ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Panting and the heat

[endurance] Panting and the heat

Betsy O'Shea (boshea@magic1.org)
Tue, 28 May 1996 08:59:09 -0600

I have a 1/2 quarter horse that has trouble dissipating heat (because of his
big old QH muscles). He pants, so I am anticipating difficulty getting him
though the P and R this summer on the hot, humid days with no breeze. On
these days it is a problem on CTR rides as respiration is checked. Any
suggestions? Will it help if I make a real effort to condition on the hot
humid days? What about stopping at every stream and just drenching the
horse and resting him 2 or 3 times more than I would normally. I do pull the
saddle, try to face him in the wind and fan. and since being on the list, I
have learned to pour water on him while I am moving. My horse's pulse drops
so I think I have a fit horse in humid weather and its not an inversion
indicating my horse is in trouble. After reading Lew Hollander's new book, I
am going to take his temperature so I have a better idea of the relationship
of the heat and panting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We
need a 24 respiratory rate to not loose points.
Betsy O'Shea and Afterglow
boshea@magic1.org
Paola,Kansas