How To Keep Your Pony Happy In Summer Time
It's summer time and with this time of the year, comes the heat. Horses and ponies may enjoy the sunny weather, but it's even hotter out for them than it is for you.
Watch for heat stroke. The warmer it is out, your horse is more prone to heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke are:
Sweating
Increased temperature
Faster breathing
Increased heart rate
Trying to roll, lay down, or just throwing themselves on the ground
Muscles tightening up or quivering
What can I make to keep my horse cool? There are tons of things you can make for your horse in the summer time to keep him happy and cool. You can make anything from pony popsicles to cool-down spray for your horse.
Pony popsicles: Pony popsicles are easy to make and very inexpensive. If you have a plastic container (like a sour cream container) and get some of your horses favorite treats like crushed up peppermint sticks (this also keep them cool), apples and carrots. You can also add electrolytes.
Cool-down spray: Get a spray bottle of any size and put 8-10 drops of peppermint essential oils in it. Fill it up with water and spray your pony. He'll be a happy pony!
The flies are bothering my horse. Can I make something to keep them from bothering him so much? Yes, but some home-made fly sprays don't work as well as others. I used Endure fly spray and it doesn't work as well for Neville as it does for other horses at the barn. I like an all-natural fly spray called Espree, which has sunscreen and coat conditioner as well as fly and other bug repellent. If you make your own fly spray, definitely use vinegar and eucalyptus essential oils.
I really need to exercise my horse, but it's really hot...what do I do? Try not to work him so much in the heat, but just lunging him is certainly okay. If you want to go for a ride, try going for a ride on a shady trail.
Keep your horse supplied with fresh, cool water and a place to get out of the sun. Spray him with fly and cool-down spray. If you need to, get a fly mask for him and send him out to play. He'll enjoy the warm weather and just being outside!
