Throughout the warmer months, your horse might require different or additional supplements due to the increased demands of the season. Hot weather often leads to higher levels of activity and more sweating, which can deplete essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Additionally, the summer heat can stress a horse’s immune system, so supplements that support immune health might be beneficial.
Changes in grass quality or availability can also necessitate adjustments in dietary supplements to ensure the horse receives adequate nutrition. For instance, if the pasture becomes dry and less nutritious, a horse might need additional vitamins and minerals to compensate for the lack of fresh, nutrient-rich forage.
There are a wide range of supplements formulated to help maintain your horse’s health, performance and well-being during the summer.
Hydration
Electrolytes help regulate the balance of fluids in and out of cells, which is essential for maintaining proper hydration. This is especially important for horses during strenuous activities or in hot weather when they lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes through sweat. Adding electrolyte supplements to your horse’s feeding regime, or after exercise that causes heavy sweating, can help keep your horse hydrated and maintain muscle function and energy levels.
Available in both liquid and powder forms, electrolyte supplements can be fed daily as required. Some ‘instant’ electrolyte supplements are also available in syringes and sachets, so you can take them to shows and equestrian events as they are a convenient size and fast acting.
Horse First Heavy Sweat Electrolytes
Lincoln Electrolytes
Beat The Bugs
If your horse or pony is particularly bothered by flies and insects during the summer months, the use of supplements can help to deter these pests. Garlic is a popular natural supplement believed to repel flies and other insects, and this can be added on it’s own to your horse’s feed, or you can choose a supplement that contains garlic and a mix of other herbs.
Equus Health Garlic Granules
Global Herbs FlyFree
Performance Boosters
Using a performance-boosting supplement for your horse during the summer can be particularly beneficial due to the increased physical demands and challenges associated with the season. Summer often involves more intensive training, competitions, and longer rides.
Performance supplements can provide additional energy sources and nutrients that help sustain your horse’s stamina and reduce fatigue, while supplements containing amino acids, proteins, and other muscle-supporting nutrients can help in muscle recovery and reduce soreness after intense activities. This is important for maintaining performance and overall muscle health.
NAF Metazone
HaemaVite B Plus
Cavalor Pow’red Performance
Lincoln Blood Tonic
Breathing & Immune Support
Your horse might benefit from a breathing supplement in the summer for several reasons related to the increased environmental and physical challenges of the season:
- Dust and Allergens: Summer often brings increased exposure to dust, pollen, mould spores, and other airborne allergens, particularly when horses are spending more time outside or in dry, dusty environments.
- Exercise-Induced Respiratory Stress: Horses are often more active in the summer, participating in more intense training, competitions, and longer rides. This increased activity can put additional stress on the respiratory system.
- Respiratory Conditions: Horses with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as heaves, or inflammatory airway disease (IAD), may find their symptoms exacerbated in the summer. Breathing supplements can help manage these conditions by reducing inflammation and supporting overall respiratory health.
Breathing supplements typically contain ingredients like natural herbs, such as eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint, which are known for their soothing properties and ability to support clear airways. They may also be formulated with antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C and E) which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the respiratory system.
Global Herbs Airway Plus
NAF 5* Respirator
Everyday Vits & Mins
For horses at all levels, feeding them vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining their overall health, supporting bodily functions, and ensuring optimal performance. Even with a well-planned diet, horses may not always receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals from their feed alone, especially if they are on a restricted diet or have limited access to high-quality forage. Supplementing helps ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
NAF Optimum Feed Balancer
