Australian summers can be intense, and when you combine exercise with high temperatures or humidity, your horse could be at significant risk of overheating.
Understanding the signs of overheating in horses, knowing how to prevent horse heatstroke, and following the right cooldown routine after exercise are essential parts of responsible horse care.
Exercising Your Horse in Summer
When exercising your horse in summer, shorter rides, lighter work and smarter timing go a long way. Aim for the cooler parts of the day – typically before 10am or after 5pm – while the middle of the day (especially midday to 3pm) should be avoided.
This isn’t the season for hard gallops or pushing fitness goals.
Opt for relaxed hacks, light schooling or gentle trots instead and keep checking in with your horse as you ride. If they’re breathing harder than usual, feeling sluggish or just not themselves, that’s your cue to call it early.
Humidity matters too. Even if the temperature doesn’t feel extreme, sticky conditions make it harder for horses to cool through sweating. When in doubt, ease up, or skip the ride altogether.
How to Define ‘Light Work’ for Horses
There are measurable markers for ensuring your horse is undertaking ‘light work’. You're aiming to keep your horse's heart rate below 120-140 bpm during work (their average bpm should be around 80 when in light work), with sessions capped at around 20-30 minutes of active riding.
Their recovery heart rate should drop below 60 bpm within 10 minutes of stopping. If it's taking longer, you've pushed too hard for the conditions. Stick to walk and steady trot work, with minimal cantering unless your horse is exceptionally fit and the day is mild.
How to Prevent Overheating
A few small changes can dramatically lower the risk of overheating:
- Ride at cooler times of day and avoid peak heat
- Stick to shaded trails or arenas where possible
- Build in frequent rest breaks
- Offer cool (not icy) water regularly
- Consider electrolyte supplements – but only when needed
Does Your Horse Need Electrolytes?
Your horse doesn’t always need electrolytes. They’re useful after heavy sweating or prolonged work but overusing them or giving them to a horse that isn't properly hydrated can do more harm than good. Horses need to drink water first – electrolytes without adequate water intake can worsen dehydration or cause gut issues.
If your horse has done light work and is drinking normally, plain water is usually enough.
Save electrolytes for genuinely hard work, competition days or horses who've sweated heavily. Always make sure fresh, plain water is available alongside any supplemented water.
How to Cool Your Horse After Exercise
Once the ride’s done, the cooldown really matters.
Finish your ride with a relaxed walk to help lower breathing and heart rate. Then it's time to hose. Start with lukewarm water on the legs and gradually work upwards. Avoid blasting a hot horse with cold water all at once, especially over large muscle groups or the back. Rapid cooling can cause muscle cramping or, in extreme cases, shock.
Once your horse tolerates it well, you can use cooler water and cover more of its body. Focus on the underside, chest and hindquarters, where major blood vessels lie close to the surface.
If there's a breeze, your horse can dry naturally. If the air's hot and still, grab a sweat scraper. Leaving water sitting in the coat can trap heat, which is exactly what you don't want.
Hose, scrape and repeat as needed until your horse is cool to the touch.
Monitor Your Horse After Exercising
Keep an eye on your horse for at least 30 minutes after work and hosing them down – longer if the ride was intense or conditions were rough. Check their breathing, skin temperature and behaviour.
If they're still blowing hard, standing stiffly or showing signs of distress after half an hour, call your vet.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Horses
Even with good management, horses can still overheat. Heatstroke is serious and can be life-threatening, so knowing the signs is essential.
RSPCA Victoria notes that overweight, older or unfit horses are at higher risk, but any horse working in extreme heat can be affected. Regular checks during hot weather are essential, whether your horse is being exercised or just out in the paddock. If your horse wears a rug, make sure it’s appropriate for the conditions.
Watch out for:
- Heavy or excessive sweating
- Little or no sweating in severe cases
- Rapid breathing (over 20 breaths per minute at rest)
- Elevated heart rate (over 50 beats per minute at rest)
- Hot, dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched
- Rectal temperature above 38°C
- Lethargy, weakness or visible distress
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to call your vet.
What to Do if Your Horse Overheats
Some horses still work through summer, whether competing, eventing or carrying riders day in, day out. These horses rely on careful, proactive care.
If your horse shows signs of heat stress:
- Move them straight into shade
- Check temperature, heart rate and breathing
- If their temperature hasn’t dropped within 10 minutes, contact your vet
- Hose cold water on the underside and lower quarters, using tepid water on the back
- Offer small sips of tepid water
- Use fans at a safe, sensible distance if available
Ready to take on the summer heat? Shop Caribu summer rugs, designed to keep your horse comfortable – or horse health products to keep them feeling their best.