For the past few days, we have been affected by an intense and lasting heat wave. Seaver gives you its 7 tips to help your horse to face the heat wave at best. Several regions have been placed on orange alert with temperatures well above normal. Just like us, horses suffer from the heat.

Whether they are in a stall or in a meadow, it is important to use common sense. Here are some tips to protect your pet in very hot weather.

1. Moisturise as much as possible

For horses, as for humans, hydration is essential. On average, your horse drinks between 20 and 40 liters of water a day. In hot weather, they can double their intake to up to 100 liters. So be sure to provide plenty of clean water. If your horse is in a stall, remember to check the condition of its drinking trough. It should always be full and clean, as water quickly stagnates in the heat. Beware, however, of very cool water, which can cause colic.

2. Give electrolytes

Despite hot weather and heavy sweating, some horses don't hydrate enough. Put a salt stone at your horse's disposal. Licking the salt will encourage your horse to drink more and prevent the risk of dehydration. You can also give him water with a little salt added, or electrolytes available from your vet or tack shop.

3. Shower regularly

Water is one of the best ways to cool your horse's body. To soothe him and lower his body temperature, shower him several times a day if necessary.

4. Think about comfort

If your horse lives in a meadow, make sure it can shelter from the sun under trees or a shelter. For horses living indoors, keep stable doors or stall shutters slightly ajar to keep the heat out while allowing air to circulate. Fans are an excellent way of keeping the air moving in the stables, but use them judiciously. If you can, take your horse outside at night. That way, he'll benefit from the cool night air, and be less disturbed by insects.

5. Apply sunscreen

Some horses are more sensitive to the sun than others, especially those with skin depigmentation, known as ladre. These horses are more likely to sunburn and need to be protected from UV light. Therefore, protect them with sun cream factor 50 on the affected areas (tip of the nose, barnacles).

6. Protect it from insects

In high temperatures, horses self-regulate their body heat by sweating. This sweat is particularly appreciated by insects such as flies, mosquitoes and horseflies, as it is very salty. To help protect your horse, consider insect repellents, masks or anti-insect shirts.

7. Limit your efforts

It is best to slow down the pace of work with your horse. High temperatures combined with exercise could put your horse's health at risk. Ideally, you should keep your sessions shorter, at the least hot times and monitor your horse's heart rate closely (it should be around 120 bpm). It is advisable to use the riding arena rather than the arena. This is also an opportunity to go for a walk to cool off in the undergrowth.

See you soon for another article,

The Seaverteam