How to Keep Your Horse Cool During Hot Weather: A Practical Guide for UK Horse Owners

1. Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water

It may sound obvious, but ensuring your horse has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times is the single most important step you can take during hot weather.

2. Hose Your Horse Down Correctly

One of the most effective ways to cool a horse is with cold water.

Contrary to outdated advice, there is no need to scrape the water off immediately after hosing. Research has shown that leaving cold water on the horse allows continued cooling through evaporation and heat transfer.

During very hot conditions:

Hose the neck, shoulders, chest and large muscle groups thoroughly.
Continue applying cold water until the horse’s breathing and temperature begin to return to normal.
Reapply water frequently if necessary.
Move the horse into shade or a breezy area after cooling.

Scraping water away straight after application can actually reduce the cooling effect.

3. Ensure Adequate Shade and Shelter

Every horse should have access to shelter from direct sunlight.

This may be provided by:

Trees and natural shade.
Field shelters.
Open-fronted shelters.
Well-designed stable blocks.

If your horse lives out, inspect grazing areas and consider whether adequate shade is available throughout the hottest part of the day. A field with no shelter can quickly become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous during extreme temperatures.

4. Think Carefully About Stabling

Many owners automatically bring horses into stables during hot weather, but this is not always the coolest option.

Poorly ventilated stables can become significantly hotter than outdoor areas and may trap warm air. Before bringing horses inside, consider:

Airflow and ventilation.
Open doors and windows.
Stable orientation.
Whether the stable remains cool during the afternoon.

In some cases, a shaded paddock with a breeze may be more comfortable than a hot, enclosed stable.

5. Avoid Riding During the Hottest Part of the Day

Where possible, schedule exercise during the cooler hours of the morning or evening.

The hottest period is typically between 11am and 4pm, although conditions can remain challenging later in the day during heatwaves.

If you do ride:

Reduce intensity.
Take frequent breaks.
Carry water where practical.
Monitor recovery times carefully.
Cool your horse immediately after exercise.

Remember that humidity can make cooling more difficult, even when temperatures appear manageable.

6. Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Knowing the early warning signs can help prevent a serious situation from developing.

Common signs include:

Excessive sweating.
Rapid breathing.
Increased heart rate.
Lethargy.
Reluctance to move.
Reduced appetite.
Dark or concentrated urine.
Delayed recovery after exercise.

If your horse appears distressed or shows signs of heatstroke, seek veterinary advice immediately.

7. Consider Turnout Times

Many owners adjust turnout routines during periods of extreme heat.

Options include:

Overnight turnout.
Early morning turnout.
Bringing horses in during the hottest part of the day if suitable facilities are available.

The best approach will depend on your horse, grazing arrangements and the availability of shade and ventilation.

8. Don’t Forget Flies and Sunburn

Hot weather often brings increased fly activity.

Consider:

Fly rugs where appropriate.
Fly masks.
Safe fly repellents.
Sunscreen: Protection for pink-skinned noses and sensitive areas.

Horses with white markings, pink skin or lightly pigmented noses can be particularly vulnerable to sunburn.

9. Check Older Horses and Good Doers More Frequently

Certain horses may be more vulnerable during hot weather, including:

Older horses.
Overweight horses.
Horses with PPID (Cushing’s disease).
Horses with respiratory conditions.
Horses recovering from illness.

These individuals may benefit from additional monitoring throughout periods of prolonged heat.

10. Use Fly Rugs Carefully During Hot Weather

Fly rugs can provide valuable protection from biting insects, but they can also contribute to overheating if the wrong type is used or if horses are not monitored regularly.

If your horse needs to wear a fly rug during hot weather:

Choose white, silver or light grey rugs where possible.
Avoid black or very dark-coloured rugs, which absorb more heat from the sun.
Check underneath the rug regularly for signs of sweating.
Remove the rug if your horse appears excessively hot or uncomfortable.
Ensure the rug is lightweight, breathable and designed specifically for summer use.

On particularly hot days, lightly wetting a fly rug can provide additional cooling through evaporation, helping some horses remain more comfortable while still benefiting from fly protection. However, rugs should be checked frequently to ensure they are not trapping heat or becoming excessively heavy.

As with all hot weather management, every horse is different. Regular observation is the best way to determine whether a fly rug is helping or hindering your horse’s comfort.

Keep Welfare at the Centre of Every Decision

Every horse responds differently to hot weather. What works for one may not be suitable for another. The key is to remain flexible, monitor your horse closely and make management decisions based on their individual needs.

With weather warnings becoming increasingly common during UK summers, taking proactive steps to keep horses cool, hydrated and comfortable can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness and ensure they continue to thrive throughout the season.