Horses in summer: How to make the most of heat, insects & zeolite

During peak afternoon hours, the combination of intense UV rays and heat indices can quickly push a horse into thermal distress. Shift your routine by turning horses out in pasture overnight when temperatures cool down and flies are less active. If riding during the day, schedule workouts for early morning. Always offer free-choice water and supplement daily feeds with plain salt or balanced electrolytes to compensate for heavy sweating.

Natural zeolite is a volcanic mineral with a highly porous crystalline structure that acts as a powerful molecular sieve. When sprinkled under stall bedding or applied to damp paddock spots, zeolite rapidly absorbs liquid and locks away ammonium ions before they convert into toxic, pungent ammonia gas. This keeps stall floors dry, prevents bacterial thrush in hooves, and eliminates the damp, dark micro-environments where flies love to lay eggs.

Flies and midges (the culprits behind severe summer allergic dermatitis, or "sweet itch") are notoriously weak fliers. Mounting commercial-grade, sealed-motor high-velocity fans above stalls or in barn aisles serves a dual purpose: it continuously cools your horse through convection while creating an invisible air barrier that prevents flying insects from landing on your horse's skin.

Fly sprays are merely a temporary shield; true pest management focuses on breaking the breeding cycle. Remove manure from stalls and paddocks twice daily, and treat lingering damp urine patches with mineral zeolite. Ensure all water troughs are cleaned routinely to prevent mosquito and midge larvae from developing. Combining physical barriers like UV-blocking fly sheets and masks with clean ground management gives your horse round-the-clock relief.