Cooling off: Heatwave now makes city hold its hors

Bhopal: As heatwave sweeps the city, the Madhya Pradesh Equestrian Academy have tightened routines and introduced extra precautions to protect horses from heat stress.

Daily operations now begin before dawn, with grooms arriving at 5 a.m. to deep‑clean stalls and prepare cool, hygienic environments for the animals, said officials. Early‑morning hours are reserved for the most demanding work, trainers said, with riding and exercise sessions scheduled while the air remains coolest to minimise the risk of heatstrokes and fatigue.

“Horses get fresh, chilled drinking water and electrolyte supplements before and after activity,” a stable supervisor said. Rations have been adjusted to maintain energy without overburdening the animals in sweltering conditions.

Grooming has taken on added importance: brushing, light massage and body cleaning help maintain coat health, stimulate circulation and relax muscles strained by both work and heat.

Bathing and frequent sponging are routine during the hot season, and heavy exercise is avoided on extremely hot days. When afternoon temperatures peak, stables convert into cool refuges. “Well‑ventilated barns, industrial fans, evaporative coolers and overhead water‑sprinkling systems are used to lower ambient temperatures, while shade and constant access to potable water remain non‑negotiable, managers emphasised,” said equestrian academy incharge, Shipra Shrivastava.

If mercury reaches dangerous levels, riding programmes are curtailed and replaced with at least 30 minutes of slow hand‑walking. Grooms lead horses at a measured pace to preserve circulation and prevent stiffness without imposing strenuous exertion. Rest periods are scheduled regularly to allow recovery and reduce the risk of heat‑related illness.

Veterinary teams are conducting routine health checks and monitoring animals closely for early warning signs, including dehydration, excessive sweating, lethargy or laboured breathing. Stable supervisors said the combined strategy — timing activities, enhanced hydration, targeted grooming, cooling technology and vigilant monitoring — has so far kept horses healthy and comfortable through the hot spell.

Officials added that ongoing vigilance and flexibility will be crucial if temperatures remain high or rise further, and urged other facilities to adopt similar measures to safeguard equine welfare.