For horse riders, summer can be enjoyed with long days in the saddle, but when extreme weather events happen, extra care must be taken to meet your horse’s needs. As well as regular horse health checks, it's important to consider any extra washes, joint care and fly repellents that will make your equine friend feel comfortable. The experts at NAF Equine share their recommendations for keeping your horse cool during heat waves and on hot days.
Keeping horses hydrated
Hydration is key during warm days when horses are grazing, being ridden, or traveling to competitions. With extra riding, heat, and the excitement of new surroundings, horses can sweat more than usual. Sweat is normal as this is how horses regulate their body temperature, but with it comes the loss of essential salts like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Without replenishing these, horses can feel sluggish; in extreme cases, it can impact muscle and bone health.
NAF Electro Lytes Liquid is an easy way to top up those lost electrolytes by adding it to a wet horse feed or water. You might want to try NAF Electro Salts for a more concentrated boost for horses working hard or during a heatwave. If you add these to your horses’ diet, always make sure clean, fresh water is available.
Cooling horses down
After a sweaty schooling session or a warm hack, treat your horse to a soothing cool-down with Lavender Wash. This no-rinse formula is infused with calming essential oil. It gently lifts sweat and dirt without harsh soaps or detergents, leaving the coat clean, refreshed, and smelling amazing. It’s a lovely way to wind down after exercise and helps keep your horse’s skin in beautiful condition.
No summer survival kit is complete without fly spray, and NAF has two brilliant options depending on your needs. For a naturally inspired defence, go for NAF Off Extra Effect. It’s cleverly formulated to confuse insect receptors, helping disguise your horse’s scent and making them less appealing to biting bugs. Perfect for daily use, especially for sensitive souls. If you need something more substantial, choose NAF Off DEET Power Performance. DEET is one of the most effective repellents, and NAF’s formula uses the maximum safe levels for horses. It’s award-winning and offers over 70% protection for up to six hours. Available in spray or gel, it’s ideal for camp, summer shows, humid days, or horses that attract pesky insects' attention.
Horse joint care
With all that exercise and excitement, it’s not just hydration and flies you need to think about, as your horse’s joints and overall well-being matter too. NAF Superflex Original is a fantastic joint supplement, helping to keep everything moving smoothly thanks to its combination of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, HA, and powerful antioxidant support.
Metazone is another essential to have on hand. It’s formulated to support the horse’s anti-inflammatory responses throughout the body, helping maintain soundness. It supports joints, feet, tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin, and recovery, and is competition-safe.
For a boost of stamina and sparkle, try EnerG Syringes, which is renowned for supporting elite performance. This unique blend delivers fast-release energy, making it ideal for moments when your horse or pony needs a little extra.
These NAF essentials are here to help your horses and ponies enjoy summer just as much as you do. If you’d like to receive tailored advice for your horse, speak to our Animal Health Advisors at 01451 830 400.