SUMMER TIPS FOR THOROUGHBREDS AND OTHER BREEDS

Now that summer is fast approaching, a few things should be considered to make the heat and sun less of a negative factor.  First off, if applying fly spray and turning out in the sun, make certain that you try to avoid using citronella oil based products...this will make the perfect environment for sunburn and you may not be aware and when you go to ride your horse, he turns into a jumpy, non compliant animal that is out of his character.  Thoroughbreds have the thinner skin making them more prone, but, all horses are able to fall victim to the sun and the application of these products contribute greatly.  If you feel that hosing off a hot horse and placing them back in the stall on a hot humid day is helping, think again.   If you have a hot humid day and a barn that is just as hot and humid, hosing off your horse and placing him in this environment only increases the humidity the horse experiences, making them more uncomfortable.  The best product to use is 70% rubbing alcohol, in a spay bottle, saturating the skin on the chest, and torso, this will help bring down the horse's temp and make them feel cooler.  In your barn environment, if you have a concrete isle and are anticipating a humid day, don't hose and clean your shedrows  in the barn on these days.  Concrete has a tendancy to "sweat" and this practice increases the humidity in the barn.  The less moisture in the barn area, be it in the stalls, or shedrow, is your best bet for making the best possible comfort for your horse on these difficult days.  Always try to be the best help for your horse when the heat is on...somethings you would think to help just may be making matters more difficult to handle.