No sweat - Horse care advice from the equestrian experts

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Summers are getting hotter every year and horse lovers all over the UK are showing concern for their horse's welfare so Dogwood is offering some horse care advice to make sure that horses and their owners beat the heat.

Is your horse suffering from heat stress?

Just like humans, horses need to maintain a certain body temperature. A heavy work load, high temperatures and humidity can all put a tremendous strain on maintaining this temperature.

When hacking out or just cantering in the paddock, horses significantly increase the amount of heat that they produce through their working muscles. Heat production can double when partaking in strenuous exercise, such as endurance riding, which should be avoided in very hot weather. It is essential that your horse is allowed to drink as frequently as it desires so that it stays hydrated.

When horses overheat they tend to sweat in an effort to cool themselves down. If they don't resume their normal body temperature quickly they may begin to show signs of heat stress which include:

Profuse sweating (if not anhydrotic)
Rapid heart rate
Increased breathing rate

Some horses are anhydrotic which means that they have little or no ability to sweat, meaning they are even more prone to heat stress.

Is your horse suffering from heat stroke?

Heat stress can quickly progress into heat stroke, which can be life threatening. It is crucial that equestrians take preventative action against heat stroke and look out for any signs of it occurring such as:

Dry hot skin
Rapid pulse rates
Rapid respiratory rates
High rectal temperatures

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from heat stroke you should:

Call an equine vet immediately
Move the horse to a shady area with plenty of ventilation
Spray cool water onto the legs of the horse to help the evaporation process
In extreme circumstances, apply ice packs to the legs and any other areas which display large veins

Supreme horse riding apparel and equestrian equipment

Whether you enjoy leisure riding or take part in show jumping events, there is a wealth of equestrian clothing and equipment available at Dogwood.

Our collection of premium horse riding wear includes stunning Dublin jodhpurs and riding jackets Charles Owen riding hats and long leather riding boots from Sergio Grasso.

We also offer beautiful saddles made from the finest leathers or synthetics and horse care products such as grooming kits, for a thoroughly well-turned out horse.

To find out more about equestrian wear and horse care products from Dogwood, please call 0800 30 10 365.

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