Tips for a better summer: hydration and recovery
Lundi 16 Août 2021
In the summer, it is a good time to go out and enjoy your horse since the days are longer and we have more free time, but high temperatures can be dangerous for the well-being of your companion. Dehydration, general discomfort, and stress are some of the symptoms that can even cause more serious problems, such as diarrhea and colic.
Some basic tips to help keep your horse cool these summer days are:
- Avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day; it is recommended to leave early in the morning or evening.
- Offer fresh water frequently and ensure they have access to it at all times.
- Make sure the horse has shady areas.
DEHYDRATION
In summer, and especially when the horse makes physical efforts, it is very important to be careful so that he does not suffer dehydration. The first two signs of dehydration are reduced appetite and low performance.
But how much water does my horse need?
Water consumption varies greatly between different horses. It is essential to monitor how much our horse drinks per day to detect any changes. The need for water depends above all on diet and exercise. Fresh grass contains a lot of water, so the horse in the field will drink little. Otherwise, hay and pellets contain around 15-20% water, increasing the amount that is necessary to drink. The heat increases this need as well as the intense work due to losses after sweating.
A horse weighing about 500kg with light work requires about 25L of water a day to replace the loss through urine, sweat, etc.Intense work can increase the need for water by up to 300%, so this same horse can drink about 75L of water a day.
What else is lost through sweat?
When the horse sweats, he does not just lose water. With sweat, electrolytes or 'body salts' are also lost. The four essential salts are sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Mineral salts are important to maintain the body's acidity balance and are essential for the regulation of cellular processes.
For this reason, it is extremely important that after work, the horse receive fresh water and electrolytes as soon as possible to replace salts and fluids lost through sweat and replace the body's natural reserves to allow a quick recovery of the horse and keep him fit and performing to the maximum.
Electrolytes can be administered mixed in water, in food, or directly into the mouth with a syringe.
HYDRABOOST is an oral rehydrating gel that is easily administered orally thanks to its presentation in a syringe. Contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and chlorine, four of the electrolytes that are most lost through sweat, as well as Glycine, which makes its absorption very fast.
ELECTROSALTS and ELECTRO LIQUID, with a balanced formula with mineral salts, rehydrate, recover and recharge the horse. Available in powder (1kg and 4kg) and in liquid (1L and 4L).
RECOVERY AFTER EXERCISE
During exercise, horses sweat and lose a lot of mineral salts. They can even continue to sweat for a long time if they are not cooled down properly. Cooling the horse is very important to relax the muscles and bring his heart and breathing rates back to normal levels.
The animal already has natural ways to release excess heat, but on some occasions, when the temperatures are very high or the exercise he has done is intense and we want it to recover sooner, the horse will need your help to cool down. Knowing how to do it will help your horse recover faster:
During exercise, horses sweat and lose a lot of mineral salts. They can even continue to sweat for a long time if they are not cooled down properly. Cooling the horse is very important to relax the muscles and bring his heart and breathing rates back to normal levels.
The animal already has natural ways to release excess heat, but on some occasions, when the temperatures are very high or the exercise he has done is intense and we want it to recover sooner, the horse will need your help to cool down. Knowing how to do it will help your horse recover faster:
- Remove the saddle, reins, working bandages, etc. as soon as possible.
- Wet your horse with water at room temperature.
- Brush or massage the muscles to promote relaxation.
- Provide fresh water.
- Walking with your horse in a shady area to lower the heart rate.
- Apply gels or clays with analgesic and antiinflammatory effects after an effort.
ICE COOL, formulated with Hamamelis and Arnica, is a clay that cools down and soothes tired legs after intense work. Provides instant cold and reduces swelling.
RECOVER is an innovative restorative with an antioxidant and antiinflammatory formula that relaxes muscles, eliminates toxins and improves the horse's general condition. Provides a quick recovery after a competition or exercise.
