How to Care for Your Horse During a Hot UK Summer

Key Takeaways

• The UK is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures and early heatwave conditions
• Horses are at increased risk of dehydration, heat stress, flies, and pasture-related issues during hot weather
• Small changes to turnout, hydration, feeding, and exercise routines can make a major difference
• Preparing paddocks and stables before extreme heat arrives helps protect horse welfare
• Regular manure removal becomes even more important during summer to help reduce flies and maintain cleaner grazing areas

Introduction

For many horse owners across the UK, the recent heatwave has arrived earlier — and hotter — than expected.

Temperatures across parts of England recently exceeded 30°C, with some areas officially entering heatwave conditions for multiple consecutive days. 

While many people welcome sunshine after a long winter and wet spring, extreme heat creates a very different set of challenges for horse owners. Horses can struggle significantly during prolonged hot weather, particularly when high temperatures are combined with humidity, poor airflow, flies, and dry pasture conditions.

Managing horses safely during a hot UK summer requires more than simply topping up water troughs. Small adjustments to daily routines, turnout management, pasture care, and exercise schedules can play a major role in keeping horses healthy and comfortable throughout the season.

Why Hot Weather Can Be Difficult for Horses

Horses naturally regulate body temperature through sweating. However, during prolonged hot weather, their cooling systems can become overwhelmed — particularly during exercise or when standing in direct sun for extended periods.

Hot weather increases the risk of:

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stress
• Sunburn
• Digestive issues
• Fly irritation
• Reduced appetite and energy levels

The British Horse Society warns that hot and humid conditions can lead to lethargy, dehydration, and potentially dangerous overheating if horses are not managed correctly. 

This becomes especially important during UK heatwaves because many yards and paddocks are not designed for sustained high temperatures.

Signs Your Horse May Be Overheating

One of the most important parts of summer horse care is recognising early warning signs before they become serious.

Common signs of overheating include:

• Excessive sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Flared nostrils
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to move
• Elevated body temperature
• Reduced appetite
• Dark or tacky gums
• Dehydration

More severe cases may involve wobbliness, distress, or collapse.

If your horse appears overheated:

• Move them into shade immediately
• Offer fresh water
• Begin cooling with water and airflow
• Contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen

Rapid cooling with cold water is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce body temperature safely. 

Prioritise Hydration Throughout the Day

Hydration becomes one of the most important factors during hot weather.

The British Horse Society notes that horses can drink between 50–70 litres of water per day during hotter conditions. 

Water intake can increase even further for:

• Horses in work
• Competition horses
• Horses travelling regularly
• Horses sweating heavily

To help encourage hydration:

• Check troughs and buckets multiple times daily
• Keep water fresh and cool
• Clean troughs regularly to encourage drinking
• Soak feeds where appropriate
• Consider wet mash feeds during extreme heat

Many horse owners also add electrolytes during hotter weather to help replace minerals lost through sweating.

Adjust Turnout During Heatwaves

One of the simplest ways to help horses cope during hot weather is adjusting turnout schedules.

In many cases, overnight turnout or early morning turnout becomes a far better option than leaving horses exposed during the hottest parts of the day.

This helps reduce:

• Heat stress
• Fly irritation
• Sun exposure
• Dehydration risk

Ideally, paddocks should provide:

• Natural shade
• Tree cover
• Field shelters
• Easy access to fresh water

If horses are stabled during the day, ventilation becomes extremely important. Poorly ventilated stables can become dangerously hot very quickly during UK heatwaves.

The Importance of Shade and Airflow

Shade alone is not always enough.

Still, humid air can leave horses struggling to cool themselves effectively even when out of direct sunlight.

Good airflow helps:

• Improve cooling
• Reduce insect pressure
• Lower stable temperatures
• Improve overall comfort

Simple changes like:

• Opening stable doors safely
• Using fans where appropriate
• Improving airflow through barns
• Avoiding overcrowded stabling areas

can make a noticeable difference during periods of extreme heat.

Flies Become a Bigger Problem in Summer

Warm weather and manure buildup create ideal breeding conditions for flies.

This is one of the most frustrating parts of UK summers for many horse owners.

Flies can contribute to:

• Stress and irritation
• Reduced grazing
• Skin reactions
• Difficulty resting
• Increased stomping and pacing

Managing flies effectively often requires a combination of:

• Fly masks
• Fly rugs
• Shelter access
• Repellents
• Consistent paddock maintenance

Why Manure Removal Matters More in Hot Weather

During hot weather, manure breaks down faster and attracts significantly more flies.

