Keep Your Horse Happy: 5 Tips for Summer Turnout

As summer approaches, it is important to consider how best to keep your horse happy and healthy during the warmer months. Summer turnout is a great way to ensure your horse gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, but there are some tips and tricks you should keep in mind to ensure your horse stays safe and content. Here are five tips for summer turnout that will help keep your horse happy and healthy throughout the summer months.

1) Provide Ample Shade
As an equestrian, you understand the importance of ensuring your horse stays happy and healthy. One of the top tips for summer turnout is to provide ample shade for your equine friend.

Direct exposure to the sun can not only cause discomfort, but it can also lead to sunburn and other skin problems for your horse. The ideal scenario would be to have a run-in shelter or a covered barnyard for your horse. If these options aren't available, then provide your horse with shade by using trees or installing shade sails.

It's also important to keep in mind the changing position of the sun throughout the day and move your horse's turnout area to a shaded spot accordingly. This simple action can greatly reduce the chances of heat exhaustion or dehydration.

By ensuring that your horse has ample shade during their summer turnout, you'll be helping them to stay cool, calm, and collected throughout the hot season.

2) Ensure Fresh Water Supply
As an equestrian, you already know that your horse requires access to fresh water at all times, but this is especially important during the summer months when dehydration can be a serious concern. Here are our top tips for ensuring your horse has enough water to stay hydrated and happy:

1. Keep multiple water sources available: It's a good idea to have at least two water sources in your horse's turnout area. This ensures that they can always access water, even if one bucket gets knocked over or emptied. Consider installing an automatic waterer as well as providing buckets.

2. Check and refill frequently: On hot days, your horse will drink more water, so make sure to check their water sources frequently and refill as needed. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of water per day for each horse.

3. Keep water cool and clean: Hot water can be unappealing to horses, so make sure to provide cool water. Consider adding ice to their water buckets on particularly hot days. Additionally, clean their water sources regularly to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your horse has access to plenty of fresh, cool water during the summer months. Staying hydrated is key to keeping your horse happy and healthy all season long.

3) Implement Fly Control Measures
One of the most annoying things about summertime for horses are the flies. They can be a real nuisance and even pose a health risk for horses if not dealt with properly. Here are some tips for keeping flies under control during turnout:

1. Use Fly Masks and Sheets
Fly masks and sheets are a great way to protect your horse from the pesky insects. They can be worn during turnout and while riding. Look for ones that offer UV protection as well for added benefit.

2. Apply Fly Spray
There are a variety of fly sprays available on the market. Be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure it's safe for your horse. Some sprays need to be applied more frequently than others, so check the instructions for best results.

3. Keep Stalls and Surroundings Clean
Flies love dirty areas. Keep stalls and surrounding areas as clean as possible. This means picking up manure and other debris regularly and mucking out stalls at least once a day.

4. Use Fans
Fans are great for keeping horses cool, but they also help keep flies away. Set up a fan in your horse's stall or turnout area to keep air circulating and discourage flies from landing.

5. Invest in Fly Traps
Fly traps are another option for controlling the insect population. There are various types available, such as sticky tapes, baited traps, and electric zappers. Do your research and choose the one that works best for your horse and environment.

By implementing fly control measures, you'll not only keep your horse comfortable but also prevent any health issues caused by flies. Don't forget to consult with your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort in your horse.

4) Regular Grooming and Checkups
Proper grooming is essential to your horse's overall health and well-being. In the summer months, it's important to keep your horse clean and free of dirt and sweat buildup that can lead to skin irritation and infections.

Grooming also helps to prevent and remove any pesky ticks or other parasites that are prevalent during the summer months. Be sure to inspect your horse regularly for any bumps or signs of injury, and take care of them immediately.
Regular checkups with your veterinarian are also crucial during the summer. Your vet can advise you on any preventative measures or treatments to keep your horse healthy and comfortable during the hot months. This can include vaccinations for mosquito-borne illnesses, deworming, and hoof care.

Overall, keeping your horse clean and healthy will go a long way in ensuring they have a happy and comfortable summer. Plus, regular grooming and checkups will give you peace of mind knowing that your horse is in good shape.

5) Adjust Turnout Times and Routine for Extreme Heat
As much as horses love being out in the sun and grazing on fresh grass, they can become extremely uncomfortable and stressed in extreme heat. Therefore, it's crucial to adjust turnout times and routines during summer to ensure your horse's comfort and wellbeing.

The first and most obvious thing to do is to avoid turning your horse out during the hottest times of the day, typically from noon to 4 pm. Instead, plan to turn them out early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler. You can also consider keeping them in their stalls with fans running during the hottest hours.

Another important thing to do is to monitor your horse's behaviour closely and look out for signs of heat stress. These include lethargy, heavy sweating, increased respiration, and a lack of appetite. If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action and bring your horse inside to cool down.

When it comes to turnout routines, make sure to adjust them according to the weather conditions. For example, if it's very hot and humid, your horse may need to be hosed down with cool water after coming in from turnout to help lower their body temperature. Additionally, provide a salt block in their stall to encourage drinking and replace any electrolytes lost through sweat.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust turnout times and routines accordingly. If a heatwave is forecast, plan ahead and consider giving your horse a break from turnout altogether until the weather cools down.