Why Horses Are Prone to Respiratory Issues
Obligate Nasal Breathers: Horses can only breathe through their nose—not their mouth—making any airway obstruction a serious concern.
Dusty Environments: From dry hay to dusty arenas, horses are constantly exposed to airborne irritants that can inflame and restrict their airways.
Intensive Workloads: During exercise, a horse’s need for oxygen increases dramatically, putting extra stress on their respiratory system—especially if there’s any existing inflammation or restriction.
Anatomy Matters: The long, narrow structure of a horse’s airway leaves little room for error—any swelling or blockage can significantly impact airflow and performance.
Why You Should Ice Your Horse’s Legs
Post-Workout Recovery: Just like human athletes, horses benefit from cold therapy after intense work. Icing helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, promoting faster recovery.
Injury Prevention: Cooling legs after exercise helps minimize the risk of strain or injury by limiting tissue damage caused by microtrauma and repetitive impact.
Targeted Swelling Reduction: Whether it’s a tweak, bump, or strain—icing helps control swelling and keeps minor issues from becoming major setbacks.
Support for Tendons & Ligaments: The lower legs have limited soft tissue, making tendons and ligaments more vulnerable. Icing helps protect these structures by keeping inflammation in check.
Summer Stall Essentials: Keep Horses Cool & Content
Fans & Ventilation: Proper airflow is non-negotiable. Stall fans help circulate air, reduce heat stress, and keep bugs at bay—making stalls feel more like breezy retreats.
Electrolyte-Infused Water or Treats: Encourage hydration with flavored electrolytes or frozen treats. Staying cool starts from the inside out.
Misting Systems or Cool Towels: Gentle misters or chilled towels draped over necks and shoulders can provide instant relief during peak heat hours.
Toys & Treat Dispensers: Boredom can lead to bad behavior. Hanging toys, slow feeders, or treat balls keep horses mentally stimulated and occupied.
Shaded Stall Curtains or Fly Sheets: Keep the sun (and flies) out while letting airflow in with breathable stall drapes or mesh fly sheets for sensitive horses.
Why Use Poultice on Your Horse’s Legs
Draws Out Heat & Inflammation: Poultice helps pull heat from tired or overworked legs, reducing inflammation and keeping legs cool post-exercise or post-competition.
Soothes Soreness: Whether it's after jumping, galloping, or hauling, poultice provides a soothing effect on muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Supports Recovery: Applying poultice can help speed up recovery by encouraging circulation and minimizing fluid buildup.
Trusted Tradition with Modern Benefits: From ancient clay to modern-day formulas, poulticing remains a go-to solution for managing leg stress—especially when paired with standing wraps.
Why Sweating (or Not Sweating) Matters in Horses
Sweating = Cooling: Horses regulate their body temperature primarily through sweat. If they’re not sweating, they can’t cool themselves—which can quickly become dangerous.
Dehydration Happens Fast: Intense work, high heat, and travel can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss. Without proper hydration and replenishment, performance and health take a serious hit.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Sweating doesn't just lose water—it loses essential salts. Without balanced electrolytes, horses may fatigue faster, cramp, or even develop serious conditions like thumps or tying-up.
Signs to Watch: Dry skin, dark urine, lethargy, or refusal to eat can all point to dehydration. And if your horse stops sweating altogether (anhidrosis), it’s time to act—fast.
Dehydration and Sweating
Cooling Gear for Horse, Dog & Rider
Because Everyone Deserves to Chill
For Horses: From cooling sheets to ice boots, help your equine partner beat the heat, reduce recovery time, and stay comfortable before, during, and after work.
For Dogs: Your barn buddy feels the heat too. Cooling vests, mats, and bandanas help regulate body temp so they can keep tagging along—safely.
For Riders: Whether you’re mucking stalls or riding in full sun, cooling shirts, towels, and hydration gear help you stay sharp, safe, and standing (not sweating through your breeches).
One Summer, One Goal: Keep your whole crew cool, calm, and collected—no matter how hot it gets.