Horses are vulnerable to overheating and dehydration in the summertime, so owners need to take greater steps to keep them cool, whilst temperatures start rising. Look no further, here are some horse care tips for the summer months:

Hydration

It's very important to ensure your horse always has clean water available to them, and plenty of it!!

Salt is crucial for the hydration of your hose; they will actively search for salt when they are deficient. It's essential that your horse gets 25g a day in their feed, but also a good idea to hang a salt block somewhere your horse can access.

Shade & protection

Horses will need shade during the warmer months, this may come from a stable, but can also be given from trees or from homemade shelters if a stable isn’t available.

It's also a good idea to invest in a lightweight coat to protect your horse from UV. A fly mask is also a good investment for fly protection. Zinc is great to pop onto your horse in the heat– especially if they have a white nose to avoid sunburn.

De-worm

Summer is a very active month for parasites and it's important that your horse is protected. Speak to the vet about conducting a faecal egg count and treat your horses accordingly.

Planning for rides

Although exercise is important for both you and your horse, it's critical that you plan your rides for appropriate times taking the weather into consideration. As a general rule, it’s better to ride early in the morning or late at night as the sun is going down.

Hoof care

Cleaning your horse's hooves daily is encouraged during the summer months as the ground is dry and rough. If the weather is very dry, offer your horse access to water they can stand in, as the hoof wall can then soak up some moisture.