Summer can be tough on horses. High temperatures, humidity, and long days can lead to dehydration and heat stress if we're not careful. Whether your horse is in the field, stable, or being ridden, here are five simple and effective ways to keep them cool and comfortable.
Access to water always
Your horse should have access to clean, cool water 24/7. In hot weather, horses can drink up to 50 litres per day so keep buckets fully topped up and clean. Check automatic waterers regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
Tip: Place multiple water sources in both field and stable to encourage more drinking.
Shade, Shelter and Sunscreen
Whether it’s a shady tree, a field shelter, or a well-ventilated stable, your horse needs a cool place to escape the sun. Avoid turnout during the hottest hours of the day (usually 11 AM to 4 PM), especially during heatwaves. Just like us, horses (especially those with pink skin, white markings, or thin coats) are vulnerable to sunburn, particularly on the nose, around the eyes, and other exposed areas. Consider using a horse-safe sunscreen or zinc-based creams (no harsh chemicals or fragrances). Look for SPF 30 or higher. Fly masks such as the Aloga Fly Mask offer added UV shielding around the eye areas.
Tip: Apply sunscreen daily, especially in the morning before turnout, and reapply after sweating or rinsing.
Hose or Sponge Down After Work
After riding or on particularly hot days, hose your horse down or sponge them off with cool (not icy) water. Focus on areas like the neck, chest, and legs for effective cooling.
Walk them in the shade afterward to aid recovery. Don’t forget to scrape off the excess water immediately afterward. Leaving water to sit on the coat can actually trap heat instead of helping your horse cool down. Use a sweat scraper to remove the water and repeat the rinse-and-scrape process if needed. Walk your horse in the shade afterward to allow their body temperature to regulate naturally.
Cool Coolers
After hosing down or exercise, using a cooler or mesh sheet can help dry moisture from your horse’s coat. The Aloga Pro Mesh Sheet is designed specifically for this use during warm weather as it combining high breathability 3D airmesh fabric that is lightweight and allows air to circulate across the coat helping wick moisture away your horse’s body.
Why it works: The Pro Mesh Sheet is design promotes evaporation, helping your horse cool down naturally without getting chilled.
Ride During Cooler Hours
Avoid riding during the peak heat. Instead, schedule schooling session for early morning or late evening, when the sun is lower and temperatures are more comfortable. Keep sessions short and light on high-heat days.
Hot weather doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right care and tools, your horse can stay cool, healthy, and happy. Always watch for signs of overheating: excessive sweating, lethargy, or fast breathing. If in doubt, stop, cool down, and call your vet.