Summer in the UAE is no joke – daytime temperatures routinely hit 45°C (113°F) or more. That intense heat demands extra care for our equine companions, whether they’re desert endurance horses, show jumpers, or beloved leisure mounts. Here’s how to keep them cool, healthy, and happy:
Hydration: The Lifeline
- Unlimited, fresh water is non-negotiable. In these temperatures, horses can lose 10–20 L of water in just an hour’s work.
- If you travel with them (to endurance trails or shows), bring their familiar water—they often refuse unfamiliar sources.
- Topped-up electrolytes are essential. Use sport-grade mixes during heavy sweating, and always provide a salt lick in their stable or paddock.
Electrolyte Management
- For light sweating, a salt lick or adding table salt to feed suffices.
- For heavy sweating (endurance rides, training in stables with limited airflow), a dedicated electrolyte supplement, like D&H Electrolytes, post-exercise is invaluable.
Exercise Timing & Cooling
- Ride or train at dawn or after sunset, when it’s coolest.
- Avoid peak sunlight hours (11 am–4 pm).
- Post-workout: hose with cool (not icy) water, especially over the neck and flanks to target major blood vessels. Let your horse air-dry; avoid covering wet.
Shade & Stable Strategy
- Provide UV-reflective shelters in paddocks. Simple is best—open-fronted and well-shaded.
- In stables, use fans if possible and keep doors/windows open for airflow.
- Many riders in the UAE stable horses overnight and keep them indoors during the hottest daytime hours for comfort and sugar-control in pasture.
Sun Protection
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to pale areas—muzzles, whitesocks, blazes, ear tips—at least twice daily.
- Consider light fly sheets or UV-protection gear (sheets, fly masks). Choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics designed for Dubai/Abu Dhabi sun.
Flies & Insects
- Blowflies and houseflies proliferate around warmth and moisture in stables.
- Use insect repellents such as Equi-Care’s Citronel, and remove manure promptly. Having a bottle of Equi-Care’s Equi Clean can be useful when you need to clean stains without having to bathe them completely.
- Employ fan systems in stables to deter insects naturally.
Heatstroke – Know the Signs
- Look for rapid breathing/pulse, lethargy, excess sweating or dry coat, wobbly gait.
- If suspected:
- Move them to shade or a cool stable.
- Hose with cool—not cold—water, especially chest and flanks.
- Offer small sips of water with electrolytes.
- Contact your vet immediately.
Final Takeaways
- Prioritize hydration, shade, and ventilation.
- Think timing—early morning or evening work is safest.
- Treat sunburn protection as a daily habit.
- Monitor for heat stress—and act fast if you see warning signs.
By adapting routines to match UAE’s intense climate, you can keep your horse comfortable, safe, and performing their best.
