Heat Stress & Dehydration in Horses: the Hidden Summer Risks

There’s something irresistible about spending a bright, sunny day in the saddle, whether you’re training, competing, or simply exploring the trails. Yet beneath the pleasant atmosphere lies a very real challenge for horses: the combined impact of heat, humidity, dehydration, and fatigue. Horses produce enormous amounts of heat during exercise, up to sixty times more than at rest, and their ability to release that heat depends entirely on the environment around them. As riders, understanding this delicate balance is essential because even a fit, well‑trained horse can quickly become overwhelmed.