How We Keep Our Horses Safe During the Summer Heat

When the summer heat rolls in, it’s not just people who feel the effects—horses do too. At Palmetto Carriage Works, we go above and beyond to make sure our horses stay cool, healthy, and happy. Here’s how we care for them during the hottest months—and what fellow horse owners can keep in mind as well.

1. Hydration First
Horses lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes through sweat. We make sure they always have access to clean water and provide electrolyte supplements when needed to keep them properly hydrated.

2. Ample Rest & Temperature Monitoring
City regulations require 15 minutes of rest between tours—but we usually give our horses at least 30. They cool off with fresh water, shaded areas, and misters. After every tour, we check each horse’s temperature—regardless of the season—to catch and address any signs of heat stress early.

3. Cool Shelter
Our horses rest in shaded, well-ventilated spaces like the Big Red Barn when not on tours. A break from direct sunlight makes all the difference in helping them recover and stay comfortable.

4. Regular Grooming
Frequent grooming removes sweat and dirt that can irritate skin and raise body temps. A clean coat helps keep them cool and healthy.

5. Balanced Nutrition
We adjust diets in the summer to support energy and digestion, adding supplements like salt and electrolytes—and even beer to encourage sweating in a safe and beneficial way.

6. Watching for Heat Stress
We closely monitor for signs like excessive sweating, heavy breathing, and fatigue. If we spot any issues, we act immediately—providing rest, water, and vet care if needed.

7. Safety Comes First
When temperatures exceed 95°F in Charleston, city regulations require we pause operations. And we’re fully on board—because our horses’ well-being comes before business.

At Palmetto Carriage Works, caring for our horses isn’t just a responsibility—it’s who we are. Thanks to thoughtful routines and constant care, we’ve never had a heat-related incident, and we’re committed to keeping it that way.

Here’s to a safe, cool summer—for you and your horses too! We’d love to host you so you can see for yourself the level of care we provide for our horses. Click here to learn more!