Summer is very nearly upon us and, if the month of May was anything to go by, it could be another very warm one. Many areas of the country have already experienced their first big heatwave of the year, with record-breaking spring temperatures making horse owners rethink turnout routines, exercise and stable management earlier than usual.
In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at how and why they do it, and some ways to keep your horse comfortable and healthy when the temperatures rise.
Why people change turnout and stabling routines in summer
Every year when the days get longer and warmer, lots of horse owners and yard managers start making changes to their daily routines. That’s usually by switching their routine from stabled at night and in the field during the day, which is popular during the colder months, to overnight turnout and standing in the stable in daytime.
The idea is to allow horses long hours of grazing and relaxing outside when the temperatures are cooler, with time indoors during the day to help horses avoid flies and intense sunshine.
Flies can become relentless during the summer, particularly for horses that suffer from sweet itch or are sensitive to insect bites. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can also be an issue when the mercury really rises, so if shade is limited in your fields, it’s time to think again.
How to keep stables cooler in summer
A shady, well-ventilated stable can provide welcome relief for horses and ponies during periods of hot weather. Encouraging plenty of airflow is key for equine respiratory health, which is why many yards open stable doors and windows in all but the very coldest winter weather.
Keeping air moving through stables and barns on warm summer days helps prevent heat from building up and can make a noticeable difference to comfort levels for both horses and humans.
Fans can be a great way to boost airflow, and if you decide to use them, it is important to position them safely out of reach of horses and ensure that they are properly wired, installed and maintained. Used alongside good natural ventilation, fans can help create a much more comfortable stabled environment during periods of prolonged heat.
Shade also plays an important role in helping horses stay comfortable during summer. Trees around turnout areas can help lower temperatures and provide valuable shelter from direct sunlight. While newly planted trees may not offer immediate benefits, they can become a valuable long-term investment.
Mobile field shelters are another way to provide relief from the sunshine if you don’t have the option to bring horses into stables during the daytime heat.
Fresh water should always be readily available, and it is worth checking buckets and troughs more frequently during hot spells as horses will often drink considerably more than usual.
Managing stable dust during the summer months
Respiratory health is often associated with winter stable management, but summer brings its own challenges. Dust can originate from a variety of sources, including dry fields, the harvest of arable fields and the stable itself, including bedding and dried forage. This can irritate your horse’s respiratory system.
Reducing dust exposure is an important part of maintaining a healthy stable environment, which is one reason many owners choose dust-extracted bedding. By removing as much dust as possible during production, it helps create a cleaner environment and supports respiratory comfort throughout the year.
At Wood & Slumber, our shavings are carefully dust-extracted and kiln-dried before they reach your yard. That gives them another great benefit too, which is high absorbency.
Tackling ammonia in stables during warm weather
While many owners focus on keeping horses cool during hot weather, it is equally important to pay attention to what is happening within the stable bed itself. Warm temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of urine in wet bedding, leading to higher levels of ammonia and creating an environment that is a lot less pleasant for both horses and humans.
Ammonia is produced when bacteria break down the urea found in urine. As temperatures rise, this process can happen more quickly, which is why wet patches and unpleasant odours often become more noticeable during the summer months.
High levels of ammonia can irritate the eyes and respiratory system of both horses and humans, making effective stable management particularly important during periods of warm weather.
How Wood & Slumber can help you tackle ammonia
Maintaining a dry, clean bed is one of the most effective ways to reduce ammonia build-up. Highly absorbent bedding, like Wood & Slumber, helps soak up moisture and lock it away before it can create damp patches and unpleasant odours, while regular removal of wet bedding and droppings helps maintain a fresher and healthier stable environment.
If your horse is drinking more in hot weather, they may well urinate more too. If your bedding isn’t up to the task of absorbing fluids, there’s a chance that your horse’s bed will quickly become wet and smelly, especially in the summer heat.
We hope that this blog shows you that, alongside the big change of routine, there are lots of small changes that can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort and health in warm weather.
Good ventilation, effective dust management, careful attention to moisture and a highly absorbent bedding can all contribute to a healthier stable environment throughout the warmer months.
Eight ways to support horse health in summer
- Switch turnout times if needed to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Make sure horses have access to shade, either in the field or in a cool, well-ventilated stable.
- Check water buckets and troughs more frequently, topping up as required.
- Open barn doors and windows to encourage airflow wherever it is safe to do so.
- Position fans safely if you use them, and ensure they are regularly checked and maintained.
- Remove wet bedding daily to reduce ammonia build-up.
- Consider using a highly absorbent, dust-extracted bedding to help maintain a cleaner, drier stable environment.
- Monitor horses for signs of heat stress, including excessive sweating, lethargy or increased respiratory rate.
