Keeping Your Cob Cool: Summer Care Tips for Horses with Thick Coats

Cobs are known for their beautiful, thick coats, which serve them well in colder months. However, during summer, this dense hair can sometimes become an obstacle to maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

Summer can be a challenging season for horse owners, especially when it comes to caring for breeds like Cobs that have thick, dense coats. The thick coat that provides warmth during winter can become a burden in hot weather, leading to overheating and discomfort. In this blog post, we'll explore different methods of managing your cob during the hot summer months, along with the benefits of clipping and keeping them cool to prevent overheating.

 

Clipping your cob during summer

Cobs are known for their beautiful, thick coats, which serve them well in colder months. However, during summer, this dense hair can sometimes become an obstacle to maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

Thinking about clipping your cob all year round? Here’s some reasons why we say yes!

Temperature regulation: Clipping removes the thickness and bulk of the coat, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently. This prevents Cobs from becoming overheated during exercise or when exposed to direct sunlight.

Improved sweat evaporation: Clipping helps sweat to evaporate quickly from your horse's skin, preventing excessive sweating and reducing the risk of dehydration.

Improved performance: A clipped Cob will use less energy trying to cool down after exercise, speeding up the recovery process and keeping them cooler for longer when training or at competitions.

When it comes to clipping your cob during the summer, we would recommend using our Covercote blades. Leaving 5mm of hair, this blade is designed for summer clipping, removing the excess, thick hair from the coat, without removing their summer shine!

 

Aftercare for summer clipping

Sun Protection: After clipping, your Cob's skin may be more exposed to the sun. Apply equine-safe sunscreen or use a lightweight summer sheet to protect them from harmful UV rays.

Insect Control: With less hair, your Cob may be more susceptible to insect bites. Use fly repellents and consider stabling them during peak bug activity times.

Temperature Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your Cob's body temperature during hot days. Provide ample shade, access to fresh water, and schedule exercise during cooler parts of the day.

 

Additional maintenance methods for a cob during summer

Strategic Turnout and Stabling

One way to manage your Cob's exposure to the heat and direct sunlight is through strategic turnout and stabling practices. Consider the following tips:

• Create a turnout schedule to avoid your horse being turned out during the hottest parts of the day.
• Ensure that your Cob has access to shade throughout the day, whether it's natural shade from trees or man-made shelters such as run-in sheds or field shelters.
• If your Cob tends to overheat easily or is particularly sensitive to the sun, consider stabling them during the hottest parts of the day.

 

Hydration and Electrolyte Management

Proper hydration is crucial for your Cob's well-being during the summer months. Here are some important considerations:

 

• Ensure that your Cob always has access to clean, fresh water. Monitor water troughs or buckets regularly to ensure they are filled and free from debris.
• Horses lose electrolytes through sweat, especially during exercise and high temperatures. Talk to your veterinarian about providing electrolyte supplements to help replenish the minerals lost and maintain proper hydration.
• Place a salt lick in your Cob's pasture or stable to encourage them to consume adequate amounts of salt. Salt helps stimulate thirst and aids in maintaining the electrolyte balance in their bodies.

 

Remember, each horse is unique, and their needs may vary. Regularly monitor your Cob's behaviour, body condition, and hydration levels to ensure they are comfortable and thriving in the summer heat.