Plan a healthy year with your horse! Part 4: Summer
By Harriet Linton
How to...
09 December 2008 09:15
With summer here at last it’s tempting to think the horse owner’s problems are over, but there are still some issues to be aware of to make life easier for you and keep your horse at his healthy best.
Dehydration – keep an eye on your horse’s water intake in really hot weather or if in hard work when it is warm. Water makes up about 65-75% of an adult horse’s bodyweight. Apple juice in water, soaked sugar beet, salt in feed and electrolytes (especially recommended if your horse is in regular work and competing) can help keep him hydrated. Horses should drink approximately 8 -10 litres of water per day (depending on the weather). Remember to make sure your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Sunburn – don’t get caught out in this era of climate change! Buy a bottle of high factor suncream and use it on any pink or white areas, particularly around the muzzle and eyes. And don’t forget to use some on yourself!
Healthy summer feet – Take a look at your horse’s feet and consider how they might fare in hot, dry conditions. If you are concerned there are a number of hoof care supplements and topical ointments on the market which could help, but first of all ask your farrier for advice.
Bots – Bot flies lay their eggs in the late summer so it’s advisable to buy a bot knife in advance. Watch out for the little yellow eggs on the abdomen, legs and throat areas.
Hay – Following a shortage of good hay in 2008 due to the weather, it’s advisable to keep your eyes out for a good supplier and get your order in early! It’s traditional not to use new hay until Christmas, but in reality if you’ve run out of last year’s you will have to feed something. If you have a new batch of hay, introduce it gradually to avoid any stomach upsets.
Click here to read our guide to yearly health essentials
Click here to read our guide to Winter health
Click here to read our guide to Spring health
Click here to read our guide to Summer health
Click here to read our guide to Autumn health
