Why does your horse need extra support in the summer?
Long sunny days, more intense training and competition season mean more strain. But for your horse, it means one thing above all else: more heat and more sweat. That combination of higher temperatures, sweat loss and sun exposure requires extra care.
What exactly does your horse need to get through this period? Hydration, muscle care and skin care each play their own role in maintaining comfort and balance during these hot days.
3 additional needs of horses during the summer months
During hot periods, your horse will especially benefit from:
- Moisture restoration, to quickly replenish minerals lost through sweat
- Muscle care, helping to relax tense areas after exercise
- Skin care, soothing where swelling or irritation occurs
How do you maintain your horse's hydration?
Sweat does not consist only of water. Every time your horse sweats, he also loses essential electrolytes that are essential for proper fluid balance and muscle function. Consider electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride.
When do you give your horse electrolytes? Many horse owners rightly ask that question. A good time to offer extra electrolytes is during hot days, when your horse is sweating a lot, training heavily or competing.
What is the best way to give electrolytes? Global Medics offers electrolytes in 2 forms: a powder form and a liquid form. The powder can easily be mixed into the horse's feed. The liquid version can be given directly in the drinking water. Which type of electrolytes you best give depends on your horse's preference. Is he eating well, but drinking harder? Then the powder may be the best option. If your horse drinks well and regularly, then you can supplement with the liquid electrolytes in an approachable way.
In doing so, never forget to always provide plenty of fresh drinking water. Without water, the body has no way to properly absorb electrolytes.
Want to learn more about our electrolytes? Then read our blog on electrolytes.
How do you support your horse's muscles and tendons after exercise?
What do you do when your horse looks tired after a workout or has just asked a lot of his body during a hot day? Then cooling and local care can work wonders. Equi T-Gel is a conditioning gel based on arnica and essential oils, among other ingredients.
When do you use Equi T-Gel? The product is ideal to apply after exercise, during hot days or when your horse shows signs of fatigue in muscles or tendons. You apply the gel directly to the skin and gently massage it in.
Even when there is no visible fatigue, you can use Equi T-Gel as part of your daily grooming routine. Especially in summer, when blood flow is higher and your horse is under more stress, it can help keep the body fresh and supple.
Wondering if Equi T-Gel is only something for sport horses? Definitely not. Even recreational horses that go on frequent walks or are frequently transported can benefit from this simple care.
What can you do for your horse's skin in the summer?
During hot periods, your horse's lower legs often get a lot of abuse. Heavy or long training sessions, competition days or transport can cause the legs to feel tired or slightly swollen. Sufficient rest, good hygiene and targeted care make a big difference then.
A cooling clay can be a useful addition here. The Medi-Clay is applied to the tendons and lower legs after exercise and stays on for several hours before you wash it off.
3 benefits of using cooling clay on your horse:
- Supports the removal of heat and tension
After physical exertion, the clay helps draw heat from the legs and relieve tension in the lower leg. - Stimulates blood flow
Good circulation supports the natural healing process of severely strained tendons and ligaments. - Ideal for recovery and prevention
Whether for recovery after intense training or as part of a preventive routine, the clay can contribute to your horse's comfort in either case.
Ready to give your horse optimal support this summer?
The combination of electrolytes, Equi T-Gel and Medi-Clay forms a complete and thoughtful solution that perfectly meets the typical needs of the summer months.
Would you like to offer your horse extra support during the warm months in terms of hydration, muscle care and cooling? In our webshop you will find a range of supplements and care products that perfectly suit your horse's needs!
