While hot weather persists, follow these tips to protect your horses.
Fire: Maintain fire breaks for 20 to 30 feet around all buildings. Store only properly cured hay to avoid combustion. Have an emergency-evacuation plan for your horses.
Dehydration: Keep water supplies clean and fresh. Provide free-choice access to plain salt. Moderate work schedules on the hottest days.
[READ ABOUT: Electrolytes for Horses]
Sunburn: Provide shade (run-in shelter or trees) during turnout. Apply sun block to the most vulnerable white skin—especially on the face. Consider a UV-blocking fly mask and sheet.
Sores: Use fly repellents and salves to keep flies from creating belly/midline sores that can grant access to the bacterium causing pigeon fever (dryland distemper). Remain diligent with fly-fighting measures.
