What a summer we’ve had. The sun has been blazing from a mostly clear blue sky, and at times the temperature has even surpassed that of southern Europe. A delight for many holidaymakers – but naturally also a challenge for others.
For our beloved horses, a summer like this can bring everything from summer eczema and insect attacks to dry and cracked hooves. Solutions vary, ranging from different types of protective rugs, fly masks, sprays, creams, and oils.
Between 2016 and 2023, I lived in southern Spain where this kind of climate was everyday life for at least 5–6 months a year. The insects – twice the size of those in Sweden – came in swarms. With a bit of bad luck, the season could be extended depending on the weather all the way into mid-November. The ground where the horses grazed was like cement, often cracked and uneven.
This meant that one developed a certain knowledge about which fly masks caused chafing, let through hay and shavings, and which ones the horses literally sought out themselves when we brought them forward. I tried countless rugs to find the ones that best protected against insects while still allowing enough airflow. My farrier came frequently, and through him I tested different preparations to protect the hooves.
Looking back, I can only say that, as always, it is highly individual which rug suits a particular horse. Some horses naturally have more coat – denser and longer hairs – just as others have very short hair. Age also plays a role, as does the horse’s condition. This means that different rugs will work differently and also make horses more or less sensitive. Some horses get chafing more easily in certain areas depending on coat status, while others simply pull off whatever you put on them. Hooves, as always, benefit most from movement, and how to maintain the moisture in them remains a riddle many of us are still trying to solve.
My horses’ summer wardrobe includes various types of summer rugs since Swedish summers normally can vary quite a lot. Different weather requires different measures. I also keep a double set of fly masks, as I wash them regularly.
But in times of high heat and strong sun, like this summer, I use a different tactic than textile protection – one that has worked well for me both in Sweden and in Spain: reversing the daily rhythm. As soon as possible, I’ve had my horses out at night and indoors during the day. Rugs, fly masks, and hoof oil are all good, but it is the coolness of the night that makes being outdoors pleasant and the shade of the stable that keeps most insects away during the day.
(This blog post has been translated using AI. We strive for accuracy and clarity, but certain nuances may vary. Thank you for your understanding.
