Summer at the yard: looking after horses in hot weather

When it’s hot, the first things I think about for my horse, Rebel, are plenty of water, somewhere shady and not asking too much of him. Summer at the yard means looking after both of us, whether we’re riding or just getting the jobs done.

My approach is fairly simple. There are the essentials for Rebel, the flies that bother him in the field, and a few choices about my own kit that make a hot day more comfortable.

Water and shade come first

Making sure Rebel has plenty of water and shade is my starting point. Those are the things I want sorted before thinking about what we might do that day.

One useful detail to remember is that shade moves. A patch that covers part of the field in the morning might not be there later, so it’s worth looking at what’s available through the day. Clean, fresh drinking water needs to stay available too. The British Horse Society’s hot-weather guidance has more on water, shelter and managing horses in the heat.

Not asking too much in the heat

I’m mindful of what I ask of Rebel when it’s hot. Having time to ride doesn’t mean he needs to work as hard as he would on a cooler day.

There isn’t one temperature that tells every rider exactly what to do. The conditions, the horse and the work all matter. It helps to leave room for a quieter day, or to leave riding for another time when conditions aren’t suitable.

Keeping the flies in mind

Flies bother Rebel most in the field, particularly around his face. He shakes his head and swishes his tail when they’re getting on his nerves.

A fly mask is the main thing I use around his eyes. His fly rug and the EqWax solid balm I use are part of the summer routine too. I’ve shared the details in my simple fly routine for Rebel.

On very hot days, a rug needs thought as well as the flies: the BHS notes that fly rugs can make it harder for a horse to stay cool. It’s another reason to consider the conditions rather than assume the same arrangement suits every day.

Remembering myself as well

I make sure I’ve got plenty of water for myself and wear lighter, breathable clothes. For riding, I tend to reach for our competition socks under my boots. I like the thinner leg, and my feet feel more comfortable and less sweaty with the Coolmax foot. None of our socks feel bulky to me; these are simply the ones I prefer when it’s hot.

When I’m not riding, I’m usually in trainers with our trainer socks or Shorties. It’s a small part of the day, alongside the more important business of making sure Rebel and I both have what we need.

Updated 15 October 2026. Seasonal archive date retained: 14 July 2026.