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Protect Your Horse from Sunburn

Posted by aktivadmin on 2nd Jun 2020

Protect Your Horse from Sunburn
Everyone loves a little Vitamin D - even horses. With summer fast approaching, warmer and sunnier weather, and longer trail rides are just around the corner. While the prospect of spending more time outdoors bonding with your horse may be exciting, don’t forget to take the necessary precautions when it comes to your horse’s health and their increased sun exposure. Just like humans, horses can get sunburns, so prevention is key. Find our tips on how to protect your horse from sunburn below.

Limit Sun Exposure

We understand this may be easier said than done. While quality time both inside and outside the stable is important for fostering a healthy relationship with your horse, time spent outside should be monitored. Create a schedule for your horse’s outdoor time which coincides with the times of the day that the sun is at its lowest. Think along the lines of early morning and dusk.

Assess The Environment

Horses love to roam and ensuring they have enough space to do so isn’t the only factor that comes into play when it comes to their environment. While they should have plenty of room to lay down and soak up the sun’s rays if they wish, they should also have shaded spaces where they can take a break from the sun.

Provide Protection

Sunburn protection comes in two forms: sunscreen and clothing. Sunscreen made for horses acts the same way it does for humans. In fact, it seems that sunscreen generally used for humans works just as well on horses. Apply sunscreen to your horse just as you would to humans, though only focusing on the pink-skinned areas. Use a thick layer for maximum protection and apply it every so often, especially after intense exercise or rain. For maximum protection, use the UV protectant versions of products you already apply daily like fly sprays and coat conditioners. When it comes to sun protection, don’t forget about clothing. Horseware such as fly rugs and fly masks will limit your horse’s direct sun exposure–protecting them from UV rays. If you’re unsure where to begin when choosing the best piece for your horse, this blog will help you get started. Preventing sunburn on your horse is crucial to enjoying the sunnier months. Following the tips outlined above will ensure you can get maximum enjoyment from your horse this summer.