Horse Heatwave Care: How to Keep Your Horse Cool, Hydrated and Comfortable This Summer

As temperatures rise across the UK, it's important to remember that horses can be just as vulnerable to the heat as we are. Whether your horse is competing, hacking, enjoying retirement or spending the day in the field, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent dehydration, heat stress and fatigue.

At Welland Valley Feeds, we stock a fantastic range of equestrian products designed to help horses stay cool, hydrated and comfortable during hot weather. From electrolyte supplements and cooling washes to fly protection, here's everything you need to know about caring for your horse during a heatwave.

Keep Your Horse Hydrated

Fresh, clean water should always be available, but during a heatwave your horse will drink significantly more than usual. Horses can consume over 50 litres of water a day in very hot weather, especially if they're exercising, travelling or competing.

To encourage good hydration:

• Clean water buckets and troughs daily.
• Refill water regularly so it stays fresh and cool.
• Take water with you when travelling.
• Soak feeds where appropriate to increase water intake.

Hydration is the foundation of good summer horse care, but when horses sweat heavily, replacing lost electrolytes is just as important.

Replace Lost Electrolytes

Sweating causes horses to lose essential minerals including sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes are vital for hydration, muscle function and recovery.

If your horse is in regular work, travelling to competitions or simply coping with very hot weather, supplementing with electrolytes can help replenish these losses and encourage healthy drinking.

At Welland Valley Feeds we recommend:

Dodson & Horrell Electrolytes – 
A powdered electrolyte supplement designed to replace essential salts lost through sweating.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/dh-electrolytes-2kg

Equine America Apple-Lytes Solution – 
A highly palatable liquid electrolyte that's ideal after exercise, travelling or during periods of hot weather.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/ea-apple-lytes-solution-1ltr

Baileys Aqua-Aide – 
Formulated to replace the key electrolytes lost through sweat, Aqua-Aide can be mixed into drinking water or wet feed to encourage rehydration and support recovery after exercise or during heatwaves. Its balanced blend of salts and dextrose helps maximise absorption.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/baileys-aqua-aide-2kg

Top Tip: Electrolytes should always be fed alongside unlimited access to fresh drinking water.

Cool Your Horse Down Properly

Cooling your horse correctly after exercise is one of the best ways to prevent overheating.

Cold hose the large muscle groups, scrape away the warm water and repeat until your horse's temperature returns to normal. Alternatively, cold hose entirely and allow to dry naturally.

Once your horse has cooled, a refreshing wash can help remove sweat, dirt and salt while leaving the coat feeling clean and fresh.

We recommend:

Equine America Squeaky Clean Citronella & Tea Tree Wash – 

For horses that have worked hard or travelled in high temperatures, cooling rugs can also aid recovery.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/equine-america-squeaky-clean-citronella-t-t-1ltr

LeMieux Crystal Cooler Rug –

This innovative water-activated cooling rug is designed to be used alongside cold hosing and rehydration. The cooling crystals retain cold water while the breathable mesh outer encourages airflow, helping your horse cool down safely after exercise or on exceptionally hot days. It is ideal for use in the stable or after travelling, but should not be used for turnout.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/collections/fleeces-coolers-sheets/products/lemieux-crystal-cooler-grey

For horses prone to filled legs after travelling or exercise in hot weather, the LeMieux Crystal Cool Water Boots are another excellent addition to your summer kit.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/lemieux-crystal-cool-water-boots-black

These reusable cooling boots provide targeted cold therapy to tendons and lower limbs, helping to reduce heat and support recovery after work.

Protect Against Flies

Warm weather doesn't just bring sunshine—it also brings flies.

Biting insects can cause irritation, rubbing and stress, making it difficult for horses to relax while grazing or standing in the stable.

Using fly creams or gels alongside a lightweight fly rug offers the best protection.

Our top recommendations include:

Summer Fly Cream –

Ideal for sensitive areas including the face, ears and around wounds.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/summer-fly-cream-400g

Leovet Phaser Durativ – 

A long-lasting fly repellent gel that's perfect for horses who dislike sprays. Applied with the included sponge, it's particularly useful around the face and other sensitive areas, helping protect against flies, horseflies, mosquitoes and ticks—even when horses are sweating.

https://www.wellandvalleyfeeds.co.uk/products/leovet-phaser-durativ-500ml

Pair these products with a lightweight fly rug for maximum comfort during turnout.

Adjust Your Horse's Routine

Small changes can make a big difference during a heatwave.

Try to:

• Ride early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Provide access to shade.
• Ensure stables are well ventilated.
• Allow horses plenty of time to recover after exercise.

Watch carefully for signs of heat stress, including:

• Excessive sweating or no sweating at all.
• Rapid breathing.
• Lethargy.
• Elevated heart rate.
• Reluctance to move.
• Loss of appetite.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them into the shade immediately, begin cooling with cold water and contact your vet without delay.

Everything You Need for Summer Horse Care

Helping your horse stay comfortable during a heatwave doesn't have to be complicated. Fresh water, electrolyte replacement, effective cooling products and reliable fly protection all play an important role in keeping your horse healthy and happy throughout the summer.

At Welland Valley Feeds, we're proud to stock trusted brands including Dodson & Horrell, LeMieux, Baileys, Leovet and Equine America, alongside a wide range of summer essentials for every horse owner.

Browse our equestrian collection today and discover everything you need to keep your horse cool, comfortable and ready to enjoy the sunshine.