Horses and the summer heat

[BilyandJack]

We are currently having a heat wave here with temps into the 40’s and extremely humid. I have an ottb that hates the heat and sweats up really easy. I was coping by keeping him in during the hottest times 1-5pm usually with a fan. But our barn lost power due to a storm and that is no longer an option. In fact it is hotter in the barn than outside now.

Any tips on how to keep him comfortable. He just stands by the barn door and won’t move. I feel super bad for him. I have been sponging him down every hour or so and scraping the water off really well. Also been feeding extra salt to help with water intake.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Countrywood]

try patting down or spraying with a mix of rubbing alcohol and water; alcohol evaporates slower than water so will keep him cool longer.

[NoSuchPerson]

[QUOTE=Countrywood;8303837]
try patting down or spraying with a mix of rubbing alcohol and water; alcohol evaporates slower than water so will keep him cool longer.[/QUOTE]

Actually, alcohol evaporates faster than water, that’s why it cools more quickly and effectively than water.

[jawa]

I find that mine aren’t bothered by the heat…it’s the bugs that are SOOO much more aggressive with the heat and humidity that bother them.

Does your horse have a run in that he can get into, or a shady section of the field that is relatively bug free?

[BilyandJack]

[QUOTE=jawa;8304476]
I find that mine aren’t bothered by the heat…it’s the bugs that are SOOO much more aggressive with the heat and humidity that bother them.

Does your horse have a run in that he can get into, or a shady section of the field that is relatively bug free?[/QUOTE]

Yes he does have a shady run in shelter. He just prefers to stand by the barn door and whinney at people in hopes they let him in

[Countrywood]

Thanks for correction re alcohol. ! At least we know it works.

Also give electrolytes. /not much else can be done…if possible can you fence him in to keep him the shade?