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Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can keep your horse happy and healthy when temperatures soar. Read on for five ways to help your horse beat the heat, shared by the equine enthusiasts at Horse & Country.

1. Keep them hydrated

For both humans and animals, one of the first priorities during hot weather is having access to plenty of clean water. Horses are very efficient at cooling down after periods of exercise, but this is because they release a significant amount of sweat – you may have seen this in the form of steam coming off the winning horse at the end of a race. In fact, a horse weighing 500 kilograms can lose anywhere up to ten litres of sweat after two hours of moderate exercise (Equinavet).

It’s therefore important that you provide your horse with a constant supply of fresh water, whether you have them stabled or are travelling. Automatic troughs can help keep the water cool and appealing to your horse if they don’t usually drink well, and this can be more appetising than buckets that become stagnant over time. You could even flavour their water with apples or mint leaves to encourage as much drinking as possible on hot days.

For horses who are in heavier work or are poor doers, switching from hay to haylage can be a great way of keeping them hydrated, especially if they don’t tend to drink enough on their own. It might be a little more expensive and higher in calories, but haylage has a higher water content because the grass is wilted for less time after being cut (Dengie). Even if you just switch to haylage for the summer months, this can help keep your horse as hydrated as possible. For a slightly cheaper and lower-calorie solution, you can also soak your hay —however, as this can slightly reduce its nutritional content, be sure not to soak the hay for longer than 6 hours and supplement their bucket feed with some of the electrolytes outlined below.

2. Replace their electrolytes

Horses don’t just lose water when they sweat, they also lose a lot of important electrolytes. In the same way that we use sports drinks after exercising, horses also benefit from replacing the salt and minerals that they lose from perspiration.

One way to do this is by providing your horse with a salt block, as they naturally seek out more sodium when they are lacking it in their diet. However, they can often get carried away with salt blocks and lick more than they should! This can not only irritate their tongues but too much salt can also lead to more dehydration, so rather than leaving the block in their stable, bring it along with you when putting out fresh hay or mucking out. You can also add a teaspoon of salt to their feed, or a supplement with a blend of electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

3. Clip their coat

Horses with a longer coat will still want to get out of the stable and enjoy the sun, so when summer rolls around or a heatwave is on the way, be sure to clip their hair. This can be a particularly important step for horses with Cushing’s disease or PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) — this causes increased coat length and delayed shedding of the winter coat, as well as increased sweating, low energy, and a higher susceptibility to laminitis (Royal Veterinary College).

Keeping their coat short allows them to better regulate their body temperature and decreases water loss from excess sweating. Remember, though, that the skin previously covered by thick hair will be more sensitive to the sun, so it’s often wise to put on thin summer sheets or a fly rug just after clipping.

4. Alter their turnout routine

While you may want to make the most of the good weather (as fleeting as it can be in the UK), try to avoid exercising your horse in the midday sun when temperatures are at their highest. Instead, aim to get out on a ride earlier in the morning or later in the evening so that you can still enjoy the sunshine together while it’s slightly cooler. The table below gives some guidance on exercising caution when you’re out riding in hot weather.

You may also want to alter your usual turnout routine during the summer to give your horse more time outside during the evenings and early morning. If you decide to stable them throughout the day when temperatures are highest, just be sure that your stables have proper airflow and don’t get too warm. Try spending a stretch of time in there yourself to check whether you feel too warm and move them to a more sheltered spot or even provide some fans if necessary.

5. Protect their skin

Did you know that as well as giving yourself a layer of SPF on sunny days, your horse can also benefit from some sun cream? While this is mainly the case for pale horses like those with grey coats, other hairless patches or pink-skinned areas like their muzzle can also be prone to burning under direct sunlight (Animal Friends). Using fly rugs and other lightweight covers can also help to protect from the sun’s rays and prevent their coat from bleaching.

If you’re experiencing a particularly long heatwave, your horse will always appreciate a cold shower — especially if their paddock doesn’t have much shade or your stables have limited airflow. A shower with the hose is sure to cool them down when temperatures spike, and this will reduce how much water they lose through sweating to cool off.

Katie Allen-Clarke, Director of Marketing at Horse & Country comments:

“Hot summer days are welcome break from a long British winter, and there’s nothing better than getting out on a sunny ride with your horse. However, it can also be easy for our horses to overheat and struggle to regulate their temperature during the summer months, or an unexpected heatwave.

“While horses can cool off quickly through sweating, this loses them a lot of water and electrolytes and means they run the risk of serious dehydration. As well as keeping them hydrated and ensuring their paddock has enough shade, it’s also wise to consider things like sun protection, clipping their coat, and introducing a slightly altered diet for warm weather. This way you and your horse can head out into the sunshine together while staying healthy and happy.”

