Too Hot to Trot: Ecovet Presents 10 Ways to Keep Your Horse Comfortable (and Slightly Less Grumpy) This Summer

Because your horse didn’t sign up to be a baked potato in a fly sheet.

When summer rolls in, everyone everywhere starts asking the same question: “Why is the sun so rude?” And we’re pretty sure our horses do, too.

Whether your horse is a drama queen about sweat, a bug magnet, or the equine version of a melted marshmallow, hot weather brings some serious comfort challenges. But don’t worry — we’ve got tips to help your four-legged friend survive the scorch (and a sprinkle of humor to help you keep perspective — after all, winter is coming… eventually).

But while we’re still sweating our butts off, here are 10 tips to help out you and your equine pals.

1. Water, Water, and… More Water

Your horse needs fresh, clean water at all times. Not “it’s mostly algae” water. Not “I topped it off yesterday” water. Think spa-quality hydration. On average, a horse drinks 5–10 gallons a day, but in hot weather, it’s often more.

Pro Tip: If your horse is being suspicious about drinking, add a splash of apple juice. They’ll think it’s a cocktail.

Bugatti and Mac enjoying the fresh-out-of-the-hose water on a hot day. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

2. Shade: Not Just for Drama

No one likes standing in full sun in July — especially not in a fur coat. Make sure your pasture has adequate shade: trees, run-in sheds, or a strategically placed unicorn-shaped umbrella (okay, maybe just a regular shelter).

No shade? Rotate turnout to evenings or early mornings. Horses are nocturnal party animals anyway.

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3. Fans Aren’t Just for Divas

If your horse is stalled during the day, install barn-safe fans to keep the air moving. Flies hate wind. Horses love wind. Win-win.

Bonus: Standing dramatically in front of a fan while you hose yourself off? Pure summer barn aesthetic.

Fans on stalls at a summertime shoot. Gotta keep those performance horses comfortable! Photo by Marcella Gruchalak.

4. Electrolytes: The Gatorade of the Herd

If your horse is sweating buckets (or salt-licking like it’s going out of style), consider adding electrolytes to their diet. These help replace minerals lost to sweat and keep hydration levels in check. Just make sure plain water is also available — no one likes surprise salty water when they’re parched.

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5. Cold Hoses & Cool Baths

There’s nothing like a cold hose-down after a hot ride. Your horse agrees — until you reach their belly or nether regions. Then suddenly you’re the villain in a soap opera and they’re practically sitting on you. But whatever. It’s all fine…

Jo looking 🤌 after a bath. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

Focus on large muscle groups (neck, shoulders, haunches), and don’t forget to scrape off excess water so it doesn’t trap heat. Think of it as post-workout hydrotherapy. With sass.

6. The Anti-Fly Army

Summer = flies. And flies = chaos. Deploy every tool in your arsenal:

• Fly spray (of course our favorite is Ecovet)
• Fly masks and sheets (fashion meets function)
• Fans (again—flies hate wind!)
• Fly predators or traps (tiny mercenaries at your service)
• Also: Muck often. Manure is basically a mosquito resort if left unchecked.

7. Ride Early, Ride Late, or Become a Popsicle

Avoid the midday meltdown for both of you. Ride early in the morning or after dinner when the sun is less aggressive and your horse won’t act like its saddle is made of lava.

And on really hot days? Skip the ride. Do ground work, give a spa day, or just eat popsicles together. No judgment.

A between-the-ears shot on Mac during an early morning ride in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

8. Check for Overheating

Know the signs of a heat-stressed horse:

• Excessive sweating or no sweating (scary!)
• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy
• “My legs don’t work, Karen” energy

If something seems off, stop activity, hose them down, and call the vet if needed. Better safe than sorry — and it’s not like you were eager to clean tack anyway.

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9. Pasture Prep and Mud Patrol

Summer storms + sun = mud city. And mud = hoof problems and cranky horses. Keep pastures well-drained, rotate turnout, and avoid overgrazed muddy zones.

Remember: your horse will always choose to nap in the messiest corner of the field. It’s part of their design.

10. Cool Snacks and Chill Vibes

Want to be your horse’s favorite human? Freeze apple slices, carrots, or peppermint treats in ice blocks. It’s refreshing, fun, and watching them try to figure it out is better than Netflix. You can also freeze water bottles and drop them in troughs to keep things cool — just don’t mistake them for your barn water on a frantic day.

Final Word: You Can’t Control the Sun, But You Can Fight Back

Summer horse care doesn’t have to be a sweaty nightmare. With a little planning (and maybe a portable fan for yourself), you can keep your horse cool, happy, and comfortable — even when the thermometer’s screaming.

Remember: if you’re hot, they’re hotter. And if you’re both hot? You’re in it together. Just blame the sun, roll your eyes, and go share a popsicle.