Post by Michelle Clarke on Jul 9, 2009 14:56:52 GMT -5
This has been a much discussed subject down in our area with temps well above 100 for so long - not normal, even for central Texas! Wondering what some others on this list do in the heat to help keep the horses cool and comfortable.
We get up and start working horses at 6am, feed, do chores until 11 or so. Then back out about 5, bring the mares/foals in (who want to be in thier stalls with the fans!!), feed and work more horses again around 7:30/8:00 until 10 -11. Since the foals are still shedding, they seem to get a little warmer, so I will give them a cool sponge bath if they seem extra miserable. We add himilayan salt to the feed and after a tough workout, we'll even syringe some epsons salts right in the mouth while they are still hot.
Some horses get hosed off and some we just take the hose and hold up the sprayer while they take turns getting under it. Some people throw frozen jugs of water into the troughs to keep the water cool, but I have visions of them littering the pasture as they become a new fun toy...!!! What we do is not use floats and fill the water daily so it stays fresh and cool.
Here is a guideline we adhere to daily around here:
HOT WEATHER RULES FOR RIDING
With the heat index increasing and the humidity as heavy as it is, be
sure to watch your horses.
If your total adds up to 180 or above don't ride, if it is 130-170 use
caution, 130 or below ride!
Determine: Temperature (F) + relative humidity (%) – wind speed
For example:
Temperature (F) 79
Relative Humidity (%) 58
Wind Speed 4.6 (MPH)
Answer = 132.4
Less than 130: All go—horses can function to cool themselves assuming
adequate hydration.
130 – 179: Caution—a horse's cooling mechanisms can only partially
function as intended. Some cooling management procedures will need to
be performed.
180 or above: Stop—a horse's cooling systems cannot and will not
function adequately. All cooling procedures will need to be utilized
We get up and start working horses at 6am, feed, do chores until 11 or so. Then back out about 5, bring the mares/foals in (who want to be in thier stalls with the fans!!), feed and work more horses again around 7:30/8:00 until 10 -11. Since the foals are still shedding, they seem to get a little warmer, so I will give them a cool sponge bath if they seem extra miserable. We add himilayan salt to the feed and after a tough workout, we'll even syringe some epsons salts right in the mouth while they are still hot.
Some horses get hosed off and some we just take the hose and hold up the sprayer while they take turns getting under it. Some people throw frozen jugs of water into the troughs to keep the water cool, but I have visions of them littering the pasture as they become a new fun toy...!!! What we do is not use floats and fill the water daily so it stays fresh and cool.
Here is a guideline we adhere to daily around here:
HOT WEATHER RULES FOR RIDING
With the heat index increasing and the humidity as heavy as it is, be
sure to watch your horses.
If your total adds up to 180 or above don't ride, if it is 130-170 use
caution, 130 or below ride!
Determine: Temperature (F) + relative humidity (%) – wind speed
For example:
Temperature (F) 79
Relative Humidity (%) 58
Wind Speed 4.6 (MPH)
Answer = 132.4
Less than 130: All go—horses can function to cool themselves assuming
adequate hydration.
130 – 179: Caution—a horse's cooling mechanisms can only partially
function as intended. Some cooling management procedures will need to
be performed.
180 or above: Stop—a horse's cooling systems cannot and will not
function adequately. All cooling procedures will need to be utilized
