Welcome to August – the peak of summer. Whether you are heading to the next Barrel Race, or kicking back in a horse camp in the redwoods, we hope you are enjoying your equestrian lifestyle.
With the recent weather here in Northern California, horse owners are more than aware of the heat! When temperatures are in the triple-digits, it doesn’t take long for heat stress to quickly turn dangerous, especially when exercising. Avoiding heat stress is our job as our horse’s caretakers, so learning the symptoms and what to do to cool your horse down could be life-saving.
Horses are the only mammal other than humans, that cool themselves primarily by sweating. Problems develop during hot, humid weather when the sweat doesn’t evaporate and adequate cooling can not take place. This results in heat stress, which can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke. Learn the signs and symptoms of Heat Stress in horse, and how to respond in this comprehensive article, Heat Stress in Horses, courtesy of the AQHA.
Be prepared to keep your horses healthy in hot weather by providing water at all times. Don’t forget to check the temperature of the water in your trough or drinker. Water lines that are exposed to sunlight can be delivering scalding hot water into your horse’s bucket! Consider using electrolytes prior to riding, trailering or when the temperatures soar. Farnam’s Apple Elite Electrolyte come in power, pellets or a handy 60cc tube 
– perfect to keep in your trailer first aid kit. Make sure there is a thermometer in the kit too! If your horse is in a stall or small pen, adding some misters and a fan can cool off the air and some horses love to stand under them. (First Aid supplies, thermometers and misters are all available at Rainbow!) If your horses are out on pasture, make sure they have shade available, especially during the hot parts of the day.
Traveling is a particularly dangerous time. While you are enjoying the AC in the truck cab, the trailer might be reaching dangerous temperatures. Many vets recommend not hauling your horse at all when outside temps are over 90 degrees but sometimes it is unavoidable. Depending on your trailer’s insulation and venting, when the horse sweats and radiates heat, there is nowhere for that heat to go. Check on your horses often as you travel.
Get tips on trailering your horse in hot weather in this article, courtesy of Western Horseman Magazine.
There’s many reasons to be on the road in the summer! Fairs, Shows, Rodeos, Trail Rides – Check out the Rainbow Equine Department for everything you need, from hay nets, buckets, hoses, grooming supplies and supplements.
Don’t miss this month’s Subscriber Coupon either – 20% off any Farnam Fly Spray! Good until August 31! Download the Coupon Here!
If you are ready to stock up on hay, check out the new LOWER hay prices too! Don’t forget to treat yourself too – Tees, hats, shorts and jeans for every member of your family, right at Rainbow!
Trivia –
Last month we asked, which Purina Ambassador would be competing on the United States of America team in the 3-Day Eventing? The answer is 4-time Olympian, Boyd Martin and his mount, Federman B – or, “Bruno,” who jumped a clear round on July 29 in the Show Jumping. (They placed 10th individually, and the USA Team placed 7th.)
Our Trivia winner is Gene Dowdy.
Still to come is the Dressage Competition which began on July 30 with the final events on August 4th. Meet the Dressage Team at US Equestrian. Go USA!
The August question is (fill in the blank), Horses are the only mammal other than _________, that cool themselves primarily by sweating.