Last Updated: 19/01/2026
Summer Horse Health: The Ultimate Guide to Equine Summer Care
The Australian sun can be tough on horses. Discover essential summer health tips from our expert vets, covering everything from electrolyte replenishment and heat stress to managing Queensland itch and strategic summer worming protocols.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
As the Australian landscape shifts into the golden hues of summer, the change in temperature brings a unique set of challenges for horse owners. From the blistering heat of the Kimberley to the humid coastal stretches of New South Wales and Queensland, the Australian summer demands a higher level of vigilance to keep horses safe and comfortable. Maintaining peak condition during these months is about more than just providing a bit of shade; it requires a strategic approach to hydration, skin protection, and parasite management.
By understanding how the heat affects equine physiology, horse parents can stay one step ahead of heat stress and seasonal ailments, ensuring their companions thrive even when the mercury rises.
Hydration and electrolyte management
A horse's water intake can double or even triple during a heatwave, with some adult horses consuming over 60 litres a day. Water should be kept in the shade where possible, as horses may refuse to drink if the water in the trough becomes too hot.
When horses sweat, they lose more than just water; they lose essential salts known as electrolytes. If these are not replaced, it can lead to dehydration and muscle fatigue. Providing a daily salt lick is a great baseline, but during periods of heavy sweating, competition or travel, a concentrated electrolyte supplement is often necessary.
For performance horses, consider "pre-loading" with a small, wet mash containing electrolytes a few hours before a competition to ensure the horse is fully hydrated before they even begin.
For more tips for performance horses, read through our article on Preparing Your Horse for a Competition.
Sun protection and heat stress
Horses with pink skin or white markings are highly susceptible to sunburn and photosensitisation. In Australia, the UV index is often high by mid-morning, so applying sun protection or providing shade is vital.
Heat stress is a serious condition where the horse’s body can no longer cool itself. Signs to watch for include:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- A rectal temperature exceeding 38.5°C
- A dull or lethargic appearance
For cases of heat stress, as well as performance horses post-work, the most effective way to drop a horse's core temperature is the continuous application of cool water over the entire body - particularly the large blood vessels in the neck and inner thighs - followed immediately by scraping.
You must apply water and scrape it off instantly, as water left on the coat can heat up and act as an insulation layer. Repeat this process until the skin feels cool. Avoid heavy exercise when the temperature exceeds 30°C, particularly in high humidity, and always ensure the horse's respiratory rate has returned to normal before rugging or stabling.
Common summer skin problems
The humidity and warmth of summer create a playground for skin irritations.
- Queensland itch: This is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges. Affected horses will rub their manes, tails, and bellies raw. Prevention is focused on insect control and rugging, and keeping horses in fly-proof housing overnight if possible.
- Summer sores: Caused when flies deposit stomach worm larvae (Habronema) into small wounds. These result in "proud flesh" like growths that are difficult to heal, and often require surgery. Open wounds need protection from flies, using bandaging, fly repellants or physical barriers such as fly masks.
- Greasy heel: While often associated with winter, this can occur in summer if horses are stood in muddy dams or damp evening grass. For mild cases of bacterial or fungal greasy heel, treatment may involve regular application of antibacterial and antifungal wound healing creams.
For performance horses, high sweat levels under tack increase the risk of girth galls. Applying a lubricant to high-friction areas can prevent these painful lesions.
Read more about Common Skin Problems in Horses.
Summer first aid essentials
Dusty paddocks and hard ground can lead to a variety of minor injuries. A summer first aid kit should be easily accessible. It is important to monitor a horse's temperature regularly during heatwaves; a digital thermometer is an essential tool for every tack room. If a wound occurs, it must be cleaned thoroughly and protected immediately to prevent flies from causing further complications.
Read more First Aid Tips for Horses.
Strategic summer worming
The Australian summer can be used as a tool for parasite control. The extreme heat on the ground can kill many worm larvae in the pasture. Harrowing or "smudging" paddocks on hot, dry days can help expose larvae to the sun.
Summer is also the time to target "bots" - the larvae of the bot fly. These flies lay small yellow eggs on the horse's legs, which are then ingested. A broad-spectrum wormer containing ivermectin or moxidectin is typically required to treat these. Using Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) before drenching is recommended to ensure the horse actually needs treatment, which helps prevent chemical resistance.
Read our Horse Worming Guide and the Best Wormers for Horses for more information.
FAQs
Managing a horse through the Australian summer is a balancing act of protection and preparation. By prioritising clean water, replacing lost electrolytes, and staying vigilant against the rise of summer skin conditions and parasites, the risks associated with the heat can be significantly minimised.
Staying observant and having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand allows for quick action when it matters most. With these proactive steps, the summer season can be a safe and enjoyable time for both horse and rider.
Articles recommended for you
Our vet authored guide to the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food plus tips and advice for introducing it into their regular menu.
See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.
Thinking of getting a fish? Check out our guide for setting up a tank and home care tips!
Looking to understand horse feeds better? This comprehensive guide covers feeding recommendations for horses of all ages and disciplines.
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 23 Dec 2025
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian loves being able to provide depth and detail to pet parents questions, and give up to date, evidence based advice. She loves the variety of pets and inquiries she receives - she especially loves the 'curly' questions that require some research! Seeing the gorgeous photos that pet parents send through of their babies is a highlight of the day! Gillian enjoys to further her veterinary knowledge, and has completed further training in ultrasonography, behaviour and backyard poultry!
