Summertime is the best season for horse owners and riders – longer days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of hours in the saddle! But while summers can be a great time of year to enjoy activities with your favorite horse, it’s also important to make sure that your Shire receives all the special care he needs as the temperature rises.
Whether you’re a hostler experienced in caring for horses or this is your first foray into equine management, read on to discover our top tips for looking after your Shire during the summer months. With just a few adjustments here and there you can ensure that both you and your beloved steed stay healthy all season long!
How do you take care of a horse in the summer?
Taking care of a horse in the summer requires a few different considerations than during the rest of the year. The most important part is to make sure that your horse has enough shade and accessible water since summer temperatures can get quite high and dehydration is one of the most dangerous obstacles horses face in this season.
Depending on the climate you live in, you may have to adjust the amount or type of feed you give your horse as well, either cooling off their diet or adding extra salt since sweat loss during warmer months is increased. Additionally, fly masks and sprays can help protect skin from insect bites as well as sunburns if your horse is out in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Summing up, summertime means keeping an eye on the temperature, staying hydrated, adequate protection from insects and sunburns, and potential changes in feed routines.
What can you do with your horse in the summer?
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged friend. With warm daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore and have some fun with your horse.
Head out on a trail ride, explore your local lake or river, attend an equestrian show or competition, and just plain enjoy being around nature. If you have access to an outdoor arena, work with your horse on practice exercises that improve coordination and strengthen your bond.
Another great pastime is simply hanging out in the barn and spending time getting to know each other better – take some treats outside for grooming sessions or hours-long conversations! No matter what you do with your horse this summer, make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
How do horses stay cool in summer?
Horses have many creative and natural ways to stay cool in the summer. In the hottest conditions, horses seek out shade and will even lie down, snoozing beneath trees when they get a chance.
They also use their sweat glands to act as a form of air conditioning, releasing heat from their bodies in the process. As well as this, horses use mudpacks to help keep their body temperature down; rolling in shallow mud baths is like putting on a sun hat!
They make sure not to over-exert themselves in summer by making sure they don’t overexercise and they reduce their food intake so they don’t expend too much energy. Given many of these alternative cooling methods, horses can handle summer a lot better than some other animals!
What is the best feed for horses during summer?
During the summer months, horse owners need to be aware of the food their horses are eating. The high-fiber feed should be your horse’s main source of nutrition during this time of year due to its ability to keep your equine friend cooler and digest more efficiently.
This type of feed contains a good balance of legumes, grains, and hay that will help keep your horse hydrated while avoiding dehydration, as well as a healthy level of protein throughout the hot weather. It also helps coat their stomach lining ensuring they stay healthy while combating any parasites they may pick up in the summer sun.
For best results, always select quality feeds with only natural ingredients to both ensure your horse’s well-being and prevent any unwanted health problems.
Should I feed my horse in summer?
When it comes to feeding your horse in the summer, it’s best to have a plan. Horses require a certain amount of feed depending on their activity level, body condition, and age.
In the summer when temperatures are hotter, horses may need less grain due to increased grass availability. For example, a hard-working performance horse might benefit from up to 20 lbs of grain per day during the winter months but could likely do with half that amount or less in the summertime if they have access to an adequate amount of good quality pasture.
On the other hand, a sedentary senior horse with no access to pasture could still need that higher amount of grain through the warmer months. It’s important not to overfeed as some individuals can be prone to colic or laminitis from too much sugar and starch entering their system at once.
Ultimately though, every horse is individual and will require different amounts of feed year-round so be sure you’re familiar with your horse’s specific needs before setting up your feeding program for summertime.
How often should you bathe your horse in the summer?
How often to bathe your horse during the summer months can be a tricky question. Some people believe that frequent baths (2-3 times per week) are necessary to keep them cool in the hot weather, while others recommend 1-2 times per month as over-bathing can lead to dry skin.
Ultimately, it depends on how much time and energy you’re willing to put into your horse’s grooming care, as well as the daily activity of your animal. For instance, if your horse is exposed to high levels of dirt and sweat during riding or training sessions, regular baths may be beneficial for both their hygiene and comfort level.
On the other hand, if your horse does not get very dirty, more spread-out baths may be sufficient. Whatever you decide, remember that keeping your trusty steed happy and comfortable during those hot summer months is essential!
Do horses drink more water in the summer?
Spending more time outdoors in the summer may not be something you think twice about, but for horses, staying cool during warmer temperatures requires a lot more water. During the summer months, a horse’s water intake can spike from 5 to 10 gallons per day.
This extra water allows your horse to stay cool and also helps them digest their daily forage – usually, hay or grass – as well as sustains circulation throughout the body.
It’s important to have an adequate and accessible supply of fresh, clean water available for your horse year-round; however, in the summer months, it becomes even more paramount since they are prone to dehydration because of the heat.
A thoughtful owner should take proper precautions and ensure their horse has plenty of fresh water this summer!
Should I worm my horse in the summer?
Summertime is an important time to think about worming your horse. This is because the warm and humid conditions in the summer months can create an optimal environment for parasites, making it necessary to stay on top of your horse’s parasite control program.
Parasitic worms can cause a range of problems from stomach upset to colic and even death, so taking care to protect your horse from them is essential. Depending on what sort of lifestyle your horse leads, some experts recommend worming as frequently as every eight weeks in the summer.
Whether you choose regular deworming or another parasite control program, staying ahead of this problem this summer will help ensure your horse stays healthy throughout the season.
It’s a Wrap
Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy a day outside with your Shire Horse. With the right care, you can make sure that your Shire Horse has a safe and happy summer.
While some days may get too hot, giving your Shire Horse plenty of shade and periodically introducing them to cool baths can help keep them comfortable. Of course, providing ample water throughout the day is essential in keeping them hydrated and healthy during those long summer days!
Most importantly, remember to take breaks when outside, and don’t forget to use sunscreen for your skin. With proper care, you and your Shire Horse will have a great summer together!
