Support for horses in hot weather

Heat can take a lot out of our horses (and us). In many parts of the country, heat mixes with humidity (known as the heat index), which can slow the evaporation of sweat. This interferes with the body’s natural cooling process. When body temperature increases, heat cramps and exhaustion are possible.

Humid conditions can affect breathing patterns and can trigger the release of allergens (e.g. mold), which further irritate the airways.

When dealing with high temperatures in a dry climate, the chances of dehydration and heat exhaustion greatly increase.

Warmbloods, Coldbloods, and (some) Quarter Horses

These horses may literally run out of gas in hot weather. Even warmbloods with a lot of Thoroughbred or Selle Français in their bloodlines can have reduced energy and less muscle efficiency in hot weather.

Metabolic horses

Horses that are overweight – or horses with metabolic dysfunction in any breed – can have a difficult time in hot weather.

High heat and stress

High heat increases physical and emotional stress, which affects the adrenal-gut-brain axis. When this happens, the adrenal gland pumps out more cortisol, the stomach makes more acid, and the microbiome balance in the GI tract is disturbed. On top of all of that, the horse can mentally overreact and/or become reluctant in work.

Necessities in the toolbox

Water: This seems obvious, but some horses don’t drink well if they are even mildly dehydrated. Sometimes an extra bucket of water with added ingredients can increase the horse’s desire to consume more water, such as soaked alfalfa or timothy cubes and carrot or apple slices.

Electrolytes: These critical minerals (and salt) are a necessity. There was a time when electrolytes were only given in summer. These days, horse owners around the world offer electrolytes year round.

Salt: Adding Celtic sea salt to the horse’s diet provides electrolytes, trace minerals, and, of course, salt. I personally prefer Celtic sea salt over straight electrolyte supplements.

It’s important to note that salt blocks/free choice salts should be given in addition to Celtic sea salt and/or electrolyte supplements. However, be sure to practice caution with Himalayan salts, as the iron content is not the best choice for metabolic horses.

 
Hay: Steamed hay is a great option for horses that are more prone to dehydration.

Gut support

When dealing with the effects of heat, the horse’s body will redirect blood flow from the GI tract to the large muscles to enhance the cooling process. This can cause a weakness in the gut lining (with cells losing their tight connections) and can create an imbalance of the microbiome in the gut.

Adding active bacteria strains from soil based organisms (SBOs), such as Bacillus subtilis, can kill endotoxin-releasing bacteria and help support the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract.

Antioxidant support

In hot weather, horses inhale more oxygen in order to meet the oxygen demand of their muscles. Oxidative stress occurs from the imbalance of free radical molecules and antioxidant defenses, and it can contribute to muscle fatigue, poor performance, and inflammation.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E, CoQ10, zinc, copper, and selenium can help alleviate oxidative stress.

Muscle recovery support

After physical activity (e.g. showing, training, or even a leisure trail ride), and once the horse’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing have decreased, the horse will want to eat. Make sure your horse has forage available; there is some evidence that giving a small amount of feed within a one to four hour time frame after exercise in hot weather is beneficial for muscle glycogen restoration.

Note: Horses don’t replenish glycogen as quickly as humans. It can take up to 72 hours to fully replenish depleted glycogen.

A mash made of quality proteins, like alfalfa, helps hydrate and support muscle recovery. Some research suggests that diets with higher protein help replenish glycogen stores more quickly.

Rest is the time of healing and repair within the body. Never underestimate how important undisturbed rest is to your horse after training or competition.

Whole food treats for hot weather

If you are looking for hot weather treats for your horse, bananas are a great option. Bananas, with or without the skin, provide fiber and potassium, an important electrolyte. Note: Bananas are not recommended for HYPP horses.

Watermelon is not only tasty, but it’s also a great way to increase hydration – it is 92% water. This fruit provides the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline, which supports circulation via nitric oxide production.

Cucumbers, celery, and watermelon rinds serve as great whole food treats for metabolic horses and easy keepers.

Summer doesn’t last forever

While the sweat is running off our own bodies, just remember that the heat won’t last long, and we will be back to blanketing and wearing cold weather gear in no time!

BioStar tools for your Hot Weather Toolbox

Chi Tonic EQ™ is a liquid formula that helps move stagnation and can be particularly helpful for poor/non-sweaters. It also provides muscle energy, which benefits horses that lose their impulsion in hot weather. Can be used as needed.

Sunn-E 1000™ is a full-spectrum vitamin E liquid derived from sunflower oil. It provides all four vitamin E tocopherols.

Sym-Biota EQ™ is formulated with SBOs, plus humic and fulvic acids, to keep the tight junctions in the gut closed. It provides 50 billion CFUs per 4 ml. Can be used as needed.

Alixir EQ™ is a recovery-focused paste that helps support rehydration, muscle recovery at the cellular level, and a healthy GI tract. Can be used as needed.

Phoenix Q10™ supports the body’s cellular energy metabolism and post-exercise recovery process through Ubiquinol (CoQ10). It offers muscle energy support for overweight, metabolic, and hard working horses. Can be used as needed.

Hedgerow Pronto Paste™ provides GI tract support with Triphala (an Ayurvedic blend), fulvic and humic acids, manno-oligosaccharides (MOS), Bacillus subtilis (DE-111®), and five other active bacteria strains. It offers 200 billion CFU’s per serving, and it can used as needed.

About the Author: With over 30 years experience in the equine and human supplement industry, Tigger Montague knows nutrition from the synthetic side as well as the whole food side. She started BioStar US in 2006 with formulas she created in her kitchen. Before she started the company, she was an avid rider and competitor with eventing and show jumping, until she got hooked on dressage in the late 1980’s. She has competed on horses she’s owned and trained all the way from training level to Grand Prix.