Heatwave tips that will keep your horse happy this Spring

I don't know about you but so far Spring in Los Angeles has been pretty hot. It's been reaching almost 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) in some parts of the city. The heat not only affects us but it affects our horses. Here are some simple ways to keep your horse happy during a heat wave. 

1. Water - Always make sure you have plenty of water available for your horse at all times. Keep an eye out for bugs and mosquitoes. Not unlike us horses are less likely to want to drink if there are a bunch of bugs in the water.
2. Shade - Have a large enough area of shade for your horse to relax in when it starts to get too hot. 
3. Electrolytes - Horses lose electrolytes while they sweat. Replenish salt loss during excessive sweating with a suitable electrolyte supplement
4. Ventilation - When possible, leave barn doors and windows open and install misting fans near each stall if you can. 
5. Baths - Bathe your horse! He/She will love you for it. Nothing feels better then having a nice cold bath on a hot day. 
6. Coat Care - Keep your horses mane and tail trimmed. Apply a zinc oxide sunscreen to pink noses to help prevent sunburn. There are shampoos available with UV protection added to help protect your horses coat. 

These tips will keep your horse happy and when your horse is happy, then you are happy.