What Temperature Can Horses Withstand Heat?

Vital signs of normal and horses suffering from heatstroke

Is 90 degrees too hot for a horse?

Whether you’re trail riding or showing, keep a close eye on your horse to prevent trouble from heat and humidity. “Anything over 90 degrees with high relative humidity can be dangerous for a horse,” says Robert Bloomer, DVM, MS, a practicing partner of Ocala Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fla.

Will my horse be OK in the heat?

The summer can mean lots of opportunities for you and your horse to enjoy the warmer weather. However, as with other animals, horses are prone to dehydration and can suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially as they’re usually outside in the sun.

What temperature is too high for a horse?

The average is 100°F. A slight fever is two or three degrees higher than your horse’s normal temperature. A high fever is three or more degrees higher than your horse’s normal temperature. If your horse’s temperature is above 106°F this is an extremely high fever.

What temperature is bad for a horse?

Readings above 101.5 degrees, on the other hand, are cause for concern. Strenuous exercise can raise your horse’s body temperature by a few degrees, but that should return to normal within 90 minutes of finishing the exercise.

How do I know if my horse is too hot?

Signs they are too hot:

1. Wet behind the ears. When a horse has sweat behind her ears or along her neck, it means she’s too warm.
2. Breathing heavily.
3. Look for signs of listlessness and lethargy and a lowered head.
4. Sweating under the horse rug.

Is 95 too hot to ride a horse?

For us, if the temperature is 95 or above, we reserve the right to cancel riding. This is for not only the safety of our herd, who is mostly made up of older horses (and some that don’t sweat!), but also the safety for our riders who may not be able to tolerate the high temperatures as well.

Is 93 degrees too hot to ride a horse?

While high heat (85°F or higher) or high humidity (above 80%) alone is not a problem, the combination of high heat and high humidity should raise red flags. If the combination of the temperature and the humidity (temperature + humidity) is over 180, skip riding for that day and give your horse a cool bath instead.

What temperature is too high for a horse?

The average is 100°F. A slight fever is two or three degrees higher than your horse’s normal temperature. A high fever is three or more degrees higher than your horse’s normal temperature. If your horse’s temperature is above 106°F this is an extremely high fever.

What is a dangerously high temperature for a horse?

Extremely high fevers—above 106 degrees—or any fever that goes on for too long can eventually take a physiological toll on a horse. The body uses calories and water to maintain the higher temperature, which over time can lead to weight loss and dehydration.

How do I know if my horse is too hot?

Signs they are too hot:

1. Wet behind the ears. When a horse has sweat behind her ears or along her neck, it means she’s too warm.
2. Breathing heavily.
3. Look for signs of listlessness and lethargy and a lowered head.
4. Sweating under the horse rug.

How do you keep a horse safe in extreme heat?

Caring for your horse in hot weather

1. Keep horses hydrated. Use salt to encourage drinking.
2. Provide adequate shade.
3. Choose cooler turnout times.
4. Slow down the work.
5. Avoid sunburn.
6. Clip horses with longer hair coats.
7. Know your horse and the signs of heat stroke.