Hot Weather Horse Care: My 5 Favorite Summer Survival Strategies

Summer with horses is a whole mood—sweaty helmets, sunscreen in your eyes, and somehow always ending the day with hay stuck in your sports bra. But let's be real: as much as we love the sunny season, it can be tough on our four-legged partners. When the temperatures soar, their comfort (and safety!) becomes top priority.

After a few sweltering seasons of trial and error, I’ve finally dialed in my go-to summer survival strategy. Whether you're heading to the barn at dawn or trying to squeeze in saddle time after work, here’s how I keep my horse happy, healthy, and hydrated in the heat.

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration (Yes, it’s that important)

I don’t mess around when it comes to electrolytes. Even when my horse gives me the side-eye like I’ve just poisoned his water bucket, I stay firm—hydration is non-negotiable in the summer. He’s a notoriously picky eater, so I used to rely on Farnam Apple Elite Electrolytes in paste form. It worked really well, and I still keep it on hand for travel or emergencies. If your horse turns his nose up at everything else, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

That said, I’ve finally found something he’ll eat without protest: Freedlight Performance Electrolyte. It mixes right into his grain, and—miracle of miracles—he actually finishes it. Both options are effective and great for staying ahead of dehydration, muscle cramps, or post-ride fatigue.

Pro tip: After a tough workout, travel day, or just a scorcher of a summer afternoon, I like to offer a sloppy mash to boost hydration. If your horse isn’t into mashes, I’ve had luck with Gallagher’s Water—a flavored electrolyte mix that encourages drinking when plain water just isn’t cutting it.

2. Fly Control: Suit Up and Spray Down

If summer had a villain, it’d be flies. Between the stomping, tail swishing, and welts, keeping bugs at bay is practically a full-time job. I always have a strong fly spray in my tack box—my current go-to is Equicare Flysect Super-C Repellent. It does a solid job of keeping the worst of the swarm away.

For extra protection on sensitive spots like ears, underbellies, and the top of the tail, I reach for SWAT. I also dab it on the chest and around, not directly on, anywhere I see scrapes or small cuts—any place flies tend to annoy or irritate. It’s my go-to for keeping the bugs off those extra-sensitive spots.

And let’s not forget the unsung heroes: fly boots. I used to think they were a little “extra,” until I realized they actually cut down the stomping—which means less risk of hoof cracks or soreness. I look for pairs that are lightweight, breathable, and (the real miracle) stay up. These boots have survived more than a few muddy turnout sessions and a good bit of playful chaos from my guy.

✨ Want to explore more options?Check out these top-rated fly sprays fellow horse owners are loving this summer.

📩 Want my full Summer Gear List with fly spray, boots, and grooming picks?Grab it here and I’ll send it to your inbox!

3. Cool Baths & the Magic of Apple Cider Vinegar

After a ride—or even on non-riding days—my favorite ritual is a cooling bath with a rinse of apple cider vinegar. It’s not just for salad dressing, y’all.

Here’s what a quick ACV rinse does:

* Removes sweat and buildup (buh-bye, flaky dander)

* Leaves the coat shiny and soft

* Soothes irritated or itchy skin

* Helps deter flies naturally

* Breaks down fungus and bacteria lurking on the skin

Mix about 1/2 cup of ACV per gallon of water and sponge it on after your rinse. No need to wash it off. It’s basically a spa treatment in a bucket.

4. Smart Riding Hours

I try to ride early in the morning or later in the evening—when the sun isn’t trying to fry my horse and me like bacon. If I must ride in the heat, I keep it short, simple, and intentional. No marathon schooling sessions, no intense jumping courses.

Even a 15-minute ride can be productive. I focus on one goal—maybe a few transitions, a bit of lateral work, or just hacking around the property—and call it a win.

5. Hot Days Call for Light Work (Or No Work At All)

On brutally hot days, I switch things up:

* A little groundwork at the walk? Yes.

* Practicing some stretching or carrot stretches? Absolutely.

* Or how about just a thorough grooming session and a cold bath?

Don’t underestimate the power of a spa day. Sometimes, a scrub, detangling session, and a little TLC are the best kind of “training.” It keeps the bond strong and lets your horse enjoy some feel-good vibes without the sweat.

✨ Want to switch it up with simple exercises?

These highly rated groundwork and stretching books are full of practical tips for hot-day sessions and slow, mindful movement.

📚 From gentle polework to tension-releasing stretches, they’re perfect for riders who want to keep things light—but still make it count.

📩 Prefer a quick-start version?

Grab my free summer groundwork & stretch routine — no fancy tools, just you, your horse, and a cooler vibe.

In the Heat, Less is More

Hot weather horse care doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be thoughtful. Our horses give us so much, and when the summer heat turns up the intensity, the best gift we can give in return is consideration, comfort, and a little creativity in our routines.

Affiliate Note: I’ve linked some of my favorite go-to products above. I only recommend what I genuinely use and love, and if you shop through my links, it helps support the barn chores and late-night feed runs at no extra cost to you. Thank you!