Hot Weather Horse Trailer Tips

Leaving a horse in its trailer for too long during hot weather creates a serious risk that it will suffer health complications such as heat stroke and dehydration. The good news is that by taking a few simple precautions you can significantly reduce that risk. Follow this guide from the experts at Connecticut Trailers & Powersports to help make sure that your horse stays safe while traveling during the summer.

Know the Signs

While overheating and dehydration often go hand in hand, they are distinct medical conditions, and you need to be able to spot the symptoms of both. For example, a horse that is overheating will often show signs of excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Meanwhile, dehydration is often characterized by sunken eyes, lethargy, and a loss of skin elasticity. If you notice that your horse exhibits any of these symptoms, take appropriate action. 

Secure a Water Source

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. This old saying is actually fairly accurate. Horses have a well-developed sense of taste, which is closely linked to their sense of smell. This means that a horse may refuse to drink water that it finds unpalatable, even in situations where it could lead to dehydration. Finding palatable water on the road can be difficult, so start each trip with your horse well-hydrated and bring along a supply of water that you know your horse will drink. 

Electrolytes and Ventilation

Like humans, horses lose electrolytes when they sweat. In addition to a palatable water source, you may need to give your horse access to a salt lick or electrolyte water. Another good tip is to make sure your horse trailer offers plenty of ventilation. Open your trailer’s vents and sliding windows as wide as they will go, and don’t forget to point the air intake forward. 

Check On Your Horse Frequently

Long trips spent stuck in a trailer can be hard on a horse. If possible, ease your horse into things with a series of shorter trips before committing to a multi-hour journey. For every four hours of travel, we recommend taking 20 minutes to check up on your horse and let them rest. If your journey winds up lasting 12 hours or more, make sure that your horse has the opportunity to sleep. 

For more information or to view our selection of horse trailers, visit Connecticut Trailers & Powersports in Bolton, Connecticut. We welcome guests from places like the Hartford County, Connecticut area, as well as communities like Springfield, Massachusetts. We also offer rentals, parts ordering, trailer servicing, and financing, so visit us for all your trailer-related needs. We hope to see you soon!