Horse Heatwave Tips: How to Keep Horses Cool in Hot Weather

With temperatures set to soar this weekend across the UK, it’s the perfect time to make sure your horse is comfortable, healthy, and safe in the heat. Whether you’re heading out hacking, competing, or simply managing daily turnout, preparing for hot weather with horses is essential during a summer heatwave.

From hydration and fly protection to cooling routines and stable management, here’s everything you need to know to help your horse cope during hot weather.

How Hot Weather Affects Horses

Horses can struggle in extreme heat just like humans. High temperatures combined with humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, heat stress, and heat exhaustion - especially in horses working harder than usual.

Common signs of heat stress in horses include:

• Excessive sweating
• Increased breathing rate
• Lethargy or reluctance to move
• Elevated temperature
• Dry gums or dehydration
• Loss of appetite

If your horse shows signs of overheating, move them into shade immediately, offer cool water, and begin gradual cooling with water and airflow.

Keep Horses Hydrated During Hot Weather

One of the most important aspects of horse care during a heatwave is hydration.

Top hydration tips for horses:

• Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times
• Regularly check troughs and buckets throughout the day
• Add electrolytes after exercise or excessive sweating
• Soak feeds to increase water intake
• Offer wet mash feeds for additional hydration

Some horses can drink significantly more during hot weather, so it’s important to monitor water levels closely.

Electrolytes can be a real game changer during hot weather, especially for horses that are sweating more through exercise, turnout, travel, or competition. When horses sweat, they lose essential minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium - all of which are vital for hydration, muscle function, and recovery. Replenishing these lost salts can help support performance, encourage drinking, and reduce the risk of dehydration during a heatwave.

Popular options include the Nourish Ultimate Electrolytes for daily maintenance, while products like NAF Electro Lytes Liquid are ideal for adding directly to feed or water during hotter days or after heavy sweating. For horses competing or travelling, a syringe option offers a quick and convenient paste option designed to support hydration and recovery on the go.

Adjust Turnout Times During a Heatwave

During hotter weather, consider changing your horse’s turnout routine.

Best turnout practices in hot weather:

• Turn horses out overnight or early morning
• Avoid midday sun where possible
• Provide access to natural shade or field shelters
• Access to fresh water is always crucial
• Use UV fly rugs and fly masks 

This helps reduce exposure to peak temperatures and biting insects.

Cooling Your Horse Safely

After exercise or time spent in the heat, proper cooling is essential.

How to cool down a horse in hot weather:

1. Hose the horse with cool water
2. Scrape excess water away
3. Repeat until the horse’s temperature lowers
4. Walk in shaded areas with airflow

Modern guidance recommends continual cooling with water rather than avoiding cold water completely - especially during extreme heat.

Should You Ride Horses in Hot Weather?

Riding during a heatwave may need adjusting depending on temperature and humidity levels.

Tips for exercising horses safely in hot weather:

• Ride early morning or late evening
• Reduce intensity and duration of work
• Take regular walk breaks
• Avoid hard ground conditions
• Monitor recovery carefully post-exercise

For some horses, particularly older horses, young horses, or those with underlying health conditions, lighter work or rest days may be the best option.

Don’t Forget Fly Protection

Hot weather often brings increased flies and irritation for horses.

Summer fly essentials:

• Fly rugs and fly masks
• Fly sprays and repellents
• Stable fans for airflow
• Regular poo picking in fields
• Clean water areas to reduce insects

Keeping horses comfortable from flies can also help reduce stress during hot weather.

Stable Management During Hot Weather

Keeping stables cool during a heatwave can make a huge difference.

Ways to keep your stable cooler:

• Maximise airflow with open doors and windows
• Use stable fans safely
• Avoid over-bedding
• Keep stables clean and dust-free
• Provide salt licks to encourage hydration

If your horse is stabled during the day, ventilation becomes even more important.