Keeping your horse cool this summer 

During summer many horse owners look to enjoy the warmer weather but horses like other animals, can suffer from heatstroke and dehydration.

Here are some ways you can keep them happy and healthy:

• Access to clean water. If using buckets you may need to add an extra one to ensure they have plenty of water.
• Provide shade whether natural or man-made. Horses will use the shelter more often in the summer to seek shade and escape flies!
• Sun cream should be applied to horses with pink skin, especially noses. There are many fly masks available that have a nose guard which can help stop sunburn on pink noses. A mask is also ideal for horses with sensitive eyes.
• Fly rugs and fly masks are a good way to prevent fly bites in conjunction with the use of fly sprays/ cream. It is also important to keep your horse’s environment as clean as possible, which means regular poo picking of paddocks and mucking out of stables as dirty areas will attract flies!
• When travelling horses, it is best to do so during the cooler parts of the day and keep journeys short. Make sure the trailer/horsebox is well ventilated. Ensure the horse is well hydrated prior to travelling.
• It is best to work your horse during the coolest times of the day such as early morning or late evenings. After exercise ensure your horse has been adequately cooled down and then hosed off  to help further cool the horse down and to remove sweat.

For more advice, feel free to contact our Equine Team via equine@oaktreeanimals.org.uk