Efficient cooling in horses is dependent on which factor?

Efficient cooling in horses is primarily dependent on circulation, as it plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature during physical exertion and heat exposure. When horses work or are under stress, their body generates heat, and proper circulation helps dissipate this heat by transporting warm blood away from the core and allowing it to reach the surface of the skin. This enables heat to be released into the environment through convection and evaporation.

While diet and hydration, temperature control, and body weight can impact a horse's overall health and performance, they are not the primary factors in the immediate cooling process. Hydration does support circulation and helps with thermoregulation, but without efficient blood circulation, the cooling mechanism would be compromised. Therefore, circulation is fundamental to ensuring that the horse can cool itself effectively after exercise or in high temperatures.