Horses, heatwaves and anhydrosis.

It's that time of year again. Yeah we are greatful that there is no mud in sight. Hooves are clean. Horses are clean. We aren't slipping and sliding around the place due to rain and mud. No faceplanting in a muddy paddock because your horse pulled you the wrong way. BUT. But summer has it's challenges too.

Ermi is easy. He can sit in the sun in 45°C and be perfectly fine. Even cool to the touch. Whisper? Ah Whisper my high maintance horse. Well he doesn't sweat or at least not enough to cool himself down.

We first noticed he had a problem because he would struggle to breathe. He would pant. If left outside his coat would change from a brown to a yellow. It would basically burn. The texture of his coat would be dry and he would lose all his shine. So my farrier, during our first summer with Whisper, explained to me that he suffers from anhydrosis and needs to be stabled during the day. What is anhydrosis? Well it's the inability to sweat. Which also means the inability to remove toxins from his system. So instead of giving into worry and paranoia. Believe me after losing one horse I wasn't going to let it happen again if it was in my contol. I researched endlessly and tried various things to help him get through the summer months.

There isn't much clinical research on the subject, however, I did find something that works for him. He needs vitamin E to help remove the toxins. A respiratory supplemt to help clear his lungs from dust and irritants. Electrolytes to keep him balanced and it has to have vitamin C in it as his immune system weakens and if its over 28°C he must be stabled and have at least two showers a day. I also found that he does well with only eating half a kg of hard feed a day. Something to do with how they digest hard feed and how it makes them hotter while digesting it.

His first summer with us he had two months off of work. Just showers and playtime in the arena. He had no energy and was struggling. The next summer he did much better as I was playing with different brands of supplements and had finally found the ones that worked for him. This summer? He is doing great regardless of the insane heatwaves we are having. He is energetic and breathing fine and he is shiny and soft.

My advice? Listen to your horse. If they are tired and it's hot? Hack, let them play in the arena, give them a spa day but please don't push them it's not worth the risk. Heat stress in horses is sneaky as it can sometimes present like a case of colic. Please be careful don't ride in the heat of the day. If you have to ride do so early morning or late evening. Make sure your horse is drinking and do give electrolytes. Don't forget we might be in AC and have relief from the heat of the day but these guys are out in the elements so keep that in mind.

Stay safe. Keep hydrated. Don't forget the sunscreen! Yeah I know hay and dirt gets stuck to you but skin cancer is no joke. Take care x