For many horse owners, summer is the favored time of year. Blue skies and sunny days mean more opportunities to be out with our equine friends. Planned rides, shows and events fill the calendar. However, enjoying those hot summer days brings up special safety issues for both our horses and our selves. Let’s look at some particular ways we can both be more comfortable and stay healthy through the sweltering summer months.

The most obvious and one of the most important considerations is shade. At home, make sure your horse has access to a shade tree or some type of cover. Sheds and lean-tos create shaded areas and provide shelter from those potentially dangerous summer thunderstorms.

On long rides, take regular breaks and try to plan your ride through areas that will provide good shade and sources of water to give you and your horse relief from the sun. It is easy to forget that since our horse is carrying our weight along with his or her own, he/she is exerting more energy than we are. If we are feeling the heat, our horse is even hotter than we are!

If you are at a horse show, it may be difficult to find a shaded area in between classes. At the least, take your horse on a leisurely walk through the grounds to find some relief from the sun and heat. Many horses end up tied to a trailer without water or the ability to get out of the sun. It is so easy for owners and riders to get distracted watching the show, or lost in the planning of their next class. Be sure to check on your horse frequently so he or she can give the performance you both want.

While participating in shows, riders generally wear the required show attire that most often includes jackets and vests. Summer-weight show clothing is well worth the investment and makes a big difference in keeping you cool. Plan ahead to bring a cooler with water and sports drinks (the type that replenish electrolytes) so that you can stay hydrated.

Of course, hydration is critical for your horse as well. Horses drink much more water in the hotter months. Be sure to check automatic waters for proper filling, or water troughs for fresh water content. Water troughs are great for areas with several grazing horses, but algae can form fast in hot weather, tainting the water and attracting bugs. Be sure to wash and clean troughs frequently and thoroughly. A long-handled brush can make the job easier and less time consuming.

Electrolytes are important for horses and humans alike. Electrolyte additives are available at most tack stores to supplement your horse’s water. During hot shows or long trail rides where your horse is exerting more energy, or if your horse seems to be having a particularly hard time dealing with the heat, consider using electrolytes to improve his or her hydration. In a pinch, you can even add some of your own Gatorade or similar sport drink to your horse’s water.

Along with heat, summer brings in hosts of pesky, swarming flies and other critters. They can turn a long-awaited planned ride into an uncomfortable, miserable ordeal. They can turn a productive training session with your horse into a disaster.

There are many types of sprays, wipes, interior barn sprays, even supplements that can be fed to your horse that will help repel flies, mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. For extreme situations where bugs seem to be a constant problem, there are even "good bugs” you can bring in that will go after the “bad bugs."

While in the pasture, if your horse has to stay in constant motion hopping, swatting, and shaking frequently because of pests, give him or her relief with a good fly spray. If your horse dislikes being sprayed, use a cloth saturated with the spray and wipe him down. Place the used cloth in a plastic bag and keep it for the next use. Pay special attention to the ears, face around the eyes (being careful to avoid getting any product in the eyes), as well as legs, rump, and the rest of the horse. During a ride, take along saturated cloths as "wipes" if additional fly control is needed. Fly masks can also be used to protect your horse’s face while he or she is in the pasture. Ear and forelock covers provide additional protection during rides. Of course, don’t forget to apply a “human” insect repellent to yourself, as well.
Another potential “summer problem” to watch for is dry hoofs that can crack and chip. Using a good hoof oil will help the correct the drying that occurs from hot, dry weather and “fly stomping.” Used daily, improvement will be quick and readily visible. There are also supplements available that can be added to your horse’s grain. If heavy cracking occurs, check with your farrier to see what is needed to prevent further injury. Shoes or pads and shoes can help dramatically.

If your horse is has grazing access to summer grass, his or her nutritional needs will vary in the summer. Ask your local grain elevator for a summer mix, instead of a winter mix. For the same reasons we tend to eat lighter foods in the summer, your horse can actually stay cooler eating a summer grain mix because his/her body doesn’t have to work as hard at digesting the lighter fare.

Because your horse will lose more fluid during the summer (i.e., sweat), sodium levels will also be a concern. If your grain or supplement does not contain salt you may want to get a salt block or mineral/salt block for either indoor or outdoors for your horse. Again, just like we do, horses need salt in their diet and it helps to keep them hydrated.

During extended periods of extremely high temperatures, it may be best to keep your horse in his/her stall. Position a fan to circulate air and help keep down flies. A simple box fan on the outside of the stall will do wonders to keep your horse cool. If you have a location where you can install the fan above the stall angled toward your horse, you will be able to create even better airflow. So that your horse doesn’t get claustrophobic and anxious about being confined to his or her stall, considering turning him/her out at night.

If your area is experiencing a drought, or if your horse is in a dry lot area, be sure to have grass hay available. Horses are grazing animals and need to "munch" throughout the day.
Otherwise your horse will resort to "digging" in the dirt to find roots to eat. This can cause your horse to ingest excessive amounts of dirt and sand, which leads to colic.

Throughout the summer, watch your horse for any signs of unusual behavior -- not drinking enough water, stiff muscles, excessive sweating during non -activity, or lethargic behavior. If you find yourself questioning your horses condition, err on the side of caution and contact your vet. Enjoy the beautiful weather, be prepared, keep safe, and have a great summer season!