It’s no secret that Florida summers can get pretty hot. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. As temperatures climb and affect humans, they impact our animals as well. When it comes to keeping horses cool in extreme heat, a large, air-conditioned stable is one of the best ways to ensure your horse stays cool while the temperatures soar. Knowing the necessary facts about how hot is too hot, signs of a horse overheating, how to cool down a horse, and what a comfortable stable needs to keep a horse cool are some ways to make sure your horse stays healthy and cool for the summer, so you both can explore the beauty and natural landscape the area has to offer.
Ocala, Florida is officially known as the horse capital of the world. It is home to the largest number of horses and ponies in the United States. This includes nearly 35,000 thoroughbred horses. The Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is committed to a luxury lifestyle focused on you and your horse, and you’ll be among like-minded equine enthusiasts as long as you call the community home. Enjoy convenient access to your horse’s stable and miles of walking paths scattered throughout the neighborhood. You and your pride and joy don’t have to go far to enjoy a day of riding together.
What Temperature is Too Hot for a Horse?
Typically, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) combined with high humidity levels can greatly increase the risk for heat-related issues in horses. In the summer in Ocala, temperatures are known to climb into this range, and Florida days are normally known for high humidity. Ensuring that your horse has easy access to a shelter and not taking them out on hot summer days can help keep horses cool in extreme heat. Each day, check out the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, to estimate how hot it feels outside.
Severe heat stress in horses can cause colic, diarrhea, or collapse, making it necessary and important to check on your horses and keep them cool in the summer. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), if the total heat index number falls between 130 and 150, you should begin to monitor your horse for potential signs of heat stress. When the number falls between 150 and 180, it is critical to monitor for signs of heat stress or heat stroke.
Some signs that a horse may be experiencing heat stress include:
- Rapid breathing and flared nostrils at rest
- Increased heart rate
- Exhaustion or lethargy
- Dehydration
- Reduced feed intake
- Excessive sweating and hot skin
What Do Horses Do When They Overheat?
Horses will expend more energy to keep themselves cool. One thing you can do when it comes to learning how to keep horses cool in extreme heat is to keep a close eye on your horse and learn the signs of overheating:
- Hot skin to the touch
- Sweating profusely or less sweating than is normal
- Rapid heart rate or pulse that does not improve with rest from exercise
- Increased body temperature of more than 102°F
- Rapid breathing
- Stumbling
- Muscle weakness
- Dehydration, including signs of tacky mucous membranes, lack of skin elasticity or tent when you pull up from the body, lack of urination, and sunken eyes
Pay special attention to young and old horses because they are more susceptible to heat-related issues. It’s also a good idea to monitor horses that have had too little or too much recent exercise, as they may not be able to push themselves as well in hot temperatures.
How Do You Cool a Horse Down?
Horses will try and cool themselves down by sweating. However, experts believe that prolonged, consistently high sweat rates can lead to “exhaustion” of the sweat glands. According to Purina Mills, this could lead to anhidrosis, or the inability to adequately produce sweat. To avoid additional heat stress, postpone events such as vaccination, weaning, changing barns, and moving horses between groups. If any of these events must occur during the hottest days of summer, try to do them during the coolest hours of the day.
How to keep horses cool in extreme heat? Here are some ways to keep your horse comfortable and cool:
- Make sure horses always have access to gallons of water that is fresh and cool. Dark-colored troughs or buckets placed in direct sunlight absorb heat and warm the water quickly. It can be hard to see if algae have accumulated at the bottom in a dark-colored trough. Clean troughs and buckets regularly to avoid any debris buildup.
- Feeds sometimes don’t contain enough salt to meet a horse’s daily sodium requirement. Consider top-dressing your horse’s feed with 2 ounces of plain salt daily. During the summer, one way to cool a horse down is to switch to a quality electrolyte that will supply important minerals, including potassium and calcium, in addition to salt, that horses lose through sweat. The best electrolytes will mostly be minerals, not sugar.
- Limit how much time your horse spends outside when it’s extremely hot and postpone events, such as vaccination, changing barns, weaning, and moving horses between groups
- Ensure that your horse has easy access to adequate shelter
Horse Barn Must Haves
For horse owners who are thinking about how to keep horses cool in extreme heat, considering a Florida horse property for sale is one way to ensure that your horse will always be nearby to check on. The open and clean stables at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club feature all of your horse barn must-haves, including an air-conditioned office and tack room, automatic water, rubber mats, fans, and an exterior wash area. Each stall also includes rubber mats. In the main stable, aisle security is provided around the clock. The stables overlook the all-weather footing arena, lush paddocks, and miles of bridle paths throughout the community.
The equestrian center partners with world-class veterinary and dental providers to ensure horses are in their best possible shape. Golden Ocala boarding members also have the option to contact private providers.
Florida Horse Properties for Sale
If an exclusive atmosphere dedicated to the ultimate equestrian lifestyle enjoyed by both horse and rider sounds like you, there are 10 beautifully designed neighborhoods in the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club available to choose from. They all cater to an elite lifestyle paired with upscale amenities and activities for everyone, including your horse. If you’re contemplating moving to Central Florida and you’re wondering how to keep your horses cool in extreme heat, you’ll rest easy knowing they’re safe and well cared for at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.
When the weather is agreeable, your horses will be nearby, and you can enjoy the day and check out the bridle paths scattered around the Golden Ocala community. You’ll always enjoy coming home to your own personal sanctuary in the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Contact us today to start living the ultimate equestrian experience in your luxury dream home.