I’ve been able to hose mine down as they live in the garden (almost). I put advice on Facebook but there seems to be a fair bit of misunderstanding re. cooling horses and how evaporation works (following on from a popular theme last week that horses aren’t rabbits – do also remember horses are not plants and horses are not dogs).
I recommend the advice of Dr David Marlin, who has done the key research, and he says, based on research, the best way to cool a hot horse is to go about it quickly and decisively by applying large volumes of cool or cold water over as much of the body as possible.
Keep hosing or pouring water continuously for several minutes and do NOT stop to scrape it off, as water left on the coat continues to draw heat away and evaporate, whereas repeatedly scraping can slow the cooling process.
Cold water will NOT cause shock, muscle damage or laminitis in a hot horse. If the horse appears distressed, unusually agitated, weak or slow to recover, continue cooling and contact a vet immediately, as heatstroke is a medical emergency.
I’ve been bringing mine in during the hottest times, as what with flies, sunburn and getting them in the shade – it seems the most practical method for me to use here right now. You do what’s right for you and your horses though – all our circumstances are different.
Here we’re on the search for the ultimate stable fan. We’ve gone through the recommendations we got on Facebook. We’ll let you know when we find one that isn’t sold out 🙄 When we know you’ll know 😊
Quick question: any of you going to the Gillian Higgins/Horses Inside Out Anatomy Exhibition based at Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicester in August?
https://www.horsesinsideout.com/inside-the-horse Intelligent Horsemanship Members get a special discount on the ordinary days, and it looks like I’ll be going along on Sunday, August 16th
If, however, you’d like to treat yourself to a private feeding-focused day to include education from Equine Nutritionist, Clare MacLeod, as well as a private tour with Gillian, then do have a look here: https://claremaceqnutr.kartra.com/page/TFYHLive1
