Longer days, warmer weather, and winter blankets packed away. For these reasons and more, summer is a favorite season for many equestrians. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine, but the hot weather may require some extra action to keep our horses safe and comfortable. Here are a few horse care products you should have on hand for a safe and healthy summer.
Summer Hydration Helpers
Electrolytes are a necessity in warm weather. Not only will they ensure your horse stays hydrated, but they will also aid in recovery, replacing vital nutrients lost through sweat.
1. Electrolyte Paste
DuraLyte EQ Electrolyte Paste from Durvet is an excellent option to keep on hand to help rehydrate your horse. Whether they’re sweating from the weather, exercise, or travel, this paste will help replenish electrolytes and any other nutrients lost. It also encourages your horse to drink more water, further replenishing hydration.
2. Water Enhancers
If you notice your horse isn’t drinking as much as it should, consider adding Gallagher’s Water to the routine. This hydration beverage from Equestribev LLC enhances the flavor of water, encouraging your horse to drink. This can be especially helpful during travel or at shows when the water tastes different than what your horse is accustomed to.
3. Mineral Salt Lick
A free-choice salt lick is beneficial year-round, but especially in the summer to help encourage drinking and provide necessary minerals. Redmond Equine’s Rock Salt is naturally mined and provides support for hydration and recovery in hot climates.
Keep Cool and Carry On
Proper cool-down becomes even more vital in the heat of the summer. Ice your horse’s legs after workouts to help their tendons and ligaments return to normal temperature, and utilize additional cool-down and recovery measures in extreme conditions.
4. Ice Boots
These Professional’s Choice Ice Boots offer a simple solution for your icing needs. The one-step process makes them easy to use, while the high-quality design provides better distribution and longer-lasting cold therapy. Use them on the front or hind legs to counteract the heat.
5. Cooling Kit
To help your horse’s core body temperature recover after exercise, travel, or hot weather, we recommend the Carry-Cool Sport Horse Cooling Kit from EquiSources. This portable wrap is made of absorbent material that pulls heat away from your horse’s body while providing a cooling effect. It wraps comfortably around your horse’s neck and even has straps to attach to your tack so you can use it while you walk out your horse.
6. Cooling Towel
A versatile cooling towel is a must in any barn for the summer. This Cool On Track Cooling Towel from Back on Track can be used for humans, horses, or dogs alike to help you stay cool while working, recover after workouts, or stay comfortable while supporting on the sidelines.
7. Heat-Stress Supplements
Utilizing a supplement such as Vitalize Blazin’ is another beneficial addition to your summer routine. This helps your horse recover from exercise in the heat, supporting optimized cellular function and heat dissipation. The liquid formula is easy to feed and fast acting to provide both immediate and long-term benefits to keep your horse energized and cool.
Sunny Day Essentials
Just like humans, our horses can pay the price of a little too much sun exposure. Protection with sunscreen is important for them, too!
8. Sunscreen for the Face
EquiShield SB from Kinetic Vet provides SPF 30 protection for your horse’s skin. This topical ointment, formulated specifically for horses, contains zinc oxide to help block out UV rays and prevent sunburn. It is perfect for white faces or pink noses that are sensitive to the summer sun.
9. Sunscreen for the Body
For UV protection on the rest of their body, manes, and tails, use Sunflower Suncoat from Healthy Haircare Products. It will also condition their skin and coat to avoid drying out from sun exposure.
10. Coat Enhancers
If your horse is mostly on turnout in the summer, their coat may become dull, losing its lustrous shine and rich color due to the sun’s bleaching effects. Cheval International’s Black-As-Knight, Gold-As-Sun, and Red D-Vinity enhance the color of your horse’s coat. Use this as fade protection year-round or as needed in the summer months.
Rider Gear
Don’t let the hot summer days keep you from spending quality time with your horse!
11. Sun Shirt
This Long Sleeve Sun Shirt from Kastel Denmark will keep you cool and protect you from the sun while you’re riding, showing, or just hanging out with your horse. This shirt stays fresh and feels great to ride in thanks to the mesh-lined sleeves and performance fabric. Plus, UPF 30 protection means your skin is safe from the sun’s UV rays.
12. Visor
The EquiVisor® Jute Helmet Visor provides sun protection and shade with a head-turning style. This visor features a four-inch brim that tapers nicely to protect your skin, ears, and face. It can be worn on its own or over your helmet, and securely stays in place throughout your ride.
Get Summer Ready
All of these summer essentials and more are available to shop at FarmVet to help you and your horse stay cool, comfortable, and ready to perform this summer. With each of these products in your toolkit, you’ll be better equipped to beat the heat, prevent common summer stressors, and make the most of every sunny ride, show, or barn day ahead.
Summer Fly Control
Surviving the flies is a top priority for any equestrian in the summer, but with our ultimate guide to fly control, you’ll be ready to fend off the insects.