Long evenings, dry fields and show season in full swing — summer is the best time of year with horses. It brings its own challenges too: flies, heat, hard ground and a flush of rich grass. Here’s how to keep horses comfortable and healthy until autumn.
Flies
- Fly rugs and masks protect sensitive skin and eyes — check them daily for fit, rubs and anything trapped underneath.
- Fly repellent works best applied regularly; test a small patch first on sensitive horses.
- Sweet itch — an allergy to the bites of tiny midges — makes some horses rub their mane and tail raw. If you see it, talk to your vet early, as prevention works far better than cure.
- Keep muck heaps and water troughs clean, which cuts down the places flies breed.
Heat
- Shade and water, always. A horse can drink a great deal more on a hot day — check troughs and buckets more often.
- Ride early or late, avoiding the hottest part of the day.
- Cool down properly after work: walk until breathing settles, and hose with cool water, scraping off the excess.
- Watch for heat stress — fast breathing that doesn’t settle, lethargy, or a horse that stops sweating. Call your vet if you’re worried.
- Pink noses can burn: horses with white faces may need a sun block your vet recommends.
Hard ground
Baked summer ground jars legs and feet. Keep fast work and jumping to good surfaces, keep up regular farrier visits as hooves can crack when dry, and check legs for heat or swelling after work.
Grass and weight
Summer grass can still be rich, especially after rain. Keep an eye on your horse’s weight and shape, and be extra careful with good doers and any horse with a history of laminitis — your vet can advise on grazing and turnout.
Travelling to shows
Travel in the cooler part of the day where you can, keep the lorry or trailer well ventilated, offer water on longer journeys, and never leave horses standing in a hot vehicle. And take your horse’s passport — it must travel with them.
How we handle summer at Pentonville Lodge
On full livery, every horse is checked daily by people who know them, so fly kit, water and any early signs of trouble are dealt with straight away. The floodlit arena means work can move to the cool of the evening on hot days — and show season is when Nikki’s coaching and pre-show help come into their own. Getting ready for your first outing? Read your first show: a guide to show day.
Nikki Ward · Pentonville Lodge
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