Arizona's Famous Horses Are Overheating

Close your eyes and let me take you on a journey to the American West. Can you picture it? The awe-inspiring sandstone towers of Monument Valley, the rugged wagon trails winding through old clapboard towns, and of course, the iconic image of a cowboy on horseback.

As a passionate equestrian living in Florida, I have come to realize that horses are the heartbeat of this cinematic ideal of the West. However, the extreme heat in our Southwest region, especially during the scorching Arizona summers, is becoming a serious challenge for our equine companions. In 2018, we witnessed the devastating loss of nearly 200 mustangs near a dried-up water hole on the west side of the Navajo Nation. And now, as Arizona experiences a staggering 18 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees in Phoenix, longtime horse owners are contemplating the need to relocate to cooler areas.

The equestrian community in Phoenix is thriving, with an estimated $1.3 billion local industry. This city is often hailed as a "horse mecca," particularly renowned for its Arabian horses. Every year, they host the world's largest Arabian horse gathering, attracting over 2,400 magnificent horses competing for a total prize of $3 million. Yet, despite the grandeur of such events and the recent renovations, with climate-controlled stalls at WestWorld, organizing equestrian activities during the Arizona summers remains a daunting task.

Horses, like humans, pant to cool themselves down. When temperatures exceed 94 degrees, panting becomes less effective, and they resort to sweating, much like we do. Incredibly, a horse can produce up to a quarter of a liter of sweat per minute! Their ability to regulate body temperature becomes even more challenging in hot and humid conditions. Additionally, due to their muscular build, horses warm up three to 10 times faster than humans. Just 17 minutes of moderate exercise in hot and humid weather can put a horse in a dangerous situation.

As horse owners, we all must take extra precautions to protect our beloved companions. Some breeds, like Arabian and Spanish-bred horses, are more susceptible to conditions like "founder," a heat-related hoof condition that can be fatal. For such breeds, grazing on grass with high sugar content during peak heat hours can be dangerous. The high-fiber diet of a horse (hay/grass) gives off lots of heat while being digested. This is good in cold weather but works against them in hot weather. Often a horse will not eat if it is too warm for this reason.

The challenges are also significant for the wild horses that roam the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix. Interestingly, these horses seem to have adapted to the heat over time. They have learned to stand in the middle of the river to cool off during triple-digit temperatures. However, the domesticated horses without access to such resources are at higher risk.

As an equestrian community, we all must prioritize the welfare of our horses. While some have the luxury of providing misters, tubs of water, and even air conditioning, not all horses are as fortunate. Unfortunately, most state and local governments lack a specific law that mandates providing shade for domestic horses.

The enduring heatwave in Phoenix is a testament to the resilience of the people there. They have learned to adapt to these extreme conditions, and air conditioning has become an essential comfort. However, we must remember that not everyone has access to such amenities, including outdoor domestic animals and those caring for them.

Until the heatwave subsides, they will continue to rise early in the mornings to exercise and care for their horses. They will keep a watchful eye on their well-being and seek help from their overloaded veterinarians when needed. And as they work tirelessly to keep their horses cool, they can only hope for cooler days ahead.

So, let's come together as a community, raising awareness about the challenges our horses face in this unforgiving heat. By sharing knowledge and supporting one another, we can ensure the well-being of these majestic creatures that define the spirit of the American West. Let's make a difference for the horses that have been such an integral part of our history and culture.

Doug Myrick

Regenerate response