Utah’s summers are no joke—long, dry, and blazing hot. With average daytime highs often climbing above 90°F in many regions, horse owners need to be especially mindful of how the heat impacts their animals. Unlike humans, horses can’t simply retreat into air conditioning. They rely on their caretakers to help them regulate body temperature and stay safe during the most intense parts of the year.
Whether you’re caring for a retired trail horse in the mountains or training a competition-ready athlete in the valley, staying on top of summer horsekeeping is essential. If you’re newer to horse care or looking for a facility that prioritizes your horse’s comfort year-round, places like Rugby Creek Sport Horses offer thoughtful boarding solutions in horse-friendly environments.
Here’s how you can keep your horse cool, hydrated, and healthy all summer long in Utah.
Understand How Heat Affects Horses
Before jumping into the how-to’s, it’s important to understand what’s actually happening to horses in the heat.
Horses cool themselves primarily by sweating, but this comes with a cost—water and electrolytes are lost in the process. In Utah’s dry climate, that sweat evaporates quickly, which can sometimes fool horse owners into thinking their animal isn’t sweating much at all. In reality, the horse may be losing fluids faster than they can be replaced.
Early signs of heat stress include heavy or inconsistent sweating, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Left unchecked, these symptoms can lead to heat exhaustion or even life-threatening heatstroke. Prevention is always easier (and safer) than treatment.
Prioritize Water and Hydration
Nothing is more important in the heat than fresh, clean water—and lots of it. On average, a horse drinks between 5–10 gallons per day, but in hot weather, this can easily double. Always ensure there is cool, accessible water in troughs or buckets, and check them frequently for cleanliness.
Salt is another hydration helper. Providing free-choice salt blocks or mixing loose salt into your horse’s feed encourages consistent water consumption. Electrolyte supplements—especially after strenuous activity—can help replace minerals lost through sweat.
For picky drinkers or horses that don’t seem to be drinking enough, try soaking their hay or adding soaked beet pulp to meals. This is a sneaky but effective way to get extra water into their system.
Offer Shade and Ventilation
Even a short time in direct sun during peak hours can lead to overheating. Horses turned out during the day should always have access to ample shade—either from trees, shelters, or sun-blocking structures.
If your horse is stalled during the heat of the day, proper ventilation is crucial. Open windows and cross-ventilation will help hot air escape. Consider installing barn-safe fans to increase airflow, but ensure cords and blades are out of reach and weather-rated.
Even better? Turn horses out overnight or during the early morning when temperatures are lower, and bring them into shaded or well-ventilated stalls during the afternoon heat.
Adjust Your Riding and Turnout Schedule
Just as you wouldn’t go for a run at noon in July, your horse shouldn’t be exercised during the hottest part of the day. Plan riding sessions early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is lower and the air is cooler.
If you must ride during warmer hours, take breaks often, offer water before and after the ride, and keep sessions shorter. Know your horse’s limits—some tolerate heat better than others based on fitness, age, and breed.
Groom Smart to Support Cooling
Daily grooming does more than keep your horse looking sharp—it also supports thermoregulation. Use a curry comb to remove dirt, dried sweat, and loose hair, allowing your horse’s coat to do its job more efficiently.
Bathing or rinsing with cool water is a great way to cool a horse down after work or during especially hot days. But remember: always use a sweat scraper afterward. Leaving water sitting on their coat can actually trap heat close to the body and make things worse.
Keep manes and tails detangled to promote airflow and avoid sweat buildup underneath tack or fly gear.
Feed Strategically in the Summer
Horses often eat less when it’s hot, which can affect their energy, weight, and hydration. Feeding forage-based meals is still essential, but you may need to tweak your horse’s diet during hotter months.
Avoid overfeeding protein-rich feeds in summer, as digesting protein generates more internal heat. Instead, focus on high-quality grass hay and add moisture-rich supplements like soaked cubes or pellets to meals. This supports hydration and helps prevent digestion-related heat stress.
As always, make dietary changes gradually and consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for guidance tailored to your horse.
Monitor for Warning Signs
It’s vital to observe your horse daily for signs of heat stress, especially after exercise or long hours in the sun. Check:
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Gums: Should be moist and pink, not tacky or pale
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Skin pinch test: Should snap back quickly (slow = dehydration)
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Respiration: Should return to normal within 10–15 minutes after activity
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Behavior: Sudden disinterest in food, heavy breathing at rest, or refusal to move could signal a serious issue
Keep a digital thermometer on hand—your horse’s temperature should be between 99.5°F and 101.5°F. Anything above 103°F after rest is a red flag.
Gear and Fly Protection
Don’t overlook summer gear. Breathable saddle pads and UV-blocking fly sheets can provide protection without overheating your horse—just make sure they’re made of lightweight, moisture-wicking materials.
Fly masks with UV protection help prevent sunburn on light-colored horses, especially those with pink noses or white faces. Avoid unnecessary blanketing in hot weather unless specifically recommended by your vet for medical reasons.
Final Thoughts
Utah’s summers may be dry and scenic, but they can also be dangerous for horses if owners aren’t prepared. The key to good horsekeeping in high temperatures is a proactive approach: consistent hydration, smart turnout schedules, proper shelter, and daily observation.
No one knows your horse better than you do—but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re caring for your horse at home or looking into full-service boarding options, always prioritize facilities and routines designed to handle extreme weather with care.
With a little planning and daily attention, your horse can enjoy the summer safely, comfortably, and in good health.