It’s Getting Hot Out Here…
Summer in South Texas is no joke. When the temperatures soar, we’re reaching for ice water and shade—and our horses are doing the same (well, minus the ice water). Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple but important ways to help my herd stay safe and comfortable when the heat is on. Keeping my horses cool in the summer is vitally important! Even if you’re not a horse owner, it’s fun and fascinating to learn how horses handle heat—especially if your kids love horses.
🧊 Shade Is Essential
Our horses spend most of the day in shaded, fully covered stalls, which gives them a break from the intense Texas sun. When they’re turned out, they have shade from the mesquite trees at the ends of the pasture and there’s a trough with plenty of fresh water.
💨 Keep the Air Moving
In our humid climate, misters aren’t very effective. Instead, we rely on large fans to keep air flowing through the barn. When it’s hot, those fans run 24/7 to help the horses stay cool and reduce the risk of heat stress. Our barn is not fully enclosed so when there’s a breeze that helps immensely.
💦 Hydration, Always
We don’t have automatic waterers so each horse has two water buckets which are checked at least twice daily. They have a trough in the pasture during turnouts. They get soaked beet pulp every day, which helps with hydration, and we add electrolytes on especially warm and humid days. On the hottest days, a quick hose-off—especially on the legs and neck—can help bring their temperature down.
🧠 We Adjust the Routine
When possible, we handle chores and light exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. Our horses appreciate the break from the sun, and so do we! Even during those times of day I go home dripping wet and can literally wring my clothes out!
✂️ What About Body Clipping Horses?
Some horse owners choose to body clip (shave) their horses in the summer to help them stay cooler—especially horses with thick coats or those working in hot conditions. I’ve never needed to do it with my herd, but here’s what’s good to know:
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Helps speed cooling & dries sweat faster, which can make a difference in heat.
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Trace clips and summer clips remove certain parts of the coat while leaving hair elsewhere.
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Sun protection is a must: clipped horses need lightweight fly sheets or sunscreen to protect their skin.
For a fun twist, some folks even clip creative designs or patterns, like hearts or funky shapes. It’s definitely not necessary, but it can be a cool way to show a little artistry while caring for your horse.
🎥 Watch This Live Clipping Demo
This video shows:
- How to safely clip designs
- Where to leave hair for sun protection under the saddle
- The finished “pattern” look on the horse’s coat
⚠️ Signs of Heat Stress in Horses
Even if you’re just visiting a horse ranch or learning about horses with your kids, it’s good to know the signs of overheating:
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Heavy sweating or no sweating at all
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Tiredness or unusual behavior
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Fast breathing
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Elevated temperature
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Dark or sticky gums
Learn more from the America Quarter Horse Association about recognizing and treating heat stress in horses.
🧁 Bonus: Cool Treats & Enrichment for Horses
Just like people, horses love a little extra fun in summer. We sometimes freeze treats like carrots or apples into a giant block of ice for our horses to lick. It keeps them engaged and helps cool them down. (Horse popsicle, anyone?)
☀️ What Horses Can Teach Us About Summer Safety
The more time I spend caring for horses, the more I see how much we have in common when it comes to dealing with extreme heat. Horses, just like kids and family pets, need:
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Shade during the hottest hours
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Lots of fresh water
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Breaks from activity
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And maybe even a cool rinse now and then!
If your kids are running around outdoors, make sure they’re taking cooling breaks, drinking plenty of water, and playing in the shade. And don’t forget the dogs and cats—keep their water bowls full and avoid walks during peak sun.
Learning how we care for animals can be a fun way to teach kids responsibility and empathy—and help everyone stay safe this summer.
You can also check out the ASPCA’s hot weather safety tips to keep your dogs and cats cool and safe.
🖍️ New Freebie: “How Horses Stay Cool” – A Printable Activity Page
Help your kids learn how horses beat the summer heat with this fun printable! This free activity page includes:
- A fun coloring image of a horse in the shade
- A mini word search of summer horse care terms
- A few simple, easy-to-read tips written for kids
📥 Download it now:
