Summertime, with its heatwaves and high temperatures, can be uncomfortable for horses, and extreme heat can be dangerous. Planning ahead and being mindful can help keep your horse safe and comfortable during summer’s heat.
As we move through the height of our summer competition season, it is not uncommon to have multiple days of severe heat and humidity - the days when you sweat while standing still.
Hydration is everything. The correct balance of water and body salts controls everything from the brain to the gut. Here are two simple tests you can perform on your horse to ensure they are hydrated enough.
Scientists have shown that zebras have black and white stripes to avoid biting flies. What is it about stripes that actually disrupts a biting fly’s ability to land on a zebra and suck its blood?
Just as humans can be burned by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, light coloured horses may suffer from sunburn. Even horses with dark coats can be vulnerable to sunburn if they have white markings on their faces or legs.
Sweet Itch is the most common allergic skin condition in horses, resulting in intense itching along the abdomen, the back, mane, and tail. Affected horses often develop severe skin eruptions due to self-mutilation in an attempt to alleviate the itchiness.
