06/03/2026
Tuesday Topic - Summer Horse Care:
Keeping Your Horses Cool, Healthy, and Comfortable!
As the summer heat closes in on us, 🥵 horse owners know that a little extra attention goes a long way in keeping our equine pals comfortable and healthy. Whether you have one horse or manage an entire herd, taking proactive steps during the summer months can help prevent heat stress and keep your horses thriving and happy!
Fresh, clean water should always be the top priority. Horses can drink over 20 gallons of water each day, and even upwards of 30 during periods of extreme heat. Check water sources frequently to ensure they remain full, clean, and cool whenever possible.
Pest control is another important part of summer horse care. Flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects are more than just a nuisance, they can cause stress, irritation, and spread disease. Fly sprays, masks, sheets, feed through fly control and strategic manure management can help reduce pest populations and improve your horse's comfort. Stomping flies can also wreak havoc on the hooves, especially those already dealing with arthritis or hoof ailments.
While you're grooming or handling your horse, take a few moments to check for ticks. Southeast Oklahoma's warm humid weather and tall grass creates ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. Regular inspections can help you catch and remove them early.. oh and if your best trusty steed tries to buck you off one day out of the blue, check the ears for ticks. Ask me how I know. 🥴
Providing adequate shade is essential during the hottest parts of the day. Whether it's a run-in shed, barn access with plenty of air flow, or natural tree cover, horses need a place to escape direct sunlight and cool down.
Many horse owners also find that installing fans in barns and shelters can make a significant difference. Improved airflow helps horses stay cooler, reduces insect activity, and creates a more comfortable environment during those long summer afternoons. Make sure to use a fan that’s designed for heavy duty or outdoor use.
Saddle up because we are now in June! Best of luck as we battle mosquito mornings, sweaty days, and horsefly evenings. But don’t worry, a little preparation and care can go a long ways keeping our horse friends happy and healthy this summer.
By Courtny Howard,
your trusted horse property REALTOR® of southeast Oklahoma. 🐴
Courtny Howard - Realtor
(580)-579-8956 (cell)
[email protected]
Legacy Land & Realty
(580)-504-4608 (office)
