should not be overlooked – apply a high-factor SPF sun cream liberally to sensitive areas, such as the nose and other areas with less pigmentation.
Fly protection should be considered to reduce irritation and stress caused by insects.
Where possible, try to maintain your horse’s usual routine. Sudden changes can increase stress levels and may contribute to digestive issues, including an increased risk of colic.
Owners should familiarise themselves with the signs of heat stress and seek veterinary advice immediately if they have concerns.
Signs of heat stress can include excessive sweating or a lack of sweating despite being hot, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, lethargy, weakness, unsteadiness, confusion, reduced appetite, or a horse appearing distressed or unable to recover after exercise.

For further information and advice on exercising, travelling and competing in hot weather, visit here.

If you have any concerns for a horse’s welfare or would like advice about your own horse, British Horse Society’s Horse Care and Welfare team offers free advice; contact them on 02476 840517 or email welfare@bhs.org.uk.

Further detailed information about how to care for horses in the heat can be found on the BHS website here.