How to Care for Your Horse's Coat in Summer

Summer brings long evenings, show season, and if you're in Ireland or the UK the occasional burst of genuine sunshine.

It also brings unique challenges for your horse's coat: UV damage, sweat, dust, and flies can all take their toll. Here's how to keep your horse looking and feeling their best through the warmer months.

UV damage: Just like human hair, a horse's coat can be bleached and damaged by prolonged sun exposure. Grey and chestnut horses are particularly susceptible, with coats that can take on a washed out, brassy appearance by mid-summer.

Sweat and salt build up: Horses working hard in warm weather sweat significantly. Sweat left on the coat can cause irritation, dull the coat, and if not managed can contribute to skin conditions.

Dust and environmental debris: Dry summer conditions mean more dust, which settles into the coat and dulls its natural sheen.

Fly irritation: Constant fly irritation causes horses to rub, which can damage the coat and mane, particularly around the face, belly, and dock.

Increased washing frequency: More frequent washing in summer can strip the coat of natural oils if you're using harsh shampoos another reason to choose natural formulas.

Daily brushing: A thorough daily brush removes dust, sweat residue, and loose hair. Use a body brush in the direction of coat growth, followed by a soft finishing brush for shine. This also gives you the opportunity to check for any skin issues, lumps, or fly bots.

Post-exercise care: After exercise, allow your horse to cool down before washing. Use a sweat scraper to remove excess sweat, then rinse with cool water if needed. Apply a coat conditioner to restore moisture and shine.

Weekly washing: In summer, most horses benefit from a weekly wash more frequently if they're working hard and sweating heavily. Use a gentle, natural shampoo to avoid stripping the coat, and always rinse thoroughly.

Mane and tail care: Wash the mane and tail weekly, and apply a detangler or conditioner to keep them manageable. A well-conditioned tail is less likely to break when your horse swishes at flies.

A good coat conditioner is your best friend in summer. Applied after washing or as a between-wash treatment, it:

• Restores moisture lost through sun exposure and frequent washing

• Adds a natural, healthy sheen without silicone coating

• Helps repel dust and environmental debris

• Makes the coat easier to brush and reduces static

Our Essential Oil Coat Conditioner is formulated specifically for warm weather use. The Australian Summer variant combines natural essential oils known for their conditioning and protective properties, leaving the coat deeply nourished and beautifully gleaming.

For horses with significant sun exposure particularly those kept out 24/7 or competing at outdoor shows consider:

• A UV-protective fly rug: covers the body and protects against both UV and flies

• A fly mask: protects the face and eyes

• Coat conditioner with UV protective ingredients: adds a layer of protection at the coat level

• Shade access: ensure your horse has access to shade during the hottest part of the day

Sweat marks: the white, crusty residue left after sweat dries are a common summer frustration. To manage them:

• Rinse sweat off promptly after exercise rather than letting it dry

• Use a sweat scraper effectively to remove as much moisture as possible

• Apply a light coat conditioner after rinsing to restore the coat's natural balance

• For stubborn marks, a damp sponge with a small amount of natural shampoo works well

Fly irritation is one of the biggest threats to coat condition in summer. Horses that rub constantly can develop bald patches, broken mane hair, and skin irritation. Having a comprehensive fly control strategy fly rugs, masks, natural fly repellents, and stable management protects both your horse's comfort and their coat.

A Note on Irish and UK Summers

If you're based in Ireland or the UK, you'll know that "summer" can mean anything from a heatwave (this week) to a week of solid rain (last week).The good news is that our climate is generally kinder to horses' coats than more extreme climates but the unpredictability means you need a grooming routine that's adaptable. Keep your natural shampoo and conditioner to hand year round and adjust washing frequency based on what the weather (and your horse) actually needs.