Protect Your Horse From the Summer Sun

While basking in the sun has its benefits, just like many good things in life, moderation is key. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can have harmful effects on horses just like it does on us. So, what impact can the sun have on our horses, and how can we protect them? Read on to find out...

This is one of the most obvious risks of spending too much time outdoors. Most of us are familiar with the discomfort of sunburn—sore, red skin and peeling after too much sun exposure—and our horses are no different. Horses with less pigment are particularly vulnerable: those with light-colored coats, pink skin around the eyes, muzzle, and coronary bands, or white facial markings like blazes are common areas where sunburn can appear. In more severe cases, blistering may even occur. Sunburn can also affect areas usually protected by hair if they’ve become exposed due to injury or hair loss. Repeated sunburn can lead to skin cell changes, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer over time.

This issue can dull the shine and overall appearance of your horse’s coat, affecting both its health and visual appeal. Much like how our own hair lightens and dries out after long days at the beach, a sun-faded coat on your horse can be a sign of too much exposure. While it may suggest time well spent outdoors, the resulting dullness and dryness can undo the benefits of quality nutrition and all the effort you've put into grooming. Darker-coated horses tend to show this more noticeably, especially in areas prone to sweat buildup.

Photosensitization occurs when the skin becomes unusually sensitive to UV rays, leading to much more severe damage from normal sun exposure. This condition can be triggered by several factors, including certain medications or topical treatments, ingestion of particular plants or feeds, and even underlying liver disease. While it’s relatively uncommon, it’s important to be cautious—if your horse has recently started a new medication, consult your vet to check for any risk of photosensitivity. Likewise, if your horse is being introduced to a new field, especially one not previously grazed by horses, it’s wise to investigate and remove any potentially harmful plants common to your region.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the more common types of tumors found in horses. Horses with light or pink skin are particularly at risk, especially in areas exposed to the sun. If you notice any unusual lumps or changes in pale-skinned areas—such as around the eyes, muzzle, or under the tail—it’s important to contact your vet promptly. SCCs can grow quite large, may be difficult to remove, and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Early detection not only improves the chances of successful treatment but can also help reduce the overall cost and complexity of care.

Protecting your horse from the sun’s effects is fairly straightforward, but it’s a good idea to prepare in advance. Having everything you need in your tack room before summer begins will help ensure you're ready to keep your horse safe and comfortable all season long. Discover some of our top tips for keeping them protected:

Be aware of how long your horse will be exposed to the sun and try to schedule your day to limit that time when possible. UV forecast apps can provide helpful information about expected UV intensity at specific times, making it easier to decide when to bring your horse in or turn them out. Bonus: these tools can also help you take better care of your own skin!

If your horse spends most of its time out in the field, make sure there’s ample opportunity to escape the midday sun. Shaded areas should be large enough for your horse to move with the shifting sunlight throughout the day. In fields with multiple horses, it's important to have several shaded spots to allow for natural herd dynamics—so friends can group together, and those that don’t get along can keep their distance. For horses with very light coats or unpigmented skin, consider using a lightweight summer sheet and UV-protective fly mask to offer an extra layer of protection.

Sunblock is one of the most important items on this list for both you and your horse. Unlike regular sun protection, sunblock can physically prevent UV rays from reaching the skin, providing the strongest defense against damage. They’re especially useful when you can’t reapply the product every hour, as you typically would with standard sunscreens.

For horses that resist sunblock application, a fly mask with high UV protection offers a great alternative. Opt for one that covers the nose and ears for complete sun safety. The ComFiTec Deluxe Fine Mesh Mask With Ears & Nose is designed with fine mesh to allow for full vision and protection from smaller insects and blocks over 60% of harmful UV rays.

We’re here to help you make this summer the best one yet for you and your horse! Explore our range of products designed for both horses and riders.