Heat and Horses

[brookhaven]

Having just checked in and read about MRF's little Rose and her pneumonia and temp of 109 (!), thought I would post this reminder about heat! When it gets hot here in the South, I go out at least twice a day and do the "Pinch Test" on my horses, especially the foals. Pinch a little skin on their neck and if it doesn't immediately go back, they are dehydrated. Last year I had a colt that failed the pinch test and I went out with a bucket of Gatorade (yes, that's right) which he sucked up and within an hour was hydrated and fine. Just some thoughts from past experience in dealing with our good ole Southern Heat. Hope it helps someone else!!!

[MaryKansas]

I keep Gatorade on hand, just in case....but only because I read about it on another message board somewhere, its really great advice. The heat is really setting in here, and getting hotter everyday, supposed to be up into the near 100's in the next few days too.
Thanks for the reminder!!

[erikasbackyard]

My yearling now DEMANDS his mid-afternoon hose-down. I'm not sure who is more spoiled, him or my biggest pig. She starts booming and carrying on when she hears the hose come on.