Horses are magnificent, hardy creatures, but like any animal, they need special care to keep them healthy and comfortable.
One of the most frequent issues for horse owners, particularly in rainy environments, is whether horses can handle the rain. Although horses are relatively hardy animals, knowing how they react to wet weather and what measures to take is essential to keep them well.
Here we will tell you how horses handle rain, how to protect them from adverse weather, and the optimal way to keep a horse outside during rain.
Can Horses Handle the Rain?
Yes, horses can stand a little rain, but as with all animals, they have their limits. Horses also have natural protection against the weather in the form of their coats, which are waterproof and water-repellent and will shed water. However, prolonged exposure to wet, cold weather will cause your horse distress, and indeed ill health.
The Horse‘s Coat and Waterproofing
The coat of horses also tends naturally to make them fairly dry in damp weather. Two layers make up the hair on a horse: the outer longer and coarser layer, and the inner denser and softer layer. These two layers retain air and provide warmth to the horse.
As an additional point, horses also have skin sebaceous glands that produce oils. They can repel water to a certain extent. It is for this exact reason you will see horses with a healthy and well-conditioned coat seem less wet when it is lightly raining.
But heavy rain will still overwhelm the coat. While a horse’s coat will protect some of the rain, constant drizzling will eventually soak through. The body temperature of the horse can drop, and the wet coat can make them feel cold.
What About Cold Rain?
Cold rain is far worse than wet weather. Horses are especially susceptible to cold as their body can cool quite quickly when they are wet. If they get wet and exposed to cold winds, they may struggle to warm up.
To help your horse adapt to cold rain, you should ensure that they have a place to take cover, such as a stable or three-sided shelter in the field. Otherwise, you can provide a waterproof and insulated horse blanket, especially for older horses or horses with thin coats.
Factors Influencing a Horse’s Adapting to Rain
There are several factors that influence the capability of a horse to adapt to rain. These are:
Coat Type: Thicker, fluffier-coated horses can better endure cold, wet weather than horses with less-coated coats. Certain breeds, such as the Icelandic horse or Clydesdale, possess coats more adapted to cold, inclement weather.
Age and Health: Younger horses and healthy horses are more likely to cope with cold and wet weather. Older horses or those with health issues will be less able to, therefore need more care in wet weather.
Body Condition: Healthy and well-fed horses are more likely to remain warm in wet and cold weather.
Shelter Availability: Having a shelter is perhaps the most important consideration. Horses need a dry place where they can escape the rain, wind, and cold, especially if the rain is heavy or the weather is very severe.
Time Outdoors: Horses stabled outdoors for long periods without cover will be less able to adapt to prolonged exposure to rain, especially if cold winds or snow accompany the rain.
Tips for Making a Horse Comfortable and Safe during Rain
As a horse owner, there are a few simple precautions to use in order to maintain your horse’s comfort and health during rainy days.
Provide Shelter: Make sure that your horse has a shelter in which they can seek protection from the wind and rain. Run-in shed or stable can be a relief, particularly in the event of a storm or in situations when weather is likely to be bad for an extended period of time.
Use Horse Blankets: For horses with a shorter coat or who get cold, having a good-quality waterproof blanket can be a lifesaver. Look for the blankets that are rain-resistant and will keep your horse warm, especially during colder months.
Keep Their Coat Dry: If your horse becomes muddy after being outside in the rain, brush them off and remove all excess dirt and water from their coat. This will allow their natural oils to work better to keep them dry. Grooming your horse regularly will also maintain their coat condition well.
Check for Irritation: Horses housed in wet conditions for prolonged periods may develop skin irritations if their skin is sensitive. Always look for any sores, rashes, or fungal infections that may be due to prolonged dampness.
Monitor for Cold Stress: Monitor for signs of cold stress, such as shivering or a horse remaining in one spot for an extended period. If you notice these signs, they might need a blanket, or more shelter breaks, especially in very cold or windy rain.
Provide Adequate Nutrition: Horses require additional energy to sustain heat when subjected to cold, wet weather. Require your horse’s diet to be sufficient enough to provide for them under such circumstances. Additional hay and good quality feed can be most helpful.
Beware of Overexertion: The pasture is probably soggy and slippery following a rainstorm, and this can lead to the threat of injury. If your horse is turned out, keep a close eye on them so that they’re not overexerting themselves or trapped in the mud.
When to Bring Your Horse In
There are certain situations where it’s a good idea to bring your horse in. This is particularly true if:
The rain is followed by extremely cold weather or snow.
Your horse is sick, old, or in poor condition.
You have reason to believe that the rain is upsetting your horse.
If your horse refuses to leave the shelter or seems uneasy, it may be time to think about bringing them inside a stable until the inclement weather subsides.
Even though horses are tolerant to rain, we should know that they can withstand rain under specific conditions such as coat, age, health, and availability of shelter. As long as you are using proper precautions through providing shelter, grooming, and exposing them to blankets, it will ensure that your horse stays in comfort as well as optimal health when it rains.
Don’t forget horses, being human themselves, are not safe from the consequences of prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions. By being aware of what they need and choosing the right decisions regarding their care, you can maintain your horse’s good health and happiness, come rain or shine.