Caring for Your Horse in Summer: The Essential Australian Guide

Jess Henry
Jan 6
3 min read

Horse grazing in Australian summer paddock, demonstrating healthy summer condition.

Beating the Heat: Essential Summer Horse Care for Australian Riders

There is nothing quite like an Australian summer. The days are longer, the trails are calling, and the event season is in full swing. But whether you are in the humid heat of Queensland or the dry scorchers of the southern states, the harsh sun presents a serious challenge for our horses.

As riders, we need to adapt. Caring for your horse in summer is about more than just finding shade; it’s about proactive management of hydration, nutrition, and gear. At 5H Western, we want to keep you in the saddle and your horse safe, regardless of your discipline. Here is your guide to surviving the swelter.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Stress

Before you saddle up, you need to know when not to ride. Heat stress (or hyperthermia) can happen quickly, especially in performance horses carrying tack in high temperatures.

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

Elevated Respiration: If your horse is breathing shallowly and rapidly (more than 20 breaths per minute at rest) and doesn't recover quickly after work.
Profuse Sweating—or No Sweating: While heavy sweat is normal during work, a horse that suddenly stops sweating while hot is in a medical emergency (anhidrosis).
Lethargy: A reluctance to move or a "dull" demeanor.
Dehydration: Check by pinching the skin on the neck; if it takes seconds to flatten back out, they are dehydrated.

Hydration & The Power of Electrolytes

Water alone isn’t always enough. When horses sweat, they don't just lose fluid; they lose critical salts (sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium). If you only replace the water without the salts, you dilute the horse's body fluids, which can actually switch off their thirst mechanism.

This is where electrolytes for horses become non-negotiable for every discipline, from dressage to trail riding.

We highly recommend looking into Australian-made solutions like those from CEN Nutrition. Their focus on natural physiology ensures your horse gets exactly what they need without fillers. As discussed in the CEN Horse Nutrition Podcast, ensuring your horse has a balanced electrolyte profile can significantly improve recovery rates after a heavy session in the heat.

Pro Tip: Always offer fresh, plain water alongside electrolyte-spiked water so your horse has a choice.

Gear Up: Breathable Saddle Pads & Fly Protection

Horse wearing fly protection to prevent stress during summer.

Your tack choices can make or break a summer ride. Heavy, thick pads that work great in winter can trap immense amounts of heat against your horse's spine in January.

1. Breathable Saddle Pads Look for pads with moisture-wicking technology or designs that allow for airflow. A pad that channels heat away from the back helps keep the horse’s core temperature lower, preventing overheating during exercise.

2. Fly Protection The Australian summer brings flies—lots of them. A horse constantly stomping and swishing at insects burns energy and increases their body heat. Invest in lightweight, UV-protective fly sheets and masks for the paddock, and consider fly sprays for the ride to keep them focused and calm.

Smart Summer Riding Tips

You don't have to hang up the bridle until Autumn; you just need to ride smarter.

Time it Right: The coolest part of the day is often right before dawn. If you can’t ride then, aim for late evening. Avoid the "danger zone" between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Acclimatization: Don't pull a horse out of a spell and expect them to work hard on a 35°C day. It takes about 2-3 weeks for a horse's body to adapt to rising temperatures.
Cool Down Aggressively: The old myth that you shouldn't put cold water on a hot horse has been busted. In high heat, hose your horse with cool water immediately after riding. Scrape it off and repeat until their chest feels cool to the touch. The water absorbs the body heat, so scraping it off removes that heat from the body.

Conclusion

Preventing heat stress in horses is all about preparation. By adjusting your riding schedule, investing in quality breathable saddle pads, and keeping hydration top of mind with quality electrolytes, you can enjoy everything the Australian summer has to offer.

Stay safe, stay cool, and happy riding.

Ready to upgrade your summer kit? Don't let the heat slow you down. Shop our range of summer essentials, from lightweight gear to hydration solutions.

[SHOP SUMMER HORSE CARE]