A tool used to assess the risk of heat stress in equines combines temperature and humidity readings to provide a single value indicating the level of risk. For example, a combination of high temperature and high humidity creates a significantly greater risk of heat stress than high temperature alone. This value helps owners and handlers determine appropriate management strategies.
Evaluating the thermal environment for horses is crucial for their well-being and performance. Heat stress can lead to a range of health problems, from mild discomfort and reduced performance to life-threatening heatstroke. Using this type of assessment tool provides an objective measure, allowing for proactive management strategies like providing shade, increasing ventilation, adjusting exercise schedules, and offering cool water. Historically, recognizing heat stress relied on subjective observations, making standardized assessment a significant advance in equine care.
