Care for The Rescues in Hot Weather

As the summer sun beats down on Fort Erie, the dedicated volunteers at Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue and Sanctuary are working tirelessly to ensure the comfort and well-being of their beloved equines. Providing care for horses and ponies in hot weather is a demanding, round-the-clock commitment that the rescue simply could not manage without their compassionate and unwavering support.

Providing Care in Hot Weather:

The volunteers implement a multi-faceted approach to keep the horses and ponies cool and hydrated:

• Ample Fresh Water: This is paramount. Water troughs are meticulously checked and refilled multiple times throughout the day to ensure a constant supply of cool, clean water. In extreme heat, additional buckets may be placed in pastures for easy access.
• Shade, Shade, Shade: Horses are provided with natural shade from trees or man-made shelters in their paddocks. Volunteers might even strategically place tarps or sunshades to create extra shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day.
• Electrolytes: Just like humans, horses can lose essential electrolytes through sweat. Volunteers may add electrolytes to their water or feed, especially for older or more susceptible equines, to help maintain their fluid balance.
• Cooling Measures: In very high temperatures, volunteers might hose down horses with cool water, focusing on their legs, neck, and chest, allowing the water to evaporate and cool the horse. Some even use misting fans in barns for extra relief.
• Adjusted Feeding Schedules: Forage is crucial, but volunteers may adjust feeding times to cooler parts of the day to minimize the heat generated by digestion.
• Fly Control: Flies can be a major irritant and stressor in hot weather. Volunteers diligently apply fly spray and ensure fly masks are in place to keep the horses as comfortable as possible.

Dangerous Temperatures and Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

Generally, any temperature above 29°C (85°F), especially with high humidity, can be dangerous for horses. Older horses, foals, overweight horses, and those with underlying health conditions are particularly susceptible.

Volunteers are trained to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, which include:

• Excessive sweating or, conversely, no sweating at all (anhidrosis)
• Elevated respiratory rate (flared nostrils, rapid breathing)
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy, weakness, or depression
• Stumbling or incoordination
• Dark urine
• Reduced appetite
• Body temperature above 38.3°C (101°F) (normal equine temperature is 37.2-38.3°C or 99-101°F)

If any of these signs are observed, volunteers immediately alert experienced Team Members, who can initiate cooling measures and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian.

Temperature Too Hot to Ride:

As a general rule, it is considered too hot to ride a pony or horse when the sum of the ambient temperature (in Fahrenheit) and the relative humidity exceeds 150. For example, if the temperature is 85°F and the humidity is 70%, the sum is 155, making it too risky to ride. This guideline helps prevent heat stress and potential exhaustion in the animals. Volunteers at Last Chance prioritize the horses' well-being over any riding activities during these conditions.

The Demanding Nature of Volunteer Care:

The dedication required from volunteers during hot weather cannot be overstated. Their days are long, often starting at dawn to complete chores before the peak heat sets in, and extending into the evening to ensure all animals are settled. This involves:

• Hauling heavy water buckets and hoses.
• Constantly monitoring animals for signs of distress.
• Cleaning and maintaining shaded areas.
• Applying cooling measures repeatedly.
• Adjusting routines on the fly to respond to changing weather conditions.

It is physically taxing work, often performed under the very same oppressive heat from which they are trying to protect the animals. Despite the challenges, their commitment never wavers.

Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue and Sanctuary is profoundly grateful for every minute the volunteers dedicate to their mission. Their tireless efforts and unwavering compassion are the backbone of the rescue, directly contributing to the health, happiness, and survival of every equine in their care. Without these extraordinary individuals, the sanctuary simply could not provide the safe haven and specialized attention these deserving animals require, especially during the challenging summer months.

 BIG NEWS! The House of Commons has voted to pass Bill C-355, which aims to ban the live export of Canadian horses to Japan for slaughter! We’re one step closer to seeing this bill become law. Now, it heads to the Senate! 

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