Keeping Miniature Horses Safe During Hot Summer Days
- patsilaareti
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Caring for Mini in the Heat: Keeping Miniature Horses Safe During Hot Summer Days Everything You Need to Know
Keeping Miniature Horses Safe During Hot Summer Days
As temperatures in Cyprus soar above 46°C, the summer heat brings serious challenges—not just for people, but for our animal companions too. At Miniature Horse Therapy “Majestic”, our top priority is keeping our beloved therapy horse, Mini, safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Mini may be small in size, but her role in the lives of the children, elderly, and individuals she visits is huge. That’s why her well-being—especially during extreme weather—is essential. In this post, we share how we care for Mini during the hottest days of the year and how a recent visit to a special school became both joyful and refreshingly cool—for everyone.
The Risks of High Temperatures for Miniature Horses
Miniature horses are hardy by nature, but intense heat can quickly lead to dehydration, heat stress, and even heatstroke if not managed properly. Signs of heat-related distress in horses include:
Heavy or rapid breathing
Lethargy or stumbling
Decreased appetite or water intake
Excessive sweating (or, in severe cases, lack of sweating)
These symptoms can escalate quickly in extreme conditions, which is why we take preventative care seriously—especially during Cyprus’ harsh summer spikes.
How We Keep Mini, our Miniature Horse, Safe and Cool
To protect Mini during hot days, we follow a strict summer care routine that includes:
✅ Constant Access to Clean, Cool Water
Hydration is the first line of defense. Mini always has fresh, shaded water available—and during visits, we bring extra water bottles and buckets along to ensure she stays hydrated.
✅ Shaded Resting Areas
Whether she’s at our home facility or out on a visit, Mini has access to shaded, well-ventilated areas. Direct sunlight is avoided during the hottest hours (typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
✅ Frequent, Gentle Showers
One of the most effective and soothing ways to cool Mini down is by giving her frequent showers. Not only does this help regulate her body temperature, but it’s also something she enjoys—especially when done with care and love.
A Special Visit, a Shared Shower, and Smiles All Around
During Mini's visit to a special school, the day was especially hot. We made sure that all precautions were in place—from shaded interaction zones to keeping Mini well-hydrated. But the real highlight came when the children joined in giving Mini a gentle, refreshing shower.
Their joy was contagious. Laughter filled the air as they helped sponge cool water onto Mini’s back and mane. It wasn’t just about keeping her cool—it became a beautiful bonding experience. The children felt responsible, helpful, and connected. Mini, as always, stood calm and content, enjoying every moment of care and affection.
It was a touching reminder: therapy is not just something Mini gives—it’s something she shares.
Why This Matters
Our mission at Miniature Horse Therapy "Majestic" is to create moments of connection and healing. But that mission depends on ensuring Mini’s safety, health, and happiness first. When she is cared for and protected, she can give her best to others.
Especially during this record-breaking heat in Cyprus, we encourage all miniature horse owners, caregivers, and animal-assisted therapy teams to prioritize heat safety:
Schedule visits during the cooler parts of the day
Monitor animals closely for signs of heat stress
Use water, shade, and rest as your top tools for cooling down
Final Thoughts
Mini is more than our therapy horse—she is a bridge between people and healing. On the hottest of days, caring for her is not just a responsibility; it’s an act of love.
And as we saw during her joyful shower with the children at the special school, sometimes the simplest actions—like cooling off together—can become moments of magic.
Let’s continue to care for those who care for us. Because healing begins with compassion—for each other, and for the animals who walk beside us.
With Gratitude to Our Supporters
Caring for Mini—especially during challenging times like extreme summer heat—requires not only love and dedication but also the ongoing support of our community. We are especially grateful to Prospectacy Ltd., whose generous sponsorship makes it possible for us to maintain Mini’s well-being and continue her visits to schools, care homes, and therapy centers. Their belief in the healing power of animal-assisted therapy helps us bring comfort, joy, and resilience to more people—even on the hottest of days.
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