Keeping Horses Cool in Texas

As horse owners in Texas, we all know the scorching summer heat can be tough on our equine friends. It’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure our horses stay cool and comfortable during the hot months. In this blog, we’re sharing some practical, everyday strategies we use at White Fences to help horses beat the heat.

Important note: We are not veterinarians, these are tips based on years of hands-on experience caring for horses in Texas year-round. Always consult your vet for personalized medical advice.

1. Provide Ample Shade and Shelter:
One of the most important ways to help your horses beat the heat is to ensure they have access to plenty of shade and shelter. Make sure your pastures have natural shade from trees or provide run-in shelters or shade structures to give your horses a break from the sun’s intense rays.

2. Offer Fresh Water at All Times:
Hydration is key to keeping your horses cool in hot weather. Make sure your horses have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider adding electrolytes to their water or feed to help replace the minerals they lose through sweat.  We feed our our school horses and client horses (when requested) electrolytes year-round. We have found this tecnique beneficial in keeping horses hydrated in the summer and winter.

3. Schedule Turnout and Riding Wisely:

Whenever possible, aim to schedule turnout and riding sessions during the cooler parts of the day, either early mornings or late evenings are your best bet. Avoid working horses during peak heat hours, typically between 12 PM and 5 PM, to reduce the risk of overheating.  If you do need to ride during the day, keep sessions short, offer plenty of walking breaks, and find shade whenever you can.

One huge benefit? A covered arena. At White Fences, we’ve noticed our covered arena consistently stays 10–15 degrees cooler than open areas, making a big difference in rider and horse comfort during summer lessons.

4. Use Cooling Techniques:
There are several cooling techniques you can use to help your horses beat the heat. Consider using fans in the barn or stables to improve air circulation. You can also hose your horse down with cool water or use wet towels to help lower their body temperature. Just make sure to scrape off excess water to prevent them from getting chilled.

5. Watch for Signs of Heat Stress:
It’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of heat stress in your horses. Symptoms may include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, lethargy, and dehydration. If you notice any of these signs, move your horse to a cooler area, offer water, and contact your veterinarian if necessary.

Conclusion:
Keeping your horses cool in the Texas heat requires extra care and attention, but with the right strategies, you can help your equine companions stay comfortable and healthy during the summer months. By providing shade, fresh water, strategic scheduling, cooling techniques, and monitoring for signs of heat stress, you can ensure your horses thrive even in the hottest of weather. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer with your beloved horses. Learn more about cooling horses safely in heat click here. This informative article from UC Davis Center for Equine Health.