How does a horse regulate its body temperature ?

Dr Mac explains how a horse uses thermoregulation to deal with changes in air temperature and to cope with vigorous exercise.

- Dr Mac

We all know that a horse (like a person) sweats when it gets hot and shivers when it gets cold. But did you realise that this reaction is linked to increased heart rate as well as changes in the distribution of blood circulating through various organs? Understanding this can assist you to monitor and react in time when your horse gets too hot or cold for comfort.

The normal rectal temperature of a horse varies between 37,7°C and 38,2°C, but can rise to 44°C after a gallop on a hot day. The proportion of blood circulating in the skin, tissues, fat and muscles plays a significant role in thermoregulation.

Length and thickness of the hair can also help protect horses against cold weather in winter and to some extent increase the surface area for evaporation when sweating in the heat.

On a blazingly hot day, a thick mane and tail can protect against the sun's rays burning the face, eyelids and neck, as well as the perianal area and genitals.