Summer can bring a range of skin-related challenges, including sweet itch, sunburn, photosensitivity and bacterial infections. Horses with pink skin, white markings or sensitive skin may require additional protection from prolonged sun exposure. Equally, some horses develop allergic responses to insect bites that can significantly impact their comfort and welfare. Regular grooming and close inspection allow owners to identify problems early. Changes in skin condition, excessi

Hoof health can change dramatically throughout the summer months. Extended periods of dry weather can leave hooves brittle and prone to cracking, while sudden rainfall after drought conditions may create rapid fluctuations in moisture levels. Regular trimming and close observation are essential during summer. Changes in movement, increased sensitivity or alterations in hoof appearance should always be investigated promptly. Encouraging regular movement is one of the best ways

Senior horses often cope remarkably well with ageing, but summer can present additional challenges that require careful management. Older horses may struggle to regulate body temperature as efficiently as younger horses, making access to shade, shelter and fresh water especially important. Dental issues, reduced digestive efficiency and underlying health conditions can also affect how they cope with warmer weather. Regular observation becomes increasingly valuable as horses a

Summer pasture can look idyllic, but lush grazing presents both opportunities and challenges for horse owners. While fresh grass provides excellent nutrition, rapid growth can increase the risk of weight gain, metabolic complications and laminitis in susceptible horses. Equally, during periods of drought, grass quality may decline rapidly despite fields appearing green. Managing grazing effectively requires balancing nutritional needs with each horse's individual health statu

For many horses, summer brings one of the season's greatest frustrations: flies. While often dismissed as a minor nuisance, flies can have a significant impact on a horse's comfort, wellbeing and behaviour. Some horses cope remarkably well with flies, while others become distressed, lose condition or alter their normal behaviour patterns. Persistent fly irritation can lead to rubbing, skin damage, anxiety and reduced grazing time. There is no single solution to fly management

Summer offers horses the opportunity to enjoy many of the behaviours they have evolved to perform naturally. Grazing, walking, social interaction and rest all form part of a healthy daily routine, and allowing horses to live within a stable herd environment can provide enormous benefits for both their physical and mental wellbeing. Horses are social animals. In the wild, they would spend much of their lives within a herd structure, forming friendships, establishing routines a

As temperatures rise, horse owners naturally begin to worry about keeping their horses safe and comfortable during the warmer months. While we often think of horses as hardy animals, they can be just as susceptible to heat stress and dehydration as we are. One of the greatest advantages of keeping horses in a natural herd environment is that they are able to make many of their own decisions about how to stay comfortable. Horses will often seek shelter during the hottest parts