- Ensure adequate water intake in the days before and during competition – a resting 500kg
horse needs to consume ~25 litres over 24 hours, but this can double to 50 Litres with
increased temperatures and exercise. To increase water intake, provide electrolytes and salt, wet down feed and soak hay, and provide fresh, cool water at all times. Keeping your horse hydrated is also useful to avoid colic! - Keep warm-ups to a minimum.
- After each phase, walk the horse for a few minutes to cool down and then commence
active cooling with high volumes of cold water, (including iced water if available), and
ensure to scrape off thoroughly. Also, apply ice boots. Key areas to cool are the jugular veins
(underside of the neck), the femoral arteries (between hind legs) and the lower abdomen.
Aggressive cooling measures should continue until the water is no longer heating up on the
horse or until the horse’s temperature is 38°C or less. - House your horse in the shade between phases. If your yard is in direct sunlight, ensure to
keep the horse in the shade for at least 30 to 60 minutes after active cooling. Use a light
weight and light-coloured cotton rug to reflect heat. If your horse is stabled, ensure
adequate airflow or remove the horse from the box into the shade. - Consider your individual horse’s fitness level and the conditions you have been training
under. If your horse is not quite as fit as they could be and you have been training in cooler
conditions, please take it especially easy.
Please find Tash for a chat or call 0424 959 115 if you have any questions about managing
your horse in the heat over the weekend.
National Capital Horse Trials Association
Eventing in the Nation's Capital
National Capital Horse Trials Association 