How to Keep Your Horse Cool While in a Horse Float
The summer heat and humidity can be more than uncomfortable for horses. Every year, some horses lose their lives to heat strokes. Moreover, other struggles may come with the hot summer weather, such as weakness due to colic or abdominal pain due to hot weather.
What is a Horse's Normal Body Temperature?
Knowing the horse's normal body temperature is crucial since it can help owners get important medical treatment when needed. Horses' normal body temperature is 98.5 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and their temperature can rise as they exert themselves. To avoid reaching temperatures that can damage their brains and organs, they must be able to get rid of that heat and keep cool.
How to Keep Your Horse Cool While In a Horse Float
Here are some ways to help keep a horse cool while travelling in a horse float, especially during summer months.
Plan the Trip Wisely
Horse owners should plan their trips wisely, scheduling them in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Moreover, they should avoid the midday heat when travelling.
Check the Weather Forecast Before Travelling
It is also an essential tip for horse owners to check the weather forecast before making any travel plans. For the horse's safety and comfort, horse owners must ensure that they are not travelling during extreme heat warnings or adverse weather conditions.
Ensure Hydration
Horse owners must also ensure a consistent and clear, cool water source for the horse at all times while travelling. Horses need to drink water so they can regulate their body temperature during extreme heat. Moreover, drinking clean water helps horses prevent dehydration while on the road.
Consider Providing Electrolytes
If the horse is accustomed to electrolytes, letting them drink some before travel can help them maintain hydration levels. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium also have various benefits for horses, such as ensuring normal nerve function and regulating acid-base balance for metabolic processes. This also aids in the quick access recovery of energy stores and lessens the risk of heat stress, which can lead to serious health concerns if not addressed.
Ensure Proper Airflow in the Horse Float
It is also crucial to check if the horse float is well-ventilated. Horse owners can use vents, windows, and air slots to maximise airflow for the horse and keep it fresh and cool while on the road.
Moreover, horse owners can install battery-operated or solar-powered fans inside the float for air circulation. They must ensure that the fans are securely fastened and not blowing directly into the horse's eyes.
Insulate the Horse Float
If the horse needs to travel frequently in hot weather, horse owners must consider insulating the straight load float and walls. Doing so helps reduce heat transfer and maintain a cooler interior. Keeping the horse float from becoming excessively hot helps prevent horses from suffering heat stress that can lead to serious health issues.
Meanwhile, in colder climates, insulation in the horse float can help keep the interior warmer. This provides a more comfortable environment for the horse while travelling in a gooseneck float or other types of floats. It is also essential as this helps prevent horses from experiencing hypothermia or chills during long journeys.
Wet Down the Horse Before Loading Them in the Horse Float
Spraying the horse lightly before loading helps them keep cool through evaporation. However, horse owners must avoid soaking the horse completely. Doing so can trap heat in the horse's body once evaporation stops.
Use Cooling Gear When Travelling in a Horse Float
Horse owners can consider using cooling blankets and bandanas that can be soaked in water. This can help keep the horse's body temperature down while travelling.
Monitor the Horse's Temperature While Travelling
It can be helpful for horse owners to monitor the horse's temperature by placing thermometers in the float. Some have remote monitoring that horse owners can check from the driver's seat.
Stop Regularly to Check the Horse's Condition
When travelling, it is crucial to make frequent stops every two to three hours to check the horse's condition and offer water. Some horses prefer to drink from familiar buckets, so homeowners can opt to bring one from home where they can drink while on the road.
Reduce Travel Stress for the Horse
Horse owners can reduce travel stress for their horses by keeping the float ride as smooth as possible. It is crucial to avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and rough roads, as these road conditions can cause stress to the horse.
Provide Immediate Care for the Horse After the Journey
Upon arriving at the destination, horse owners must unload the horse promptly and allow it to cool down in the shade. Moreover, they should check the horse's vital signs, such as temperature, respiration, and heart rate and ensure they return to normal levels shortly after stopping.
Allow Ample Time for the Horse to Rest
It is vital to give the horse plenty of time to rest and recover from the journey, especially if it is long and hot. Travelling in a horse float can be physically challenging for horses as they need to balance themselves constantly during the journey. Moreover, it can be stressful as long travel can lead to anxiousness or nervousness.
Allowing the horse to rest after a long travel in a horse float enables their muscles to recover and lessen the risk of injuries. Moreover, this also helps the horse relax and reduce stress levels, which is vital for its overall well-being.
Ensure Safe Transit For Your Horse Today With the Help of EuroFloat
Following these helpful tips can reduce the risk of a horse overheating during transport. The key to ensuring that the horse is keeping cool is thorough preparation, constant monitoring, and immediate action for any signs of distress. Travelling with a horse in a horse float in hot weather requires the right approach that helps ensure that the horse's journey is safe and comfortable.
If you are looking for the best horse float, EuroFloat is a reputable supplier of a wide range of horse floats in Australia. Learn more about our products, which are based on advanced European-influenced designs that fit the rugged Australian environment, through our official website. With over 20 years of experience with importation, distribution, and sales, we can proficiently deliver your float and accommodate after-sales queries and support.
References:
https://horseandrider.com/horse-health-care/six-cool-down-strategies-for-your-horse-20190/
