Summer Care

The summer months are the most anticipated, yet barely tolerated, months for most horse owners. We praise the longer days for more time at the barn, but we curse the heat that makes the middle portion of the day miserable for both human and horse. If you live in a portion of the country where humidity hits its peak and you learn more about corn sweat than you ever thought possible, it makes things feel even worse.

Worried about your horse in the summer heat? Discover signs of overheating and how to safely manage your horse's health in hot weather.

Horses should have access to clean water year-round; however, as temperatures rise, keeping the trough clean becomes more challenging due to the growth of algae. Frequent cleaning is vital to keep the water fresh and inviting, especially if you use plastic tanks.

Just as certain as death and taxes are for humans, so are flies and biting pests for horses. Warmer temperatures bring out more flies. There are a variety of fly control products that you can buy to use around the barn and on your horse, but while shopping, you might question are these products are worth the investment. Why do I need to protect my horses from the flies?

When the temperatures rise, it can make doing the chores less routine and more demanding. Horse owners try hard to keep their horses cool and comfortable throughout the summer, and sometimes they forget that their health in the heat is equally as important.

As summer starts to warm up, the bugs start to come around. When bugs are around, your horse’s comfort can decline. Biting insects such as black flies, horse flies, mosquitoes and bot flies are not only annoying but can carry disease to your horse, pony or donkey. How do you stop the swarm and the stomping? Fly spray is one method, but it can only protect your horse for so long. Enter, the fly boot.

It's Spring and past time to break out those muzzles for your horses and ponies. I know it may feel awful putting them on in the beginning; it's tough love for sure. But muzzles are a small and easy-to-implement daily way to protect your horse, pony or mini's health, especially for those at a great risk for obesity and laminitis. 

Did you know that one of the most deficient items to provide for a well-balanced diet for your horse is also one of the easiest and most economical to use? It's also something that you must pay attention to for your own healthy, balanced diet. Horses, like humans and all animals, require certain essential nutrients to maintain good health and proper bodily functions. Salt, or sodium chloride, is one of those vital nutrients necessary for proper health. But it's also one of the most forgotten supplements.

Bathing your horse the day prior to a horse show or event allows the natural oils to return to the coat, thus adding that lustrous sheen. After a strenuous ride or workout, you might consider taking a little extra time while rinsing off your horse to scrub around the saddle area, the legs and anywhere else that might have some built up sweat and grime. Here are 11 tips to get the most out of your horse's bath.

Flies can be more than just an annoyance for your horse. These tiny pests can transmit diseases, cause welts and extreme discomfort and can damage hooves and cause lameness issues. Every summer horse owners spend the entire summer fighting flies and trying to keep their horses comfortable with the latest and greatest fly protection—from fly spray and fly masks to fly boots and fly sheets. All of this gear can be expensive, especially if you’re having to buy multiple bottles and multiple sets, so the million-dollar question is what really works?

We’re not just talking about the competition this summer. After a hard schooling session or a long ride, one of the last things you want to do is stay out in the heat. But, before you can cool off yourself, you have to cool off your horse.