If droppings are left sitting in paddocks:

• Fly populations increase rapidly
• Grazing becomes uneven
• Rough patches develop
• Horses avoid contaminated areas

Regular manure removal helps:

• Reduce flies naturally
• Improve paddock hygiene
• Encourage more consistent grazing
• Maintain cleaner turnout areas

This becomes especially important during dry summers where horses tend to congregate around shaded or well-grazed areas.

Many horse owners find that staying consistent with paddock cleaning during summer dramatically improves overall horse comfort.

Using efficient systems like the Paddock Blade helps simplify that process, especially during periods when pasture maintenance needs to stay consistent despite rising temperatures.

Modify Exercise Routines During Extreme Heat

Exercise during hot weather needs careful management.

Even fit horses can struggle when temperatures and humidity rise quickly.

During UK heatwaves:

• Ride earlier in the morning
• Avoid peak afternoon temperatures
• Shorten training sessions
• Increase walk breaks
• Monitor recovery carefully

British Equestrian advises horse owners to adjust exercise based on:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Fitness level
• Age
• Individual health conditions 

Older horses, overweight horses, and horses with respiratory or metabolic conditions often struggle more during heatwaves. 

Cool Horses Properly After Exercise

Cooling properly after exercise becomes critical during hot weather.

There is still a common myth within the horse world that cold water should not be used aggressively on hot horses. However, equine experts consistently recommend rapid cooling with cold water as one of the safest and most effective methods. 

After exercise:

• Hose horses thoroughly with cool water
• Focus on large muscle groups
• Continue cooling until breathing normalises
• Allow airflow where possible
• Avoid immediately returning horses to hot stables

The priority is reducing body temperature efficiently.

Protect Horses From Sunburn

Sunburn is often overlooked in horses.

Horses with:

• Pink skin
• White markings
• Grey coats
• Sensitive noses

are especially vulnerable during strong summer sun.

Applying equine-safe sunscreen to exposed areas can help prevent:

• Painful burns
• Skin irritation
• Long-term skin damage

UV fly masks can also provide additional facial protection.

Prepare Your Paddocks for Dry Conditions

While the UK is often associated with mud and rain, prolonged heat creates very different pasture challenges.

Dry summer conditions can lead to:

• Burnt grass
• Hard ground
• Dust buildup
• Reduced grazing quality

Areas around:

• Gates
• Water troughs
• Feeding stations
• Shelters

often deteriorate fastest during dry weather.

Maintaining paddocks consistently throughout summer helps reduce:

• Excessive wear
• Dusty turnout conditions
• Uneven grazing
• Weed growth

Keep a Close Eye on Older or Vulnerable Horses

Some horses cope with heat better than others.

Extra care should be taken with:

• Older horses
• Overweight horses
• Horses with Cushing’s
• Horses with respiratory conditions
• Young horses
• Horses prone to colic

These horses often require:

• More frequent monitoring
• Adjusted exercise
• Additional cooling support
• Careful hydration management

Being proactive is far safer than waiting for problems to develop.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

The reality is that most horses can cope well with hot weather when managed carefully.

The key is adapting routines early rather than reacting once horses begin struggling.

Simple adjustments to:

• Turnout schedules
• Hydration
• Exercise timing
• Stable ventilation
• Paddock maintenance

can dramatically improve horse comfort during UK heatwaves.

Conclusion

The recent UK heatwave has been a reminder that hot weather management is becoming increasingly important for horse owners.

Extreme temperatures are no longer rare short-lived events. Longer periods of dry, hot weather are becoming more common across many parts of the UK. 

Preparing horses, paddocks, and daily routines before temperatures peak helps reduce stress on both horses and owners throughout summer.

From maintaining hydration and shade to staying on top of pasture hygiene and manure removal, consistent management makes a major difference.

A proactive approach now will help keep horses healthier, safer, and more comfortable throughout the summer ahead.

FAQs

1. How much water should a horse drink in hot weather?

A horse may drink 50–70 litres of water per day during hot weather, sometimes more if exercising heavily.

2. Should horses be turned out during a heatwave?

Many horse owners switch to overnight or early morning turnout to avoid peak daytime temperatures.

3. How do you cool a horse down quickly?

Continuous application of cool water combined with airflow is considered one of the most effective cooling methods.

4. Can horses get sunburn?

Yes. Horses with pink skin or white markings are especially vulnerable to sunburn during summer.

5. Why is manure removal important during hot weather?

Regular manure removal helps reduce flies, improve grazing conditions, and maintain cleaner paddocks during summer.