Ideal Temperatures for the Horse and the Role of Active Thermoregulation in the Competition Cooling System

The horse’s well-being largely depends on its ability to maintain a stable body temperature, even when environmental conditions change.Scientific studies and veterinary guidelines have identified “optimal” temperature ranges for horses. Outside these limits, the animal must expend additional energy to cool down or warm up, leading to decreased comfort and performance.

Thanks to its patented technology, the Competition Cooling System (CCS) by Horse Wings fits perfectly within this physiological balance, providing active thermoregulation that maintains a steady cooling effect of around 18 °C, helping the horse stay within its thermal comfort zone at all times.

The Horse’s Body Temperature

The normal rectal temperature of a healthy adult horse generally ranges between 36.0 °C and 38.0 °C. Values above 38 °C are considered indicative of hyperthermia or fever (Redwings Horse Sanctuary, 2019). Regularly monitoring vital parameters is essential, as even small variations can signal an underlying issue.

The Comfort Range (Thermoneutral Zone)

A horse can maintain its body temperature without extra effort within a range known as the Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ).

• Lower Critical Temperature (LCT): around 4 °C in cold-acclimated horses (Penn State Extension, 2020).

• Upper Critical Temperature (UCT): between 20 °C and 30 °C, above which the horse must sweat to cool down (Kentucky Performance Products).

This means that a horse experiences maximum comfort between approximately 5 °C and 20 °C.Above this threshold, performance tends to decrease as thermal stress increases.A study found that clipped horses achieve optimal athletic results at temperatures between 12 °C and 19 °C (East-West Construction, 2021).

Why Active Thermoregulation Is the Solution

During training or competition, a horse’s body temperature can quickly exceed ideal limits—especially in hot weather or enclosed environments.This is where the Horse Wings Competition Cooling System (CCS) comes into play:

• The patented paraffin oil inserts solidify and melt in response to environmental conditions, generating a constant thermal release effect around 18 °C.

• This value lies precisely at the center of the horse’s optimal comfort zone, helping maintain body temperature without sudden fluctuations.

• The cooling is natural and non-aggressive, not based on ice, thus avoiding thermal shocks that could harm muscle tissue or reduce performance.

• The micro-massage effect during the phase change promotes circulation and improves post-exercise recovery.

Practical Benefits for Horse and Rider

Thanks to its innovative technology, the CCS provides concrete advantages:

• Keeps the horse within its optimal comfort range (12–20 °C) even when the external environment exceeds these limits.

• Reduces heat stress, ensuring more consistent performance.

• Aids recovery after exercise, preventing stiffness and fatigue.

• Usable all year round, not just in summer—since horses can also suffer from overheating during intense winter training.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence confirms that horses perform best within a precise thermal range—too hot or too cold leads to stress, reduced performance, and health risks.

The Horse Wings Competition Cooling System, with its active thermoregulation maintaining a constant temperature of around 18 °C, is the perfect solution to keep the horse protected, energetic, and high-performing in every season.

A technology that not only respects the horse’s natural physiology but actively supports it, ensuring what every horse needs most: well-being and the freedom to perform at its full potential.