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When summer arrives, many horse owners face the question: Should I stable my horse during the day to escape the heat? While stabling can provide essential protection from sun, flies, and excessive temperatures, it also comes with its own set of challenges during the warmer months. With the UK summer being so temperamental from day to day, here’s what to watch out for, and how to keep your stabled horse safe, healthy, and comfortable all summer long.
- Ventilation Is Vital
Stables can quickly become hotboxes in the summer if not properly ventilated. Unlike open paddocks, they can trap heat and humidity, making them uncomfortable or even unsafe for horses. To prevent this:
- Keep windows and doors open for airflow
- Use fans to promote circulation (just ensure cords and motors are safely installed and out of reach)
- Avoid blocking airflow with blankets, hay bales, or tack
Good ventilation also helps reduce the buildup of ammonia from urine, which can irritate your horse’s lungs and eyes.
- Manage Heat and Humidity
Even with ventilation, some stables just hold heat. If possible, stable your horse during the coolest parts of the day and turn them out during the early morning or evening when temperatures drop. Other heat-reducing tips include:
- Using light-coloured roof coatings or shade cloths to reflect heat
- Spraying down aisles and concrete areas (temporarily cools the space)
- Budget-permitting, using misting systems safely, if available
Keep a thermometer in a central location of the building, to monitor internal temperatures. Anything over 32°C inside the stall can be dangerous for prolonged periods.
- Watch for Boredom and Restlessness
Horses are naturally social and active animals. Being stuck inside during bright summer days can lead to boredom, pacing, and even stable vices like cribbing or weaving. Help your horse pass the time by:
- Providing plenty of hay in a slow feeder
- Hanging toys or treat balls
- Offering access to a buddy horse nearby, if possible
If your horse thrives on movement and stimulation, consider partial turnout in shaded areas or a covered horse walker during the cooler parts of the day.
- Keep Bedding Dry and Clean
In warmer more humid conditions, wet bedding can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and pests. Not only is this unpleasant for your horse, but it can also lead to hoof problems like thrush or skin conditions. Be diligent about:
- Mucking out stables daily (twice if needed)
- Using absorbent bedding materials
- Disinfecting floors periodically
- Ensuring drainage is working properly
Dry, clean bedding is a critical part of keeping a stabled horse healthy in the summer.
- Hydration: More Important Than Ever
Stabled horses may not drink as much as those outside, especially if they’re not sweating from movement. Ensure that:
- Clean, fresh water is always available
- Water buckets or automatic drinkers are cleaned regularly
- You consider adding electrolytes to encourage drinking
- You monitor intake closely—check how full the buckets are at each refill
If your horse isn’t drinking well in the stable, try offering soaked hay or wet mashes to add moisture to their diet.
- Fly Control Inside
Flies love the stable environment in summer. Warm, still air and a buffet of manure and sweat. Protect your horse from irritation and disease by:
- Hanging fly strips or traps away from feed areas
- Using fans to deter fly landing (they hate moving air)
- Applying fly spray before stabling
- Managing manure piles daily and keeping feed sealed
You can also consider installing screen doors or mesh over windows to allow airflow while keeping pests out.
- Monitor for Respiratory and Skin Issues
Warm, enclosed spaces increase the risk of respiratory irritation from dust, ammonia, and mould. If your horse starts coughing in the stable or seems to have nasal discharge, consult your vet and assess air quality. Also watch for:
- Skin infections like rain scald from humid conditions
- Rashes or rubs from sweat and poor airflow
- Thrush or white line disease in hooves due to damp bedding
Daily grooming and regular hoof care go a long way in preventing these problems.