Red Horse Stables

If an unlimited water supply is available, the quickest way to cool a hot horse is to continuously run cool water over the horse with a hose without stopping to scrape it off.

However, when trying to cool a hot horse with a limited supply of water (e.g., when camping), most suggest applying the water, scraping it off, and then applying more water. In the absence of continuous water, scraping can help encourage evaporative cooling.

Focus water application to the head, back, neck, rump, and legs. You can apply ice water to high blood flow areas including the head, neck, back, and ribs (avoid applying ice water to the large gluteal muscles). A fully cooled horse will have cool water dripping off them rather than warm water.

For more information on managing horses during hot weather, visit https://extension.umn.edu/horse-care-and-management/caring-horses-during-hot-weather

Infographic developed by Hannah Lochner, MS, University of Minnesota.

Know what to look for. Strangles is contagious.

Strangles is one of the most commonly contagious diseases of the horse (worldwide) and in 2017 it became a nationally monitored disease. This condition is caused by bacterial infection with "Streptococcus equi subspecies equi" (referred to as "S. equi”), which typically infects the upper airway and lymph nodes of the head and neck, and is highly contagious in horse populations—particularly affecting young horses. Classic signs of the disease include sudden onset of fever as high as 106 degrees F, thick yellow nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw.

Transfer from horse to horse usually involves direct face-to-face contact, or exposure to things such as contaminated feed, water, hands, veterinary instruments or grooming tools. A stall or van recently used to house or transport a horse that is shedding the organism may also be a source of infection.

WATCH OUT FOR ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS! (Sounds familiar, right?)

It is not uncommon for strangles infections to recur on a farm with previous outbreaks of the disease, and the primary source of recurrent infections are most likely asymptomatic carrier horses—animals who display no clinical signs but may continue to shed the bacteria for months to even years, serving as a continual source of new infections.


If you suspect a strangles outbreak, be sure to involve your veterinarian right away to determine the diagnosis and the best control practices for your particular farm. Without control and biosecurity measures, a strangles outbreak will ultimately affect all susceptible horses, last longer, and have a greater chance of leading to complications.
**Please note that strangles is a reportable disease in some states.**

To learn more about strangles, visit our website at https://aaep.org/issue/understanding-equine-strangles


And as always, contact your veterinarian for more information as they remain the best source of advice!

Hi folks. In this hot summer the horses are enjoying their stalls with windows looking out over the acreage (with individual runs). The S. Platte River greenbelt is just 50' from stable. Same family atmosphere. We've added a new dog Marshal to keep dog Tilly company. You just saddle up or visit with your four legged friend and we'll do the work.

Send a message to learn more

Howdy folks. Thanks for checking in. I take care of each horse with dedication and love - but I'm not on the internet daily, so please call (best) (303-286-0337) or e-mail at [email protected] if you'd like to talk or take a look. Red Horse is a small, friendly stable just yards from miles of riding along the S. Platte River. Each horse has it's own box stall opening to a large dirt run, round pen, outdoor arena, and dry lot turnout for sociable horses. Take good care. Jessie