Don’t let cooler weather catch your horse off guard
Is fall finally here!? 🍂 In Southern Arizona, we’ve been battling 100°+ days for the last 3 weeks… ick.
But there is hope on the horizon! The forecast is calling for a huge temperature drop at the tail end of this week and I, for one, cannot wait.
We might be ready for this welcome temperature drop, but are our horses!?
Sudden temperature changes can be detrimental to our equine partners. These drastic temperature changes are known to cause stress, dehydration, colic and even ulcers.
We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we help our horses adjust to these unexpected temperature changes. Here are some simple tips you can implement today to help your horse be ready for the temperature dip later this week.
Add more forage, but avoid major feed changes.
Horses have a fickle digestive tract to begin with and it’s compounded during weather changes. You may want to offer additional forage (hay) overnight to help your horses create more gut fermentation to stay warm - but avoid adding in new feed (e.g. switching from bermuda to alfalfa) until the weather stabilizes.
Consider lightweight blanketing for clipped, elderly, or underweight horses.
If you have a horse that is body clipped, a senior citizen, or is underweight - consider blanketing when the temperature dips below 50-60° (use your best judgement). Sometimes this can be tricky and means going out to the barn at 11pm to blanket and 7am to unblanket… avoid putting blankets on prematurely in the evening when the temperature is still warm or leaving blankets on too late into the morning after the sun comes up. Allowing your horse to get too hot can be just as detrimental as allowing them to get too cold.
Monitor water intake.
Many horses will not drink enough water during sudden temperature changes which can lead to dehydration and colic. Starting today and going until the temperature stabilizes, give your horse electrolytes daily so that they can build up their hydration and be encouraged to drink throughout the weather changes. I personally love the Summer Games Electrolyte Paste - but there are many reputable powders and pastes on the market. Contact your veterinarian for their recommendation.
If your horse still isn’t drinking enough even with electrolytes, consider providing some soaked hay or a bucket of warm water to encourage them to get a little more moisture in their system.
Keep a consistent schedule.
Horses are creatures of habit. They like to know what to expect and when to expect it. Schedule changes can cause undue stress which can lead to digestive upset and colic. As much as possible, try to keep a consistent schedule during weather fluctuations. Allow the horse to maintain their usual riding, turnout, and feeding schedule.
In nature, horses are naturally designed to withstand very hot and very cold temperatures and quick fluctuations - it’s our domesticated horses that struggle. By following the steps above and keeping a close eye on your horse, you can ensure they are comfortable throughout the next week and any upcoming weather changes.
If you’ve followed these tips but still notice that your horse showing signs of distress like laying down more than usual, thrashing, lethargy, etc. - check their vitals (there’s a handy free printable reference chart for checking vitals at the end of my ‘Are you ready for an equine colic emergency?’ blog post) and contact your veterinarian.
If your horse is colicing, early identification and treatment is key!
