Summer Horse Care Tips to Beat the Heat

Summer brings its own set of challenges for horses—heat stress, dehydration, flies, and sunburn. Here’s how to keep your horse healthy and comfortable through the hottest months.

How Horses Handle Heat

Unlike cold weather, horses struggle with heat:

Thermoneutral zone: 30-60°F—above this, horses work to cool down
Primary cooling: Sweating (can lose 2-4 gallons per hour)
Secondary cooling: Increased respiration
Humidity matters: High humidity prevents sweat evaporation

Heat Index for Horses

Add temperature (°F) + relative humidity (%):

Under 130: Generally safe for exercise
130-150: Caution—reduce intensity, watch for stress
150-180: Dangerous—only light work, monitor closely
Over 180: Deadly—no exercise, focus on cooling

Hydration: Critical in Summer

Water Requirements

Minimum: 10-12 gallons daily (more in heat/work)
During work: May need 15-20+ gallons
Temperature: Cool (not cold) water preferred

Encouraging Drinking

Always have fresh, clean water available
Multiple water sources
Clean buckets/troughs regularly (algae grows fast)
Add electrolytes to one water source (plain water always available too)
Flavor water with apple juice for picky drinkers

Electrolytes

Replace minerals lost in sweat
Important during heavy work or prolonged heat
Give with access to plain water
Don’t over-supplement—follow product directions

Recognizing Heat Stress

Early Signs

Excessive sweating (or no sweating—dangerous)
Rapid breathing
Elevated heart rate that doesn’t recover
Lethargy or depression
Reduced appetite

Emergency Signs

Anhidrosis: Horse stops sweating (can’t cool down)
Body temperature over 104°F
Rapid, shallow breathing
Stumbling or weakness
Collapse

Emergency Response

Move to shade immediately
Spray with cold water—continuously (old advice to avoid cold water is wrong)
Use fans if available
Offer water (don’t force)
Call veterinarian

Smart Summer Turnout

Timing

Turn out early morning or evening when cooler
Bring inside during peak heat (10 AM – 4 PM)
Night turnout is ideal in extreme heat

Shade Requirements

Run-in shed or trees
Minimum 100 square feet per horse
Good airflow
No shade = no turnout in extreme heat

Fly Control

The Problem

Flies cause:

Stress and irritation
Reduced grazing time
Eye infections
Skin conditions
Disease transmission

Multi-Pronged Approach

Environmental Control

Remove manure frequently (fly breeding ground)
Eliminate standing water
Use fly predators (parasitic wasps)
Keep areas clean and dry

On-Horse Protection

Fly spray: Apply daily (reapply after sweating)
Fly mask: Protects eyes and face
Fly sheet: Full-body protection
Fly boots: Protect legs from stomping injuries

Barn Protection

Fans (flies can’t fly in wind)
Fly traps
Screened openings

Summer Exercise

Smart Scheduling

Ride early morning (before 10 AM)
Or evening (after 5 PM)
Avoid midday heat completely
Monitor heat index

Adjusting Workload

Reduce intensity in high heat
Shorter sessions
More frequent walk breaks
Allow full recovery between sessions

Cooling After Work

Hose with cool water immediately
Scrape excess water off
Repeat until skin is cool to touch
Walk until breathing normalizes
Offer water frequently

Skin & Coat Care

Sunburn

Horses with pink skin are susceptible:

White faces, pink noses
White legs
Apply equine sunscreen to vulnerable areas
Fly masks with UV protection
Provide shade during peak sun

Rain Rot & Skin Fungus

Heat + humidity = perfect conditions:

Groom regularly
Keep skin dry
Don’t share brushes between horses
Treat immediately if spots appear

Hoof Care

Summer Challenges

Dry, cracked hooves: From hard ground
Thrush: From wet conditions
Bruising: From hard, rocky footing

Solutions

Regular farrier visits (every 6-8 weeks)
Hoof conditioner in dry conditions
Clean and dry in wet conditions
Pick hooves daily

Pasture Management

Grass Concerns

Founder risk: Lush grass can cause laminitis in susceptible horses
Limit grazing: Use grazing muzzle or limited turnout
Early morning: Sugar content highest—avoid for at-risk horses

Pasture Maintenance

Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing
Drag manure to break up piles
Check for toxic plants

Quick Summer Checklist

☐ Fresh, clean water always available
☐ Adequate shade in turnout
☐ Fly protection in place
☐ Adjusted exercise schedule
☐ Sunscreen for pink-skinned horses
☐ Electrolytes available if needed
☐ Emergency cooling supplies ready

The Bottom Line

Horses struggle with heat more than cold—your job is to help them stay cool, hydrated, and protected from flies. Provide shade, unlimited fresh water, and adjust your riding schedule to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Know the signs of heat stress and be ready to act quickly if your horse overheats.

Sources: American Association of Equine Practitioners, University of Kentucky Extension, Rutgers Equine Science Center