A horse’s health needs special attention during the summer show season, says Dave Freeman, an equine specialist at the Oklahoma State University.
“Horse shows break up an animal’s normal daily routine,” Freeman said.
“The ability to manage these disruptions and their effect on an animal often will be the difference whether or not a horse is able to operate at peak performance during a show.”
Keep the horse on its routine diet to maintain its nutritional status and help it remain healthy.
“If you can’t haul all the grain and hay needed while on the road, feed a grain mix that is available from vendors at the shows,” Freeman said.
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“Most will have a supply of grass hay that can be substituted for grass hay fed at home.”
Heat stress is possible if horses are ridden too hard or too long, or if placed in poorly ventilated areas while cooling out after a ride.
Riders should keep close watch on the horse’s attitude and appearance while practicing , Freeman said.
A horse with a rapid respiration rate and large amounts of sweat is in the beginning stages of heat stress.
Dehydration can also be a problem.
“Some horses are finicky and don’t drink water readily from sources other than home, so hauling water for short trips is advisable.”
