Summer Feeding Guidelines: Keeping Your Horse Healthy in Hot Weather

Summer Feeding Guidelines: Keeping Your Horse Healthy in Hot Weather

As temperatures rise and summer settles in, horse feeding practices need to be adapted to ensure horses stay healthy, hydrated, and comfortable. Summer presents unique challenges in horse nutrition and management, from increased water requirements to changes in grazing patterns. This guide will help you navigate summer feeding strategies effectively.

Understanding Summer's Impact on Horses

Summer conditions significantly affect horses' dietary needs and eating habits. High temperatures can increase a horse's water requirements, reduce appetite, alter grazing patters and impact energy requirements. Hence it is important that horse owners understand the changes and implications hot weather has on horses, so that they can be managed and horses remain healthy and comfortable.

The following outlines what a horse needs during summer.

Water: The Most Critical Summer Nutrient

During hot weather, water consumption becomes even more crucial than usual. Horses can drink up to 50% more water in summer compared to cooler months. The daily water requirements of an adult horse is approximately 5L per 100kg bodyweight. This means that a 500kg horse will need a minimum of 25L of water per day. 

This amount however will change for horses depending on what they are fed; if horse's consume hay only then this requirement may double. If you horse is lactating or is losing water through sweat, then this will also increase water consumption, in some cases a 500kg horse will need up to 72L of water!

So, it is vital that cool, fresh water be provided to horses on a daily basis. To encourage drinking, our top tips include:

- Clean water troughs regularly to prevent algae growth

- Consider provided electrolytes such as iO Electrolyte Liquid for working horses to replace losses

- Place water in shaded areas

- Provide salt blocks or loose salt 

- To encourage drinking try adding molasses to water or use supplements such as KER Drink-Up to encourage drinking

- Consider feeding high moisture feeds such as beet pulp, soya hulls or lupin fibre as these feeds need to be wet down, and absorb water.

Pasture Management and Grazing

Summer affects grass growth and grazing patterns significantly. For horses that are not on reticulated pasture, pasture growth can be very limited and in some cases non existent. In summer, grass will have less moisture and sugar content will peak during sunny afternoons. Also, pasture quality (and quantity) will decline in drought conditions. 

Hence, if horses are paddocked it is important to implement the following strategies:

- Allow grazing during early morning and evening hours to avoid the harsh heat of the day, and flies!

- Provide shade access, especially during peak heat periods

- Monitor pasture condition and supplement when necessary. Using hay round bales can be an excellent strategy for maintaining adequate fibre requirements

- Consider strip grazing to prevent overgrazing

- Watch for signs of heat stress during grazing periods

Hay and Forage Considerations

Quality forage remains essential during summer months, even with available pasture. When storing hay make sure it is in a well-ventilated areas to prevent mould. Sufficient hay, at least 1.5% of bodyweight per day, should be provided to your horse. Hay can also be soaked to reduce dust, reduce sugar content and to increase moisture intake!

Concentrate Feeds and Supplements

Summer often requires adjusting concentrate feeds based on changed energy requirements and work levels. If your horse is working less due to holidays or reduced activity, then reducing concentrates in their feed is a must. Body condition should also be routinely monitored and feed adjusted accordingly. 

In terms of feeding your horse, choose to feed concentrates during the cooler parts of the day, as a horse's appetite is usually better in the cooler temperatures. It is also important to consider to use of electrolytes for sweating horses, salt supplementation and Vitamin E for immune support, such as Endeavon E.

Special Considerations for Working Horses

Horses in work during summer need particular attention to their nutritional needs. When feeding a work horse, consideration needs to be given to:

- Work horses in the cooler part of the day 
- Adjust energy sources for hot weather
- Plan feeding around work schedule
- Monitor hydration carefully
- Consider adding electrolyte-enriched water

Managing Senior Horses in Summer

Older horses may need extra attention during hot weather. With our golden oldies we need to ensure that they are receiving adequate fibre and hydration!

For our senior horses it is important to monitor water intake closely, provide easily digestible feeds, consider wet feeds for hydration (such as Speedibeet or T&R Lupin Fibre), watch for signs of heat stress and maintain regular feeding schedules.

Signs of Heat-Related Problems

It is important to know what to watch for regarding heat stress and nutrition-related issues The following outlines the common signs of heat stress in horses:

- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Reduced water intake
- Dark or decreased urine output
- Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
- Changes in manure consistency

If you horse shows any of these signs or is generally unwell, then consult your vet immediately. 

Successful summer feeding involves understanding and adapting to your horse's changing needs. Regular monitoring, appropriate adjustments, and attention to individual requirements will help maintain your horse's health and performance during hot weather. Remember that each horse is unique, and consulting with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help develop the most appropriate summer feeding program for your horse.

By following these guidelines and remaining attentive to your horse's needs, you can help ensure they stay healthy, hydrated, and comfortable throughout the summer months. Regular assessment and adjustment of feeding practices will help maintain optimal condition and prevent heat-related problems.

Remember to trust your observations and knowledge of your individual horse, as they are often the best indicators of whether your summer feeding program is working effectively. Stay flexible and be prepared to make changes as needed based on weather conditions, work levels, and your horse's response to the feeding program.