Acupressure for Equine Heat Stress and Heat Stroke 

By Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow

Off and away! It felt so good to be out in the middle of nowhere. Glory, my trusty mare, four other friends and their horses, and I were enjoying the cloudless blue sky with only the sounds of birds singing and hooves meeting the ground. We had trained for this backcountry ride since early spring—horses and humans were fit and in high spirits. We knew we were among the luckiest creatures on earth to be exploring the Rocky Mountains at that magnificent moment. All was well with the world.

On the third day of climbing mountains and fording swift streams, all five horses were showing signs of fatigue by midday. It was early July and temperatures, even at 10,000 feet, had climbed into the upper 80s by early afternoon. We took a long lunch break in a shaded area next to a stream to rest and cool the horses. The break seemed to help; when we mounted, the horses were refreshed and eager for an afternoon of adventure.

Later that day, Glory—my 16-year-old Quarter Horse—suddenly became distressed. She was breathing heavily, sweating profusely, and stumbling. We slowly made our way to a shaded area out of the intense Colorado sun. The temperature was approaching 90 degrees, there was only a slight breeze, and at nearly 9,000 feet elevation the air felt thin. After a brief moment of shock, we recognized that Glory was experiencing a serious heat-related emergency and immediately went into action.

Understanding Equine Heat Illness 

Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum ranging from mild heat stress to life-threatening heat stroke. Horses generate tremendous amounts of body heat during exercise, and when environmental temperatures, humidity, exertion level, hydration status, or travel stress overwhelm their ability to cool themselves, dangerous overheating can occur.

Signs of heat stress may include:

• Excessive sweating or, in some cases, reduced sweating

• Rapid breathing or prolonged recovery after exercise

• Elevated heart rate

• Lethargy or weakness

• Reduced performance

• Decreased interest in drinking

As the condition progresses, more serious signs may develop, including stumbling, disorientation, muscle tremors, collapse, or an inability to regulate body temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention and veterinary consultation whenever possible. 

Immediate First Aid Measures 

When a horse shows signs of significant heat stress or heat stroke, prompt action is essential.

Move the horse to a shaded, well-ventilated area as quickly as possible. Offer frequent small amounts of clean water and encourage drinking without forcing it. Current veterinary recommendations support aggressive cooling using cool or cold water applied over the horse's body, particularly the large muscle groups of the neck, chest, shoulders, and hindquarters. Scraping water off between applications may be useful when water is limited, but continuous cooling remains the primary goal.

Monitor the horse's breathing, heart rate, attitude, hydration status, and body temperature if a thermometer is available. Whenever possible, contact a veterinarian for guidance, especially if symptoms are severe or fail to improve rapidly. 

Heat Stroke and Acupressure 

Acupressure can be used as a complementary technique while cooling and supportive care measures are underway. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specific acupoints are used to help clear excess heat, support circulation, and encourage the body's natural balancing mechanisms.

The acupoints shown in the accompanying chart have traditionally been used to assist horses experiencing heat-related distress.

For either technique, place your free hand comfortably on the horse and slowly count to 20 while observing the horse's response. If the horse shows signs of discomfort before reaching 20, discontinue stimulation at that point and move on to the next acupoint. 

Prevention: The Best Medicine 

The most effective treatment for heat stroke is prevention. Plan strenuous rides during cooler parts of the day, provide regular rest periods, ensure access to clean water, and allow horses adequate time to acclimate to seasonal temperature changes. Conditioning, proper fitness, and careful observation of your horse's recovery rate during exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

Pay particular attention to older horses, overweight horses, horses with underlying health concerns, and those working in hot, humid environments. Learning your horse's normal temperature, pulse, respiration, and behavior patterns can help you recognize potential problems before they become emergencies.

How quickly a horse responds to cooling measures and an emergency acupressure session depends on the severity of the heat illness and the horse's overall condition. Continue monitoring temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, hydration, and energy level before resuming activity or transport.

May you and your horse never need to use this Heat Stroke Acupressure Session. Yet knowing how to recognize heat-related illness, provide immediate first aid, and apply supportive acupressure techniques can give you confidence when traveling or riding far from veterinary assistance. With preparation, awareness, and good horsemanship, you and your equine companion can continue to enjoy countless adventures on the trail.