Horses in South Africa face various challenges during the summer months due to the climate, and environmental influences. The most common health concerns for horses during this season include dehydration and equine heat stress, skin conditions, insect and parasite infestations, and optimal nutrition.

Dehydration and Heat Stress in Horses

South African summer heat can be intense.  It causes increased sweating, and potential dehydration if a horse does not have access to adequate amounts of fresh water.

Horses are also more susceptible to equine heat stress, especially in highly humid areas. It is therefore crucial that your horse has ample access to fresh water, shade, and proper ventilation.

Signs of equine heat stress to look out for in your horse

• Very high body temperature and profuse sweating
  (Heat stroke rectal temp 41-43 degrees Celsius)
• Rapid, shallow breathing with flared nostrils
• Racing heart rate
• Unpredictable gait
• Irritability or aggression
• Muddy mucous membranes
• Lethargy/weakness,
• Confusion and coma

Heat stress-related illness in horses

Heat stress in horses can have several acute and long-term effects on your horse’s health and can be life-threatening.

• Acute heat stress can significantly reduce reproductive function in both the mare and stallion, and negatively impact reproduction results.
• Prolonged heat stress impacts fat deposition and coat thickness, reduces reproductive function, and may lead to abnormal foetal development.
• Heatstroke can damage the liver, kidneys, muscles, and brain, and may lead to coma and death.

Measuring your horse’s critical core temperature during hot conditions with a rectal thermometer is a quick and easy method to help safeguard them and protect them from heat-related illnesses in horses. Other methods of continuous body temperature measurement include a rectal thermocouple, GI thermal sensing pill, thermal sensing microchips in specific muscle sites, and infrared thermography.

Be vigilant for signs of dehydration or heat stress in your horse, and take immediate action if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Managing Exercise and workload to reduce the risk of equine heat stress and dehydration

Allow your horse to gradually acclimatize to increasing temperatures. Closely monitor them for any signs of distress, and adjust their routines and workload accordingly. This is vital and can significantly reduce the risks of heat-related stress, dehydration, injuries, and exhaustion. Gradual adaptation ensures that your horse remains healthy, promotes swift recovery after training, and enables optimal performance even in warmer conditions.

Schedule riding and training sessions during the cooler times of the day such as early mornings and evenings, and avoid intense physical activity during peak heat hours to prevent overheating and dehydration.

1. Skin Conditions
   Hot and humid climates are associated with an increased risk and occurrence of horse skin problems:

• Sunburn: Horses with light-coloured skin are prone to sunburn, especially on their ears, noses, and other less pigmented areas. Protect your horse’s sensitive skin by using natural sunscreen, fly masks, and providing ample shaded areas.
• Photosensitivity: Some horses may develop sensitivity issues to sunlight. Eating certain plants can even make them more sensitive to sunlight. The skin becomes inflamed, with lesions or scabs forming in the sun-exposed areas.
• Rain Rot (Dermatophilosis)

Hot and wet conditions can lead to a bacterial skin infection called rain rot, which causes infection and scabs along the rump, neck, and back. Keeping the horse dry and regular grooming can help to prevent this condition. Read more about Rain Rot in the Merck Manual.

https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/seasonal-care/spring/how-diagnose-treat-prevent-rain-rot-horses

• Sweet Itch (Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis)

This is an allergic reaction, triggered by biting midges.  It causes severe itching, causing hair loss, skin irritation, and sometimes open sores, commonly seen around the mane, tail, and belly. Fly sheets and insect repellents can alleviate symptoms. The Farmers Weekly has more information on how to treat Sweet Itch.

https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/clinical-presentation-and-management-of-sweet-itch/

• Fungal Infections

Fungi causing infections like ringworm, flourish in warm and moist environments. Ringworm has the appearance of circular patches of hair loss and can be spread between horses. Isolation of affected horses and proper stabling will help prevent its spread.

https://www.horseandrideruk.com/expert-advice/articles/how-to-recognise-ringworm/

Groom your horse regularly to remove loose hair, sweat and dirt, and keep their environment clean to help prevent these ideal conditions for parasites, fungi and bacteria to multiply in.

2.    Insects

The warm climate of the African summers attracts flies and insects that cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential diseases like African Horse Sickness. To help control these insects and safeguard your horse’s overall wellness, fly sheets, insect repellents, good stable management, and natural immune and skin support aids are essential.

3.    Parasites

Summertime can lead to an increase in parasite populations. Regularly monitor your horse for any signs of parasites and implement an effective deworming schedule to protect your horse’s well-being.

4.    Grazing and Nutritional Challenges

• Nutrients: Drought conditions can significantly impact pasture quality and availability. Adequate forage or supplementing your horse’s diet with good-quality hay becomes crucial during these times. Nutrients can be supplemented with nutrient-rich equine feeds and quality equine superfood supplements.
• Electrolytes: Electrolytes lost through sweat during hot temperatures can be significant. It is essential to maintain your horse’s electrolyte balance with adequate supplementation, especially if you have a performance horse. Electrolyte balance is vital for optimal performance and overall health.

UNTAMED Skin+ Online Equi Shop:  https://untamedanimalhealth.co.za/product/skin-equine/

Conclusion

Summer presents several challenges for horse owners. By providing your horse with ample shade, fresh water, proper nutrition, and attentive healthcare practices, you can significantly contribute to their well-being and protect them from equine heat-stress related illness. Monitoring your horse regularly, adjusting care routines accordingly, and promptly seeking veterinary attention, when needed, are crucial for keeping your horses healthy during the hot and humid seasons in South Africa.

Our horse products will assist with the prevention or promotion of the healing of a variety of equine health conditions. You can order easily online here.

REFERENCES

1. Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Sole-Guitart A, Narayan E, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Gaughan JB. Heat stress in horses: a literature review. Int J Biometeorol. 2023 Jun;67(6):957-973. doi: 10.1007/s00484-023-02467-7. Epub 2023 Apr 15. PMID: 37060454; PMCID: PMC10267279.
2. https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/horses/treating-summer-skin-problems/
3. https://www.capevet.net/horse-health-info/urticaria-and-sweet-itch
4. https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/seasonal-care/spring/how-diagnose-treat-prevent-rain-rot-horses
5. https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/clinical-presentation-and-management-of-sweet-itch/
6. https://www.horseandrideruk.com/expert-advice/articles/how-to-recognise-ringworm/