HOW THE WEATHER AFFECTS HORSES

Fires in California have caused the air quality index to rise to unhealthy levels. This affects people, but how does it affect horses?

Christina Calderon, Fresno State equestrian team barn manager, has been working with horses for years.

“Some that do have asthma. They will essentially break down. They will have asthma attacks. Some will get hives. They get runny eyes just like we do,” Calderon says.

Not only is the air quality changing but so is the weather.

Eric Hubbard, Fresno State equestrian team head coach, has many ways to maintain the care of the horses. One way to keep them cool is to clip their hair. It prevents overheating during warmer days.

“There’s some maintenance as far as making sure those horses are blanketed at night, but if they’re kind of warm and hairy and they’re out of shape we’ll put them on electrolytes to help their bodies maintain that balance that they need,” Hubbard says.

Horses, like humans, need to stay hydrated. With low temperatures at night and high temperatures during the day, trying to get them to drink enough water becomes a priority.

“It’s vital for them to continue to be hydrated for their intestinal tract to keep it moving through their digestive system,” Hubbard says.

As the weather changes from summer to fall to winter, the care for the horses must follow.