After the relentless rain this year's spring has thrown us, the majority of us are rather excited to see the sunshine. With a heatwave on the horizon, it's important to remember that our four-legged-friends need a helping hand to keep cool when the sun is at it's hottest.
Whereas we can glug iced water, stand in front of the office fridge or have the fan on full blast, our equine chums can do no such thing. Read PADDOX's helpful list of hints and tips to keep them cool this summer.
1. If turned out 24/7, make sure there's some sort of shade so there's respite from the worst of the sun. If you don't have a shelter, and there's no natural shade, then erect a canopy using sheets and poles.
2. If your horse is usually stabled overnight and turned out during the day, consider switching this so that they can be indoors during the hottest part of the day, escaping both the heat and the flies.
3. Ensure there's a supply of fresh, clean water available at all times and move to a shaded area if need be. If your horse is a reluctant drinker then consider adding some chopped apple to the water bucket as it will encourage drinking.
4. If your horse is turned out during the hotter parts of the day then remember their fly rugs and choose a fly mask with UV protection. Consider wetting the rug to provide some cooling comfort. This can be done at points throughout the day.
5. Whilst we wouldn't recommend travelling during the hottest part of the day, if you have no choice but to load your horses, then try to do so at the beginning or end of the day when it's cooler.
6. If you do travel, then make sure all windows are open and you plan for regular water stops. Upon arrival, find a place to park with shade and make sure water is available.
7. Most stabled horses love a fan almost as much as we do so if you can safely rig up a fan outside their stable they will be hugely grateful for the gentle breeze.
8. Try to ride super early in the morning; not only do you escape the flies and hottest part of the day but you also benefit from the peacefulness and calm an early start affords.
9. Most importantly, enjoy the summer, and keep your much loved horses and ponies in cool comfort at the same time.
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