We share tips on common barn tasks; we discuss polo wraps and tendon boots; in Critter Nutrition we address summertime recovery for horses; and in Coffee Klatch we ask: which Disney character does your dog remind you of?
Listen in…
Guests and Links for Episode 111:
- Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Click Here
- Co-Hosts: Tigger Montague from BiostarUS and Pati Pierucci from from Pierucci Dressage
- Guest: Dressage Trainer, Brian Forde
- Summertime Recovery Tips for Horses
- Ask Hedwig on Facebook
- Learn more about Whole Foods for Horses and Dogs
Co-host Tigger Montague offers valuable summertime recovery tips for keeping horses cool and hydrated in the hot, humid part of the year:
“We tend to work our horses harder in the warmer months, when recovery is more of a challenge. The harder the horse’s body works, the more energy it burns, and the byproduct of this energy process is heat. As a result, keeping horses cool and hydrated in hot and/or humid weather becomes a primary focus of horse owners in the summertime.
The body’s cooling efficiency is determined by environmental temperature and humidity, as well as the physical and metabolic condition of each individual horse. While thoroughbreds and Arabians have an easier time staying cool, heavily muscled horses like quarter horses and warmbloods can face bigger challenges when dissipating internal body heat.
The more fit the horse is, the more efficient the horse becomes at dissipating heat; horses that are overweight can be hampered in the recovery phase by the fat layer that traps heat. Yet even fit horses, when working in conditions of high heat and humidity, will lose varying percentages of water and electrolytes, and can be slow to replace muscle glycogen…”
At Healthy Critters Radio, we are hopeless animal lovers who want to share our experience and knowledge with you, for the betterment of your animals’ lives. We focus on health, nutrition, behavior, and ideas for overall well-being and happiness. Twice a month, we bring you guest experts, advice, commentary, and a lot of fun and laughter! If there is ever a topic you’d like for us to cover, let us know on our contact page!