About the brand

Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, the network is available globally via connected TVs, mobile, web, and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. Horse & Country’s programming line-up includes live coverage from leading sporting competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training shows, documentaries, and entertainment.

To learn more, visit: www.horseandcountry.tv

References and further reading

https://spalding-labs.com/community/b/morgan_murphy/archive/2015/04/15/the-pros-and-cons-of-giving-horses-salt-licks.aspx

https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/horse-and-rider/horse-blog/keeping-horses-cool-in-the-summer/

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet/information-and-advice/fact-files/cushings-disease

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Interview with Megan Pine of Pine Vet Physiotherapy by Samantha Osborne

Background information

Pine Veterinary Physiotherapy was established by veterinary physiotherapist, Megan Pine BSc (Hons), PGDip, MIRVAP. Megan provides a mobile equine and small animal physiotherapy service based in Rochdale and her client base covers Yorkshire and the North West of England.

Megan offers a variety of techniques that combine both an evidence-based and holistic approach to:

• An animal’s rehabilitation from surgery or injury
• Restoring and maintaining mobility
• General maintenance or performance and fitness conditioning

Megan believes in using a range of treatment modalities including manual therapy (massage, stretching, joint mobilisations, Kinesiology Taping, and myofascial release) as well as electro therapies, such as laser, therapeutic ultrasound, TENS/NMES, and PEMF.

As a rising star in this industry, and one of my most generous sponsors, I was keen to interview Megan for The Horse Life.

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Have you always been passionate about horses and are you a horse owner at present?

“I have my own pony: Murthwaite Laura Trott (Misty). She is an 11-year-old Fell pony and is as cheeky as they come but has helped me through a challenging few years. I feel that she has supported me through a pandemic and during my years of studying. Now, as a business owner, I have spent the last few years prioritising growing my business; however, when I have free time, I compete with her in a wide variety of disciplines. We have been to STARS and competed in an inhand showing class. We also competed at the TSR Amateur Rider of the Year Show but we really enjoy working hunter classes, cross country and dressage.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t passionate about animals! For many years I volunteered at Broad Carr Riding School; it was here that I realised that helping animals doesn’t stop at the vet practice, and there is a whole world of alternative therapies and rehabilitation available. Therefore, after sixth form, I enrolled at Bishop Burton College and studied Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation (BSc HONs). During the degree, we had a guest speaker who was a veterinary physiotherapist. This individual’s lecture inspired and motivated me to apply for the Veterinary Physiotherapy (VP) MSc at Nottingham University. When studying at university, I was also part of the BUCS Equestrian Team; I made the most of any opportunity I had to be around horses!”

 

Tell me a little more about what it takes to progress in this career and about your pathway into this industry. What qualifications and qualities does a veterinary physiotherapist require?

“Training routes to becoming a veterinary physiotherapist are varied and continue to evolve. Personally, I chose Nottingham University for the veterinary physiotherapist postgraduate level PGdip/MSc qualification as this route allows you to train exclusively with animals and does not require you to train to be a human physiotherapist first. The university requires you to have a good working knowledge of the care, management and handling of dogs and horses in order to submit an application for a place on the course. To clarify, at least six weeks of animal handling and general care experience, three with dogs and three with horses, is desirable. Furthermore, a minimum of six working days in a veterinary practice is required.

I spent many hours ensuring I had all the correct work experience and grades to attend. I worked relentlessly and my dedication paid off because I achieved a first class dissertation in: ‘Investigating the Effectiveness of Patting Versus Wither Scratching in Horses’.

I started the course in September 2019 and in the same month I also started a job as a stable hand for West Yorkshire Police (Mounted Section); any excuse to surround myself with horses and observe them, which contributed to my knowledge and studies.

After two years, I qualified with a Post Graduate Diploma and immediately set up my business: Pine Veterinary Physiotherapy. I really enjoyed the process of setting up my business and it felt rewarding to apply the knowledge gathered when studying Business Studies at A level. I relish opportunities to be creative and so making a website, bringing my logo and setting up social media accounts was really appealing and enjoyable.

Initially, gaining clients came mainly through recommendation from word of mouth but I also messaged local yards and businesses to grow my client base. You have to be confident, have good communication skills and be resilient in the early days of setting up a business. It requires patience and positivity and if you work hard and remain committed, you reap the rewards. When I became more established, I was able to explore new avenues. I approached some local competitive riders and offered sponsorship packages. I work closely with sponsored rider Samantha Osborne who is doing an amazing job of promoting my business whilst starting up her young horse, Rosie. I am very excited for their future together. I felt giddy to see Samantha compete at BD Nationals on Hubert 2nd last year wearing her Pine Veterinary Physiotherapy branded numnah. With the support of my sponsored riders in spreading the word about my business, my client base has continued to expand, more recently including regular visits to a range of racing yards in Malton.

