Summer can be a challenging season for horse owners, with heat, humidity, and pests creating a less-than-ideal environment at the barn. Ensuring your horse stays healthy and comfortable during these hot months requires a comprehensive care routine, and we're here to help -- keep reading for your go-to guide to keeping your horse comfortable this summer.

From heat stress and dehydration, to increased exposure to insects and dust, summer can pose lots of challenges. Proper summer horse care is crucial to make sure your horse is healthy and happy; and a well-rounded care routine that addresses grooming, hydration, and bedding can make all the difference.

Grooming

Grooming your horse during the summer is crucial due to the unique challenges presented by the hot and humid weather. Daily grooming helps remove sweat, dirt, and loose hair, preventing skin irritations and infections and allows you to look for and treat minor issues before they become a bigger problem. It's also a super important time of year to pay attention to your horse's feet. Regular hoof cleaning and conditioning are essential to prevent cracks and infections caused by dry or overly wet conditions.

PRO-TIP 1: Clean your horse in 5 mins or less!

If you're short on time but still looking to keep your horse happy and healthy, our All-In-One Grooming Spray covers all the essential bases, and all you need to do is a quick curry, spray, and brush to have your horse clean, hydrated, and protected from bugs with our 100% natural formula designed to: 

- clean & kill bacteria 

- repel insects 

- hydrate & soothe skin 

PRO-TIP 2: Watch the sensitive areas! 

This time of year, its especially important to pay attention to sensitive areas such as under the tail, between the hind legs, and under the belly -- it's pretty common for sweat buildup and insects to cause irritation. To help prevent issues and keep your horse comfortable, Purvida's All-In-One Grooming Spray uses witch hazel to soothe the skin and cedarwood to repel insects and kill bacteria; it's ideal for keeping those sensitive spots healthy this time of year. Insect bites and allergic reactions are also pretty common in summer, so regular inspections and prompt treatment using soothing balms or ointments like Purvida's Barrier Balm, can prevent complications and promote quicker healing.

PRO-TIP 3: Zinc is a fantastic natural sunscreen for those pink noses!

Zinc oxide is an excellent natural sunscreen for horses with pink noses due to its broad-spectrum UV protection, forming a physical barrier that reflects harmful rays. It’s safe and non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive skin, and also offers moisturizing benefits to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness. Additionally, zinc oxide has healing properties that aid in the recovery of minor skin irritations and sunburns, providing both protection and soothing effects. Its long-lasting protection means fewer applications are needed throughout the day, making it a convenient and effective solution for sun protection.

Hydration

It’s essential to ensure your horse has access to plenty of shade and fresh water throughout the day. Hydration is critical, as horses can lose significant amounts of water through sweat.

Horses require a significant amount of water to stay hydrated, particularly during the summer when temperatures are high and the risk of dehydration increases. On average:

A horse needs about 5 to 10 gallons (19 to 38 liters) of water per day under normal conditions. In hotter weather or when engaging in more strenuous activity, their water intake can increase to 15 gallons (57 liters) or more per day.

Horses can lose a substantial amount of water through sweating, even when they are not being ridden:

On a hot day, a horse can sweat up to 2.5 to 4 gallons (9.5 to 15 liters) of water per hour.

When standing in a hot environment without any physical activity, a horse can still lose several gallons of water per day through sweat and respiration.

Sweating helps horses regulate their body temperature, but it also leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which must be replenished to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, and decreased skin elasticity.

By understanding and monitoring your horse's water needs and sweating, you can take proactive steps to ensure they stay hydrated and healthy, especially during the summer months.

Bedding

Proper bedding is crucial not only for your horse’s comfort, but also for their respiratory health. The type of bedding you choose can significantly impact the air quality in the stable. Horses are particularly sensitive to dust and airborne particles, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as heaves (equine asthma) and other allergic reactions. Quality bedding contributes to respiratory health in several ways:

Dust Reduction: High-quality, dust-free bedding minimizes the amount of dust and fine particles that horses can inhale. Dust-free environments are essential for preventing respiratory irritation and chronic conditions.

Allergen Control: Bedding made from hypoallergenic materials helps reduce exposure to common allergens. This is particularly beneficial for horses with pre-existing respiratory issues or allergies.

Moisture Management: Effective bedding absorbs moisture well, keeping the stall dry and reducing the growth of mold and mildew, which can release harmful spores into the air.

Traditional bedding materials, such as straw or shavings, can pose several challenges during the summer months, such as:

Increased Dust: Straw and wood shavings can be dusty, especially when dry. In the summer, dry conditions can exacerbate dust production, leading to poor air quality in the stable.

Moisture Retention: These materials can absorb moisture but may not dry out quickly, leading to damp bedding. Damp conditions can foster the growth of mold and mildew, releasing spores that can harm your horse’s respiratory system.

Heat Retention: Some traditional bedding materials can retain heat, making the stall environment warmer and less comfortable for the horse.

Ammonia Build-Up: Inadequate moisture absorption can lead to higher ammonia levels from urine, which is harmful to the respiratory tract.

Product Highlight: Airlite Bedding

Airlite Bedding offers a superior alternative to traditional bedding with its dust-free, pre-consumer cardboard bits. This innovative bedding addresses the challenges of traditional materials by:

Minimizing Dust: The bedding is virtually dust-free, providing a cleaner air environment and reducing the risk of respiratory issues.

Excellent Absorption: AirLite Bedding is highly absorbent, keeping the stall dry and reducing ammonia build-up. This helps maintain a healthier environment for your horse.

Improving Stall Hygiene: The bedding is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that the stall remains fresh and hygienic. This reduces the overall workload and ensures a comfortable resting area for your horse.

By choosing Airlite Bedding, you can significantly enhance your horse's respiratory health and overall comfort, particularly during the hot and humid summer months. This bedding solution helps create a healthier and more pleasant environment, contributing to your horse’s well-being.

Proper summer horse care involves a combination of grooming, hydration, cooling, and maintaining a clean environment. By incorporating Purvida Healthy Horse’s natural grooming products and Airlite Bedding’s dust-free bedding, you can ensure your horse stays healthy and comfortable throughout the hot months. Explore the full range of products at www.purvidahealthyhorse.com and www.greenhorsebrands.com for more information and product details.