Hot Summer Tip: Pay Attention to Horse’s Physical State

Summertime temperatures are running wild across the United States this week, with Oklahoma hitting approximately 105 degrees F, which is leading a number of equine owners to study their horse’s heat tolerance with more than a little caution. Other than a general lack of enthusiasm and desire to move to shade, a normal well-acclimated horse should be able to handle Oklahoma
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Summertime temperatures are running wild across the United States this week, with Oklahoma hitting approximately 105°F, which is leading a number of equine owners to study their horse's heat tolerance with more than a little caution.

"Other than a general lack of enthusiasm and desire to move to shade, a normal well-acclimated horse should be able to handle Oklahoma's heat and humidity with little concern," said Dave Freeman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension equine specialist. "However, the need for owner awareness increases when a horse begins to exercise and engage in more strenuous physical activity."

A horse's body temperature–if it is normally around 101°F–will increase a few degrees with exercise in hot summertime environments. If not exercising, a horse's heart rate should be around 40 beats per minute; respiration rate 12-20 breaths per minute, though this is variable; and body temperature around 101-102°F.

Maximum heart rates during heavy exercise may reach 200 beats per minute or more, and respiration rates can triple or race even higher. Intense levels of work can raise a horse's rectal temperatures to 104°F, plus or minus, which for any substantial length of time will be harmful

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