Additionally, I work closely with like-minded businesses such as Equiball, Nose Bagz, Synovium Horse Health Supplements and Northern Equine Therapy Centre to provide my clients with the best possible service and products. Making connections with Northern Equine Therapy Centre has been an amazing opportunity, allowing me to create bespoke rehabilitation plans that incorporate use of their swimming pool facilities. I can work closely with the experienced hydro therapists to monitor and assist progress during their stay at the centre and update their rehabilitation programmes accordingly.

I also currently provide massage workshops for horse owners. In a workshop I explore basic techniques  and educate horse owners about anatomy and injury prevention. Teaching is something I would like to do more of in the future. I believe it is vital to educate owners and make people more aware of subtle changes in their horses behaviour and posture before they become bigger issues. Ultimately, we all need to prioritise horse welfare.”

Who inspires you in the veterinary physiotherapy world at the moment?

“I admire the work that Kallista Charles is doing at present. She is heavily involved in educating owners and creating the FER approach based on the study: Developing the Therapeutic Eye.”

Tell me about some of your career highlights and proudest achievements to date.

“I treated the incredible Highfield Princess, who is trained and stabled with racehorse trainer John Quinn in Malton. In the run up to winning the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye in Paris, I provided regular treatments and felt proud to be part of this horse’s programme and success. This gave me such a buzz and sparked an interest which has shaped my future plans as I would now like to focus on specialising in the performance side of physiotherapy. I count myself lucky to have the opportunity to treat such amazing athletes and I’m looking forward to helping many more horses maximise their athletic potential in coming years.

Another career highlight was being nominated for the Equestrian Business Awards 2023, so early in my career, and I would like to aim to be a finalist in the near future.”

What are your aims for the future?

“I would love to aim to have my own therapy centre with a water treadmill, inpatients and rehabilitation facilities.

I would also love to travel to different countries to support clients when they go abroad and experience different methods of training and physiotherapy overseas.”

Your passion for this role is inspiring. Are there any negatives associated with this job and what do aspiring vet physiotherapists need to be mindful of if considering pursuing a career in this industry?

“There are many highlights in becoming a veterinary physiotherapist because it is a very rewarding job. The bond created between patients and owners is extraordinary. Additionally, we get to establish strong relationships with: vets, trainers, farriers, saddlers, dentists and nutritionists. It is an ever-growing profession which offers new challenges, opportunities and new research which keeps the job fresh and varied. However, this can be very daunting at times! Working alone and running a successful business can be lonely and can put incredible strain on your personal life. It is important to create a plan and to stick to it so that you can manage time treating but also time to keep on top of paperwork like writing up reports and managing bookings.

Overall, I would advise others to not be afraid to ask for help from other physiotherapists and friends.

Most veterinary physiotherapists are self-employed and operate small businesses; however, you can work as an employee under a larger company if you prefer. If you are self-employed, it is important to be self-motivated in order to build a business. It can take a while to gain confidence and adapt to new situations, so it is essential that you have a supportive network and family to support you.

You don’t need equipment to start up as you can rely on the use of manual therapies and exercise prescription. Modalities can be expensive. To begin with, I would recommend cheaper items such as TENS/NMES, which will allow you to take your time in deciding which modality would best suit your business and clients.

It goes without saying that you have to quickly get used to working outside in all weathers too!”

You mentioned educating horse owners and have referred to various treatments a client could expect to see in a session. What are you top exercises and treatments?

1. “Hind quarter Engagement”: These exercises focus on engaging the horse’s hind quarters and strengthening its core muscles. You can ask the horse to perform exercises such as backing up, lateral movements, or transitions between different gaits to activate and strengthen the hind quarters.

2. “Ground Pole Exercises”: This exercise uses ground poles to improve balance, rhythm, coordination, and strength. You can set up a series of ground poles at specific distances and ask the horse to walk or trot over them, promoting balance, coordination, and muscle development.

Remember, these exercises should be performed under the guidance of a qualified equine physiotherapist. They can assess the horse’s specific needs and tailor the exercises accordingly.

After an appointment, I write up and email across a detailed report about everything that has been discussed during the visit. I also leave client’s with homework so that their horse continues to improve and strengthen between appointments. I love it when clients tag me on social media showing their results or commitment to their horse’s treatment plan. I never get bored of getting videos sent to me of owners doing carrot stretches with their horses!

Where can people find you to book an appointment?

