Support for Heat Stress in Horses
Keep Them Cool
Heat Stress in Horses
The warmer months are ideal times for riding and competitions, but hot weather can have serious effects on horses. Heat stress disrupts hydration, digestion, and normal body temperature regulation—quickly impacting comfort, performance, and recovery. If left unmanaged, it can lead to dehydration, digestive upset, and serious health risks, especially during work or travel in hot, humid conditions.
Benefits of Vitalize Products for Heat Stress
To support horses during heat stress, we recommend feeding Vitalize Blazin during periods of heat stress or anticipated heat stress—such as hot, humid weather, increased training, hauling, or competition.
See more about the benefits of these products below.
Replenishes vital electrolytes lost through sweat and contains ingredients that support hydration at the cellular level, helping your horse stay properly hydrated even in extreme heat.
Replenishes vital electrolytes lost through sweat and contains ingredients that support hydration at the cellular level, helping your horse stay properly hydrated even in extreme heat.
Replenishes vital electrolytes lost through sweat and contains ingredients that support hydration at the cellular level, helping your horse stay properly hydrated even in extreme heat.
Replenishes vital electrolytes lost through sweat and contains ingredients that support hydration at the cellular level, helping your horse stay properly hydrated even in extreme heat.
Heat Stress
Understanding Heat Stress in Horses
Heat stress happens when a horse’s body has a hard time keeping cool and regulating their temperature. It’s often caused by a mix of high temperatures, humidity, and not enough shade or ways to cool down.
A horse’s thermal neutral zone is the temperature range in which the horse can maintain a normal body temperature without expending extra energy to heat or cool itself. For most adult horses, this range is roughly 40°F to 75°F (4°C to 24°C), depending on factors like coat length, body condition, wind, and humidity.
Horses are especially at risk if they’re working hard during training or competitions or if they are prone to anhidrosis. Anhidrosis is a condition in horses where they sweat poorly or not at all, making it difficult to regulate body temperature and increasing the risk of heat stress.
Common signs of heat stress are heavy sweating, rapid breathing or panting, and an increased heart rate. Your horse might also seem tired or not perform as well as usual. Dehydration can show up as dry gums, and in more serious cases can lead to colic or even heat stroke.
Knowing the causes and signs of heat stress in horses can go a long way in helping you keep your horse safe and comfortable during hot weather.
