Hydrating your horse in summer
In summer, temperatures rise considerably. A climatic change can be hard on your horse, who can drink up to 80 liters of water per day during the summer months.
As a responsible horse owner, it’s essential to understand the importance hydration of horses, and to know how to ensure their well-being.
Hydrating the horse: a crucial question
Water accounts for 70% of a horse’s body mass.
A figure that perfectly underlines the importance of keeping the horse hydrated.
Water is necessary to maintain normal body temperature and prevent heat stroke and prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal in horses.
Good to know: horses can develop heatstroke above a body temperature of body temperature of 41.5°C.
Hydration promotes the proper functioning of vital organs, supports the immune system immune system and improves digestion.
It may sound obvious, but your horse needs access to fresh, clean water at all times. clean water at all times.
The best option is to offer him water in a clean bucket or trough, which should be filled regularly throughout the day. regularly throughout the day.
Tip: if your horse finds it difficult to stay hydrated, the salt stone can encourage the horse to drink more.
Recognizing the signs of dehydration in horses
Recognizing the signs of dehydration in your horse can enable you to to react quickly.
Here are just a few warning signs
– dry or sticky mucous membranes
– difficulty recovering from exercise;
– dark, infrequent urine
– pale gums;
– reduced appetite.
To avoid this, follow our advice and pay close attention to the amount of water your horse’s water intake.
Note: normal consumption is between 25 and 45 liters of water per day, but this may vary according to the size of the horse, the outside temperature and the physical activity during the day.
Hydrating your horse: our advice
Hydration before and after exercise
Whether it’s a walk or an exercise, encourage your horse to drink water. With sufficient hydration, he’ll recover quickly after exercise.
Please note: you can adapt your work sessions and exercise times to prevent your horse from becoming dehydrated
An electrolyte supplement
Horses can lose up to 15 liters of sweat per hour. Excessive sweating loss of essential electrolytes.
This is why supplementation can be considered, but always ask your equine your equine veterinarian to determine the quantities.
It's better in the shade!
Provide your horse with a shady shelter to keep him out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
This will keep him cool and limit his perspiration.
Give your horse a shower
A shower is an excellent way to lower your horse’s body temperature.
your horse’s body temperature. After exercise or simply when it’s very hot, it’s just as pleasant for your horse as it is for you.
is just as pleasant for your horse as it is for you. It’s a real moment of sharing.
A little extra: swimming by the sea is also a great way to prevent dehydration and have a good time.
A balanced diet
Hydration is also part of the equine diet. Make sure you give your horse a balanced diet, rich in quality forage.
You can also give preference to water-rich foods such as cucumbers and watermelon you’ll be sure to please!
When the sun isn’t shining as hard, give preference to fresh grass, which also contains a certain amount of water.
Adequate hydration is vital to your horse’s health and well-being. We urge you to anticipate dehydration by applying these simple daily gestures, which can greatly alleviate and improve the comfort of your equine companion.
And to take even better care of your horse, we invite you to read our article on how to protect your horse from insects during the summer.