08/07/2026
☀️🐴 Keep Your Horse Hydrated and Protected During Hot Weather 💧🌳
With the hot summer days we're currently experiencing, it's more important than ever to ensure your horse has a constant supply of clean, fresh water and access to adequate shelter from the sun.
A 500kg horse can drink between 20–30 litres of water per day (approximately 3–4 buckets), but in hot weather this can increase to 50–60 litres per day (around 6–7 buckets). Changing water more frequently during high temperatures helps keep it fresh, encourages drinking and supports hydration.
Water plays a vital role in your horse's digestive system, continually moving through and being reabsorbed from the gut. When a horse doesn't drink enough, the digestive process can be affected, increasing the risk of impaction colic – where a firm ball of feed material blocks part of the intestine.
✅ Top tips for keeping horses comfortable in the heat:
💧 Provide unlimited access to clean, fresh water at all times.
🪣 Check and refill water supplies regularly, changing water more often on particularly hot days.
🌾 Consider soaking hay to increase moisture intake. However, be aware that soaking hay will affect its nutritional value.
🌳 Ensure horses have access to shelter or shade. A field shelter offers the best protection, but trees and hedges can provide a suitable alternative. Remember that shade moves throughout the day, so check it remains accessible. If using natural shelter, make sure any trees or hedges are safe and non-toxic to horses.
🏠 If suitable facilities are available, consider stabling horses during the hottest parts of the day, providing the stable remains cool and well ventilated. Any management changes should be introduced gradually to minimise stress and reduce the risk of colic.
☀️ Apply equine-safe sun cream to vulnerable areas, particularly on grey horses and those with pink skin. Pay special attention to the nose, and consider using a nose net for additional protection. Horses can suffer sunburn just as we can.
A few simple precautions can make a big difference to your horse's health and welfare during periods of hot weather. Stay vigilant, keep water flowing and provide plenty of shade to help your equine companions stay safe, cool and comfortable. 🐴❤️
If you need advice you can visit our website https://bransbyhorses.co.uk/what-we-do/equine-advice/ or call our team on 01427 787 369.
📸 Photograph by Taylor, Visitor Centre Yard
