Is my horse too hot?

Remember, you cannot cool a horse too quickly and cold water will not increase the risk of colic or other illnesses. 

If your horse becomes very agitated at the water, stop briefly, but try to continue as soon as they are calmer.

Offer the horse water to drink. Electrolytes will help; but always offer plain water in addition to electrolyte infused water as some horses do not like the taste of electrolytes. Water without electrolytes is preferable to water that they refuse. Cold water is safe to drink, but some horses prefer warm or room temperature water. 

In summary, overheating is dangerous to horses

It is always advisable to have a thermometer as part of your yard first aid kit, along with normal reference ranges if you are unsure. Taking your horse’s temperature when they are fit and healthy will give you an idea of what is normal for them. It is advisable to check the battery occasionally or have a backup particularly if you don’t use the thermometer often; it might fail just when you need it most. If your horse does have a high temperature, call your vet for advice and an examination. And if you think your horse is suffering from heatstroke, start cooling them immediately. If you suspect that your horse may have an infectious disease, remember to keep them isolated from others while you are waiting for your vet