As with people, The horses suffer the consequences of the heat wave that Spain has recently ravaged. Summer brings with it a very intense heat, humidity and proliferation of insects. They are factors that directly affect the comfort, tranquility and health of horses. In order to guarantee your integral well -being during these months it is important to pay attention to your Hydration, sun protection, ventilation, cooling, insect control and general maintenance.
Horses need a permanent supply of clean and fresh water. Under normal conditions, they consume between twenty -five and thirty liters per day, but in summer this amount can increase according to the exercise, the temperatures of the area and the environmental humidity. Water must be at a good temperature to encourage consumption, neither too cold nor very hot. It is important to always make available several access points, while cleaning drinking fountains frequently to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria. Adding salt or electrolytes formulated for horses can help and be beneficial, but there must always be natural water as an alternative, since some horses can drink less or reject it if they do not like the taste.
As in humans, the Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause burns in horsesespecially in clear or depigmented areas. Tordos (White) animals, albinos and pearls are the most sensitive to rays. To prevent burns, the horse must have shadow areas. Trees, shelters or sheds are a good option. On the other hand, there are sunscreens designed for them. They must be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of use and frequency of application.
Flies are another problem in summer. They stalk the horses, bother them for much of the day and put their eggs in their mucous membranes. The anti-we are helped and sprayed with them if the horse is left, or their product is applied with a cloth. There are anti-insect blades in the market that create a barrier against them. The horses defend themselves from the flies moving their tail to scare them and that is why the Colinos (tail cut at the massel) spends it worse on these dates.
Extreme heat and high humidity hinder the evaporation of sweat and animal cooling. By pure common sense, maximum heat hours and move training at the time of the day where the intensity of the sun is lower should be avoided. The facilities must be well ventilated and allow a constant air flow, with open doors and windows. If this possibility does not exist, fans can always be arranged in the blocks.
After training it is usual for the horse to sweat. To allow the heart rate to fall, the horse must be made quietly. From then on you could start with your cooling by sponges and fresh water. In this way it is done gradually, avoiding sudden changes in temperature. Once this step has been done, it is when the horse can be shower.
Heat can also make horses lose their appetite. They can be offered moistened hay to improve their hydration, in addition to maintaining a balanced ration of salt and electrolytes. The latter helps you replenish lost salts with sweat. If the horse has signs of fatigue, dehydration, a lot of sweating or lethargy, it is important to consult with the veterinarian to avoid major problems.
Maintain one Daily hygiene routine It favors cutaneous health. A good brushing serves to clean dust, sweat and favor its circulation. On the other hand, cleaning the helmets several times a day prevents infections. While these actions are performed, you can be attentive to look for wounds or signs of discomfort that the horse can manifest.
In summer competitions in Spain are usually focused more towards the northern zone due to their softer temperatures and there are even riders who choose to transfer their blocks to Europe until the climate softens again.
