The days are longer, and the cool breeze that often dampened your motivation in the morning is gone. It’s like it’s already summer at the stable! The season for horse shows, trail rides and early evening exercise sessions. A period which has its advantages, without a doubt, but which can be accompanied by some disadvantages.
Sunburn, insects and dehydration can quickly put a damper on your summer riding. To continue practicing your favorite activity in complete safety, we have put together a list of summer essentials for riders and their horses. Let’s go through it together!
Profuse light; splendor. Summer imposes itself and compels every soul to happiness.
Think about electrolytes
The #1 summer must-have. Electrolytes will help your horse feel good and perform at his best.
Electrolytes come in flavored powder and paste form, for the most delicate palates. It is generally not necessary to give your horse electrolytes daily. However, adding a few to your diet before or after an intense workout will help you feel better.
Be careful though! Do not give your horse electrolytes right before a long trailer ride. This can actually dehydrate them further if they don’t have unlimited access to water throughout the journey. Instead, give them electrolytes 12 to 24 hours before, and then upon arrival.
Maintain optimal hydration
Your horse will need a lot more water at higher temperatures. The average horse needs about 35 liters of water per day, and the amount could double on summer days. Your horse should have access to fresh water at all times, so make sure you top it up regularly.
And if you can, also make sure their water source is in the shade!
Keep pests away
Unfortunately, horses and flies are generally inseparable in summer. However, you can relieve your companion as much as possible, by using a spray for example. Spray it on the walls of your horse’s stall, if the stable does not have an automatic fly spraying system. There are also washing gels and supplements that will prevent flies from settling in manure. This could be useful!
Also think about fly masks and nets, which should provide quick comfort to your horse. Not only does a fly mask keep flies away from horses’ eyes, preventing irritation and potential infections, but it also protects their eyes from UV rays.
Trick ! Full-face fly masks include a nose net to also protect the snout from flies and sunlight. Making them ideal for added protection for horses with sensitive skin.
They may also wear special bandages.
Be generous with garlic
Another method of repelling flies is to protect your horse from the inside by feeding him garlic. Added to their diet, garlic granules or liquid give the horse’s sweat an odor that will deter flies, ticks and midges from bothering it.
And then, in addition to its repellent capabilities, garlic is also good for the general health of horses. With benefits for their skin, hair and respiratory system.
Consider sun protection
The sun and heat can be merciless on horses’ skin and hooves. Hot surfaces can put hooves at risk of cracking, causing your pet a lot of pain and discomfort.
Horses with pale or pink skin are particularly susceptible to burns if they spend too much time in the sun. Fortunately, there are a number of essential items that can prevent these typical summer inconveniences.
Sunscreens and lotions designed specifically for horses are great ways to protect their skin. Apply a thick layer of product and, if your horse gets sunburned, keep him in the shade and treat him with soothing ointments, such as aloe.
You yourself, wear a suitable sunscreen during the summer, or even all year round if your skin requires it.
And since the helmet is obligatory, consider complementing it with a practical visor, which will avoid any risk of glare.
Apply hoof oil
In many regions, summer means drier weather than the rest of the year. While this may be ideal for horseback riding, it can also have an impact on your horse’s hooves. A simple and effective remedy is to add a layer of hoof oil before and after each outing. This will lock in moisture and make your horse’s hooves less likely to crack and peel.
If hoofs seem to have trouble growing in the summer, hoof supplements can help keep them healthy and facilitate their development.
In addition to a good diet and regular visits from the farrier, a dressing will also penetrate and nourish the hoof deeply (in addition to giving it a beautiful shine!). Its regular use prevents the hoof wall from drying out and activates horn growth.
Since hoof dressings also protect against moisture, this is a useful year-round product for caring for your horse’s feet.
Stock up on liniment
A versatile product among all, liniment is used like sunscreen. All the time, and all year round!
In most areas, winter conditions can interfere with your regular driving schedule. But during the summer months, most riders spend a lot more time with their horses. And inevitably, more time equals more stress on your pet’s body. An easy way to relieve it after an intense race is to include the application of a liniment on your equine’s legs in your post-race routine.
Rethink your routine
Horses regulate their temperature and cool themselves by sweating.
It’s definitely worth planning ahead and adapting your horse’s routine to the summer. Change their exercise and grazing schedule so that they are in the pasture during the cooler hours, reducing their exposure to heat and sun.
Still, don’t make too many sudden changes to your horse’s day. Gradually switch to a new summer schedule so that by the time warm weather arrives, the pet has had time to get used to being outside during the cooler hours of the day.
Also be sure to only travel with your horse during the cooler parts of the day. If you are traveling with your companion and he is in a box or trailer, circulate fresh air in his space so that he is as comfortable as possible!
Offer relaxing showers
If your horse is hot and sweaty, or simply needs to be cooled down, consider sprinkling him with a little cool water to bring his temperature down. This will at the same time give it a deep clean, eliminating sweat and dirt.
Pay special attention to the paws, perhaps using a cooling gel that will instantly cool them and soothe them with antibacterial and antifungal properties. These gels do not require water. They are therefore a practical option if you are traveling or competing with little water available.
If you have access to water or a freezer, ice packs or cold water boots are also effective in reducing heat, making recovery easier.
Some final essential tips Groom and clean your horse’s coat regularly to protect it from flies. Trim his mane if necessary, to help him stay cool as much as possible. Spray him with cool water throughout the day, especially if he is grazing or if you have to be away. Finally, check your horse as often as possible for possible signs of heatstroke.
So! Now that you have your summer essentials, grab your helmet and head to the stable. A multitude of adventures await you! If you find and offer health & grooming services for horses, I invite you to consult this community: horsecare24