My website is https://www.pinevetphysio.com/

Instagram – @pinevetphysio

Contact number – 07592581671

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Written by Samantha Osborne

Photo credits: Victoria’s Elite Photography

 

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Horses that are described as ‘fresh’ often exhibit behavioural signs of poor performance under saddle, including: Resistance to the aids and contact, tense head tossing, tilting of the head, reluctance to bend, hanging on one rein, tail swishing or clamping, carrying the tail to one side, bucking, rearing, spooking, a rushed gait, ‘motorbiking’ corners, frequent changes of lead in canter, disunited canter or a ‘bunny hopping’ canter, mouth opening and closing, tongue protruding from the mouth

It’s not only ‘fresh’ horses that suffer from performance related issues. Other signs that something could be amiss include: Reluctance to move forward, or ‘laziness’ toe dragging, not tracking up, stumbling, refusal to jump, stiffness, reluctance to bend, hanging on one rein

Chronic musculoskeletal or orthopaedic problems are some of the most common reasons for poor performance. Underlying low-grade or bilateral lameness is often very difficult to detect, and so a vet’s input is needed here to pinpoint the issue, achieve a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan. Low grade, bilateral or compensatory lameness can cause muscle pain and issues with saddle fit, so it’s important that you, your vet, saddle fitter and physiotherapist work together as a team to get your horse performing at his best again.

Gastric Ulcers

Another common issue causing signs of poor performance that is often secondary to musculoskeletal or orthopaedic pain is gastric ulcers. The only way to diagnose gastric ulcers is by gastroscopy, a process where a 3m long endoscope is passed through the nasal passage, down the oesophagus to the stomach. The endoscope is used to visualise the stomach to look for ulceration or bleeding. The horse is sedated for this procedure, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to carry out. Treatment for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is often quick and effective, and with treatment of any underlying issues alongside management changes recurrence can be prevented.

Hormones

Often mares are labelled as hormonal or difficult when they in fact have an underlying pain issue, which is why it is important to have her examined before assuming that hormones are the cause. At the beginning of the breeding season in early spring, there can be fluctuations in the hormone levels as she begins to cycle – this is called the ‘transitional period’ and this can be a time when some mares show hormonal behaviour more strongly. During the transitional period, there may not be enough hormones to allow the follicles in the mare’s ovaries to develop, and so ovulation fails. These structures are called ‘anovulatory follicles’ and although they fail to ovulate, they may still release oestrogen thus causing prolonged ‘hormonal’ behaviour. Often a single intramuscular injection of prostaglandin will cause the anovulatory follicles to regress and resume normal cycling.

Dental problems

It is important to remember that some causes of poor performance can be avoided by maintaining your horse’s preventative healthcare schedule. Dental problems can cause issues with rein contact, head tossing, tilting and mouth opening. However, horses are stoic animals and some horses will not show any outward signs of discomfort, therefore regular dental examinations are important to ensure any issues are treated promptly. We recommend dental checks every 6-12 months for the average horse; older horses or those with a previous history of dental disease may need more frequent checks.

Other causes

Respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic issues are other potential causes of reduced performance in horses. If you notice that your horse shows any of the signs listed above or displays a change in behaviour to what’s normal for them, then it is a good idea to investigate further.

This article was published with permission of The Minster Veterinary Practice

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Well, for me, it’s not being able to attend any equestrian events. Who doesn’t love these?

The Horse&Hound have highlighted 8 specific reasons why you might be missing equestrian events:

1. Our equestrian fix – that I’m sure you are all craving right now!
2. That special odour (you know the one)
3. The burger van is calling – I can just smell it right now!! mmmm
4. A dog’s day out – walks at home are just not as exciting for our pooches as equestrian events are.
5. Sun worshippers (maybe not always in England – but the odd occasion)
6. A small flutter – I’m sure you agree that betting in real life is so much better than online.
7. Dusting off the dress – I bet you’re sick of wearing the same clothes you have all lockdown. Equestrian events give us a chance to dress up and look all fancy for the day!
8. A perfect picnic – the contents of that are up to you. But, for me, as long as there’s a glass of champagne in there I’m happy.

I miss each and every single one of these things but I think the typical burger van is a personal favourite. Get us back to equestrian events and greasy burgers ASAP!!

To read the Horse&Hound article in full click here… Behind closed doors: from the picnic to the smell.

Tell us what you miss most out of the 8 things mentioned! Or is there something that we haven’t mentioned? Visit the Horse Life Instagram page and tell us your thoughts by commenting on our latest post.

Please get in touch if you would like to write a blog (about anything to do with your horselife) for our website or know anyone who would. We would love for you to join our community of bloggers!

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